Slovakia
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.
EU countries are considering redirecting €400 billion from regional aid funds to the defense industry. The funds will go to bomb shelters, military-civilian technologies and military infrastructure.
On the eve of the May 9 parade in Moscow, the President of Ukraine stated that it would be a parade of cynicism and lies.
Latvia and Lithuania did not allow Slovak Prime Minister Fico to fly to Moscow, as did Estonia. The reason is participation in the Kremlin's propaganda event on May 9, which is incompatible with EU values.
lavrov criticized EU countries for obstructing visits by European leaders to moscow on May 9. He also accused the EU of double standards regarding Ukraine and Serbia.
Robert Fico stated that a complete abandonment of Russian energy carriers would harm the competitiveness of both the EU and Slovakia. He rejected this idea at the negotiations.
Ukraine is expanding its agricultural partnership with the EU, preserving plant genetic resources and exchanging experience. Cooperation promotes food security and agricultural development.
Only 14 EU countries have formally requested increased defense spending, casting doubt on the European Commission's €800 billion ReArm Europe plan due to limited budgetary capacity.
The deployment of European forces in Ukraine without the US may lead to the collapse of NATO, according to Wolfgang Ischinger. The lack of US support will give Russia a chance for provocations.