MORNING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - Saturday, 18 October 2025 - 9 a.m.

TASR brings a quick morning overview of the most important events seen in Slovakia on the previous day (Friday, 17 October): KOSICE - Representatives of the Slovak and Ukrainian governments signed several inter-governmental agreements following the joint session of the two cabinets in Kosice on Friday. Slovak and Ukrainian Premiers, Robert Fico (Smer-SD) and Yulia Svyrydenko, respectively, signed an agreement on cooperation and exchanges of information in the field of labour mobility, as well as a roadmap concerning joint projects. The two cabinets' ministers also signed an inter-governmental agreement on technical and financial cooperation, as well as a protocol on the amendment to the inter-governmental agreement on border crossings at the common state border, and an agreement on the mutual transfer of real estate intended for the purposes of diplomatic missions. Friday’s session between the Slovak and Ukrainian governments was significant, according to Fico, who stressed that the word “peace” must be the cornerstone of Slovak foreign affairs policy. Fico reiterated that Slovakia’s focus on humanitarian and practical assistance, rather than military support in the context of the war in Ukraine, was the correct approach. „Now I speak on behalf of the government of the Slovak Republic, and I must confirm that peace is the key word in our efforts,” he said. He underlined the importance of having a stable neighbour, adding that both Slovakia and Ukraine need partners ready to tackle shared challenges. During talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, the two leaders discussed sanctions against Russia, Slovakia’s negative stance on Ukraine’s NATO membership, and its support for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. „I warned the Prime Minister – she may be surprised – that those who speak most positively about Ukraine today may be the ones who most obstruct its EU membership. Slovakia will not be among them. If we say ‘no,’ we say it honestly; if we say ‘yes,’ we say it honestly,” said Fico. The two sides also exchanged views on gas transit and agreed to establish a Ukrainian school in Slovakia. Fico noted Slovakia’s need for 150,000 qualified workers, adding that due to the linguistic proximity between the two nations, a swift agreement on labour issues is possible. Prime Minister Svyrydenko praised the Slovak side for its honesty, constructive approach, and solidarity. She welcomed progress on joint projects, which have resulted in signed agreements. „Our teams achieved significant success in specific infrastructure cooperation projects. Coordinating assistance in energy security will help us overcome this difficult period,” she said. She expressed gratitude for Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s EU integration and confirmed that preserving national identity was also a topic of discussion. „This is a topic that requires special attention,” Svyrydenko said, also welcoming Slovakia’s openness to establishing a Ukrainian school. She expressed hope that Slovak companies would play an important role in Ukraine’s reconstruction. The Ukrainian Prime Minister also discussed strengthening anti-Russian sanctions with her Slovak counterpart. „I presented data showing that the pressure of sanctions is working and how it is affecting the Russian economy,” she said. Svyrydenko emphasised that Friday’s intergovernmental consultations once again demonstrated their effectiveness and pragmatic nature. „Ukraine and Slovakia are partners prepared to build bilateral relations based on trust, good neighbourliness, security, and a shared European future,” she concluded. Prime Minister Fico accepted an invitation from Svyrydenko for a future meeting in Ukraine. The time and place will be agreed later. BRATISLAVA – The opposition has submitted a proposal to convene a special emergency session of Parliament to adopt a resolution calling for the dismissal of Pavol Gaspar from his post as director of the Slovak Information Service (SIS), citing multiple alleged failures, representatives of opposition parties Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), Progressive Slovakia (PS), Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), and Democrats announced at a press conference on Friday. „For a long time, I have said that we should unite over matters crucial for this country and set aside those that divide us. This is one of the fundamental issues that unites us – the security of our country. The result of this unity is also the collected signatures calling for an extraordinary session to pass a resolution urging the government to remove Pavol Gaspar,” stated Branislav Groehling, leader of SaS, which initiated the proposal. The opposition reiterated its call for Gaspar’s removal, arguing that SIS has become untrustworthy under his leadership. „His tenure as SIS director poses a direct threat to the safety of all of us and to the republic as a whole,” said Zuzana Stevulova (PS). Opposition members pointed to several alleged failings, including Gaspar’s involvement in a traffic accident and questions surrounding his financial disclosures. Concerns were also raised about whether he is adequately safeguarding classified information. MP Peter Stachura (KDH) criticised Gaspar’s thesis, labelling it a case of plagiarism. The opposition urged the ruling coalition not to block the session, which must be convened within seven days. „If they block the session and it does not take place at all, that will be explicit proof that they do not care about the reputational damage being caused — not only domestically but internationally — and are willing to take part in it themselves,” said independent MP Lubomir Galko, a member of the extra-parliamentary Democrats party. House Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) confirmed to TASR that the proposal was received and the session will be convened in accordance with parliamentary rules. „However, the delivery of this proposal has created a legally ambiguous situation, since the opposition is requesting a session with a single agenda item that is already included in the approved programme of the ongoing 40th session. For this reason, I am considering requesting an opinion from the House Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee on how to proceed with this item,” he explained. BRATISLAVA – The 'Slovakia' party has blasted opposition leader and Progressive Slovakia (PS) chair Michal Simecka for failing to present any offer of cooperation or unified plan over the past two years, also condemning him for excluding 'Slovakia' from potential future cooperation, despite polls indicating that he couldn't form a government without it, 'Slovakia' party chair Igor Matovic stated at a press conference on Friday. Matovic also