MORNING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - Saturday, 2 May 2026 - 9 a.m.

TASR brings a quick morning overview of the most important events seen in Slovakia on the previous day (Friday, 1 May): BRATISLAVA - The European Union is Slovakia's vital and strategic space in which the nation can freely develop and build its economic and social prosperity, stated President Peter Pellegrini in a video posted on social media on Friday to mark the 22nd anniversary of Slovakia's accession to the EU. "Exactly 22 years ago, one of the most significant milestones in Slovakia's modern history was reached. We became part of a project built on economic and security cooperation, on shared values of democracy and humanity," said Pellegrini. In the head of state's view, it's important for the country's future that it has a historic opportunity to shape and influence Europe within the community of states united in the European Union. "We are part of a space in which borders don't represent barriers, but only symbolic lines on the map, across which we travel, work and study freely. We are part of economic projects thanks to which we've built kilometres of roads, renovated our cities, and modernised hospitals and schools," stated the president. He emphasised that Europe isn't only about funds and economic, social or environmental projects, however. "The European Union is also us. It is we who sit as equals at the common table with large states and decide what our continent will look like," said the president. According to Pellegrini, it is up to Slovakia to decide what role it wants to play in this community of nations, so as to be not only a confident but also a constructive and fair partner. Pellegrini said it is also in Slovakia's interests to make the European Union a player that is an active part of international processes, capable of establishing peace through its political, economic and diplomatic influence. "A respected European Union also means a respected Slovakia," said the president. Pellegrini also commemorated Friday's May Day holiday. The first of May, added the head of state, symbolises respect for working people, their talent, skill and diligence, through which they create everyday values in the country. BRATISLAVA – Slovakia will negotiate with the European Commission (EC) over an infringement procedure, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has declared, adding that the government had anticipated proceedings over the dual pricing of fuels. Fico reiterated that the measure is temporary and that an EC decision is still a long way off. "Infringement takes some time, we'll negotiate with the EC. I believe that there will come a moment when everything will calm down," he said. Fico underlined the importance of restarting the Druzhba oil pipeline for Slovakia. He also pointed to fuel-price levels in Slovakia when compared with the other Visegrad Group countries. "Every country that protects its own interests usually goes against the interests of the EC or its legislation. We will consult this. It's still very far from any EC decision," the prime minister added. The EC has launched legal proceedings against Slovakia over discriminatory treatment of EU citizens when refuelling vehicles. Diesel prices for drivers of cars registered outside Slovakia have been regulated, while drivers of cars registered in Slovakia benefit from a lower market price. The measure was originally adopted for 30 days, but its duration was extended on 17 April. As a first legal step, the Commission sent Slovakia a formal notice. Slovakia has two months to respond and address the shortcomings. If the EU executive doesn't receive a satisfactory reply, it may issue a reasoned opinion as the next step. BANOVCE NAD BEBRAVOU – People who work deserve basic decency and respect, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) declared in his speech at May Day celebrations held under the Day of Social Democracy in Banovce nad Bebravou (Trencin region). Fico said that Slovaks should be reminded more of the contribution made by workers to national wealth. "Without people who work on construction sites, on motorways and who create value, this country could not exist. We must highlight their contribution far more. Not everyone can be an influencer grinning into a camera. We also need people who actually do something in this country. Great honour and respect to everyone who works," said Fico. The prime minister stated that significant measures have been adopted in labour law, including amendments to the Labour Code, improvements in collective bargaining and increases in the minimum wage. "I want to pledge that we won't adopt any decisions that would threaten employees' labour rights. We'll do everything we can to restore the retirement age to the Constitution, which the previous governing coalition removed," he added. Fico said that May Day is also linked to peace. He urged people not to take for granted waking up with access to hot water, food and fuel. "Let us not take for granted that we are a safe country. Try walking in Brussels in the evening – I don't recommend it. Slovakia is a peaceful and safe country, and we must preserve these two basic characteristics at all costs," stressed the prime minister. Fico also commented on the 22nd anniversary of Slovakia's accession to the European Union, which falls on 1 May. "The fact is that the Union is in a deep crisis today, and we must be part of the changes that will sweep through it like a tsunami, whether the EU wants them or not. But we will be part of these changes only if we pursue a sovereign Slovak foreign policy oriented to all four cardinal points of the compass," he added. PRESOV/BRATISLAVA – May Day is a symbol of respect for work, respect for traditions and a strong Slovakia in Europe, the Voice-SD party declared as it marked Labour Day with celebrations in Presov on Friday. Party leader and Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok stated at a press conference that 1 May is an important day for Voice-SD because it brings together the values that the party has long upheld and considers important for both Slovakia and the European Union. He specified that these include respect for honest work, working people and traditions. "At the same time, we recall the moment when Slovakia became part of the European family. This connection also reflects the policy of the Voice-SD party – to stand on the side of working people, to value our roots, to protect the values and traditions on which our country is built, and at the same time to promote a strong and confident Slovakia in Europe," added Sutaj Estok in reference to the anniversary of Slovakia's accession to the EU. According to the Voice-SD leader, working people create values in Slovakia without which the state, local authorities and society couldn't function as they do today. "Their commitment keeps this country running on a daily basis," he added, noting that they deserve recognition and a state that guarantees them a dignified life and standard of living. BRATISLAVA - The opposition marked the 22nd anniversary of Slovakia's accession to the European Union on Friday, with the Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party considering the country's accession to the EU to be the most important milestone of its modern history, while warning against efforts to leave the bloc. For the Progressive Slovakia party, 22 years of EU membership mean freedom to travel, study and work, as well as investments transforming cities and regions. MP Veronika Remisova ('Slovakia'-For the People) said on the occasion of May Day and the anniversary of Slovakia's EU accession that the country is facing a decline of the social state, lay-offs and the threat of a freeze of EU funds. "I consider the accession of the Slovak Republic to the European Union to be the most important milestone of our modern history. Today, 22 years after joining the European Union, we face efforts to undermine our membership of this grouping," said SaS leader and MP Branislav Groehling. He pointed out that Freedom and Solidarity has proposed enshrining Slovakia's EU membership directly in the Constitution. The party wants the country's European orientation to be protected by a constitutional majority rather than depend on the mood of a single government. "Unfortunately, the coalition has rejected this proposal. Freedom and Solidarity will continue to fight for Slovakia's European future. Our country must remain a firm part of the European Union, in the spirit of freedom and economic prosperity," added Groehling. On the anniversary of Slovakia's EU accession, Remisova also pointed to the possible freezing of EU funds for Slovakia, a move that the European Parliament this week called on the European Commission to consider. mf