Slovakia

Russia earns billions from oil exports to the West, which allows it to finance the war. Russia's revenues from fossil fuels fell by only 5% in 2024, despite sanctions.

An attack occurred on border guards in Velykyi Bereznyi who were checking for involvement in smuggling evaders. Two officers were injured, and a criminal investigation has been opened.

The court found Peter Kažimír guilty of bribery when he was Minister of Finance. He has to pay a fine of 200,000 euros, but remains in office for now.

2 million border crossings have been recorded through the eQueue system, with the largest number being in the direction of Poland (1. 1 million). The system covers all checkpoints for trucks and buses.

Experts discuss the possible end of the "trade visa-free regime" with the EU, which may complicate Ukrainian exports. Negotiations are underway on a transition period and new measures.

The Slovak government has allowed the sale of brown bear meat to the population to prevent waste. Previously, a plan to shoot a quarter of the population was approved due to an increase in the number of attacks.

The European Commission and the European Central Bank will give their consent for Bulgaria to join the Eurozone. This is expected to happen on January 1, 2026, making the country the 21st member of the currency union.

Prime Minister Fico responded to the threats of German Chancellor Merz regarding pressure on Slovakia for its position on Russia. He stated that the country does not need instructions and will defend its interests.

Friedrich Merz stated that the West's efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine have been unsuccessful. He emphasized that Europe should prepare for long-term support for Ukraine.

Friedrich Merz stated that the EU will not allow a minority to block decisions. He emphasized that there are instruments of influence, including the cessation of funding.

The Prime Minister of Hungary stated that the EU's plan to ban energy imports from Russia must be prevented. Hungary and Slovakia oppose a complete ban.

When traveling in Europe, take care of your health insurance. Gather a first-aid kit with medicines and buy labeled products.

Russian military intelligence hacked security cameras on EU borders, stole passwords and conducted cyberattacks to disrupt the supply of Western aid to Ukraine, British intelligence reports.

124 countries have backed a global agreement to improve pandemic preparedness. The deal addresses structural inequalities in the development of drugs and vaccines, taking into account the lessons of COVID-19.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the possibility of holding a referendum on the abolition of sanctions against Russia. He believes that the sanctions harm Europe, not Russia.

A man tried to cross the border with Slovakia on a monowheel, but he was caught by a camera trap. He was 300 meters away from the border when he was stopped by a border patrol.

Ukraine and the European Commission are discussing trade conditions after June 5. The goal is to agree on a transitional period of visa-free trade before amendments are made to the Association Agreement.

The European Union is considering restoring quotas on imports of Ukrainian wheat, corn, barley, poultry and eggs from June to December. The restrictions were lifted in 2022 to support Ukraine.

On May 16 and 17, 2025, the checkpoints "Uzhhorod – Vysne Nemecke" and "Chop – Zahony" will be temporarily suspended. The reason is the connection of backup power systems.

The EU plans to introduce higher duties on Ukrainian imports, abolishing special trade measures. The new restrictions will affect, in particular, corn, sugar, honey and poultry.

Sanctions may affect the energy, shipping and banking sectors of the Russian Federation. It all depends on the Kremlin's behavior at the summit between Ukraine and Russia.

Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the agreement of the 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia. It provides for restrictions on access to battlefield technologies and 189 vessels of the "shadow fleet".

The new package of EU sanctions, announced as "tough", reportedly does not go beyond the previous 16th. The package does not include controversial proposals amid fears of a veto by Hungary or Slovakia.

Legendary hockey player Dominik Hašek harshly condemned Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for his visit to the parade in Moscow on May 9. He called it support for the biggest criminal of the XXI century.

Veronika Matiunina became a silver medalist in the individual event and won a bronze in doubles with a Spaniard at the European U-21 Table Tennis Championship. The competitions took place in Bratislava.

The Presidents of France and Poland criticized politicians for supporting Russia at the parade in Moscow on May 9, calling it a disgrace and a refusal to see the truth about the war in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressed a demarche to the heads of diplomatic missions of countries whose leaders were at the parade in Moscow. Presence at the parade is regarded as an unfriendly step, support for Russia's aggression.

Putin minimally mentioned the war at the parade in Moscow, expressing solidarity with the Russian military. He emphasized the importance of the unity of Russians in "military and peaceful affairs."

The President of Serbia and the Prime Minister of Slovakia held a fraternal meeting in Moscow, where they discussed important issues. Both politicians arrived on the eve of the May 9 parade, despite warnings from the EU.

Robert Fico flew to Moscow to participate in the May 9 events, despite the flight bans from Latvia and Lithuania. He changed the route to get to Russia through Hungary, Romania, the Black Sea and Georgia.