announced the launch of a new website, Prevrat2027.sk (Revolution2027.sk), where the people will be able to vote monthly on specific policy measures. These proposals are intended to shape legislative changes in a future government. Matovic expressed concern that PS might seek to govern alongside Voice-SD. "If he were responsible, there would already be a shadow government and a joint opposition plan to defeat the mafia," said Matovic of Simecka. He stressed that the 'Slovakia' party aims to reach out to all voters. Each month, the party plans to publish new solutions on the website and seek public input. It will ask people what issues matter most to them leading up to the next parliamentary elections. If Simecka doesn't support these solutions, the 'Slovakia' party will refuse to enter a coalition with him. "We want to see a responsible approach from Simecka, not that of an arrogant elite," said Matovic. He added that if reforms aren't enacted within six months of forming a new government, his party will withdraw from or stop supporting that government. By election time, the party plans to present 25 proposed solutions. Matovic criticised Simecka again for not engaging in cooperation or forming a shadow cabinet. "You’re not interested in us, we’re not interested in you. See you after the elections. We're willing to help, but the people will decide the price," he said. He acknowledged Simecka’s leadership role, but questioned his lack of a plan after two years of Robert Fico's (Smer-SD) scandal-ridden government. Referring to the combined polling figures for Freedom and Solidarity, Progressive Slovakia, the Christian Democratic Movement, and Democrats — averaging around 40 percent together — Matovic said that he expected more mature stances under such circumstances. In addition, he criticised Simecka for stating after a vote on a government-sponsored constitutional amendment that he wants no ties with the 'Slovakia' party, questioning whether such a stance is responsible. Matovic warned that a post-election coalition led by Simecka could include Voice-SD, and urged Simecka to clearly rule out such a partnership. On Friday, the 'Slovakia' party unveiled its first three proposals for public feedback: cutting politicians' salaries by 50 percent, raising monthly child benefit from 60 to 100 euros and banning health-insurance company owners from withdrawing profits if their clients wait over 30 days for surgery. KOSICE/BRATISLAVA – The Slovak government fully supports the planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, expected to take place in Budapest, and Slovakia is also ready to offer any assistance to Hungary in organising the summit, said Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) on Friday ahead of a joint session of the Slovak and Ukrainian governments in Kosice. "I have many rational reasons and can understand why this meeting is happening and why in Budapest," stated Fico. He added that if the outcome of the meeting is peace in Ukraine, it would be one of the most significant news stories of this century. Fico reiterated Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s sovereign independence and territorial integrity. The primary interest, he said, is to end the war and prevent further escalation. He stressed the importance of achieving a just and comprehensive peace in Ukraine as soon as possible through diplomatic means, in line with the core principles of the UN Charter. "Just the fact that we are together today is an important signal. We are neighbours, and neighbours must live with good relations and help one another, especially when one needs assistance," said the prime minister. Slovakia also supports Ukraine's European integration. "If you are determined and believe that your future lies in the EU, we equally believe that your membership will bring mutual economic benefits, strengthen regional stability and provide new momentum to our bilateral relations," said Fico. However, he underlined that Slovakia holds a different opinion regarding Ukraine's membership of NATO. The prime minister also outlined ongoing joint projects with Ukraine, including the launch of a Kiev–Bratislava rail connection with a transfer in Chop, the construction of a new European-gauge railway line between Chop and Uzhhorod, and progress in modernising the Vysne Nemecke–Uzhhorod border crossing. "We're continuing preparations for a passenger and cargo transport terminal," he added, noting that further projects are underway in the energy sector. Slovakia, said Fico, is ready to engage with Ukraine on additional initiatives, such as key transport corridors, including the D1 motorway near the state border and the R4 Via Carpatia route towards Lviv region. Development of intermodal terminals, improved use of Danube waterways and aviation cooperation were also highlighted. Fico expressed willingness to help resolve issues at Uzhhorod airport. He further mentioned the modernisation of vocational education, dual education systems, and retraining opportunities for children, youth and adults on both sides of the border, as well as support for military veterans. Slovakia also aims to integrate health-care systems between the two countries. BRATISLAVA - Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has said that he's proud of Smer-SD's expulsion from the Party of European Socialists (PES) if the reason for it was his participation in celebrations of the victory over fascism and the amendment to the Constitution enshrining two genders. "If the reason for the termination of Smer-SD's membership of PES was my participation in celebrations of the victory over fascism and the constitutional enshrinement of male and female genders, then I'm proud of this expulsion," Fico posted on a social network on Friday. The Party of European Socialists at its congress in Amsterdam on Friday decided to fully expel Smer-SD and Premier Robert Fico from its ranks. PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck said before the vote that the actions of Smer-SD in recent years have been "grossly and strongly contrary to the values ​​and principles of our family". The decision of PES members was unanimous. The recent Smer-SD working congress took note of information about the proposal to expel it from the ranks of the European socialists, describing it as the result of the Slovak party's gradual distancing from ideas in Brussels. At the same time, it tasked its MEPs with negotiating the party's inclusion in another existing or newly formed faction in the European Parliament. Until now, the MEPs have been operating as non-aligned members. Smer-SD's membership of PES has been suspended until now. The European party's presidium in October 2023 decided on the suspension "after Smer-SD moved away from the values ​​of the leftist grouping and formed a governing coalition with the Slovak National Party (SNS)". mf