Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

Ben Pascoe visits Banská Štiavnica and meets the director of the Kosmopol Theatre Mila Dromovich and talks Tajchs with the director of the Štiavnický tajch civic organization, Michal Červeň.

On 21 June 1991, the last transport carrying Soviet troops crossed Czechoslovakia's eastern border, bringing to an end the 23-year military presence that followed the Warsaw Pact invasion of August 1968. Today, we look back on the events that shaped an entire generation with historian Peter Jašek from the National Memory Institute (ÚPN). Together, we trace the story from the invasion and subsequent occupation to the withdrawal of Soviet forces in the wake of the Velvet Revolution. Drawing on archival recordings, we also revisit the memories of key figures from the period, including Michael Kocáb, who served as deputy chairman of the parliamentary commission overseeing the withdrawal of the Central Group of Soviet Forces from Czechoslovakia.

We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.

One of Slovakia's most effective ambassadors of cultural diplomacy is the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra. In the summer of 2026, the Slovak Philharmonic has been invited to tour Japan for the fifteenth time since 1980. While 30th edition of Pohoda begins on 8 July — extended this year by an additional opening day featuring a concert by The Cure — numerous other festivals will also be taking place across Slovakia. One of them is the Kvantum Festival, held in the village of Podhradie beneath Topoľčany Castle.

According to statistics from the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic, 68 criminal offenses with a racial or extremist motive were recorded in 2025. However, these figures do not reflect the large number of cases that go unreported. Hate crimes are a problem affecting society as a whole because they target victims based on their perceived “difference” — such as nationality, ethnic origin, religion, language, skin color, or sexual orientation. For years, the Human Rights League, with the support of the Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic, has provided accredited professional assistance—including legal, social, and psychological support—to victims of such crimes. On the occasion of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech (June 18), we spoke about the situation in Slovakia, the impact of hate crimes, and the support available to victims with Lukáš Novák, lawyer at the Human Rights League and coordinator of its victim-support project, Silvia Moravčíková, a social worker, and Marianna Heřmánková, a psychologist from IPčko.

In this feature, we explore two innovative research projects being developed in Slovakia. One aims to make rehabilitation more personalized through smart sensors and artificial intelligence, while the other investigates the extraordinary potential of cold plasma in medicine and environmental protection. Together, they offer a glimpse into how Slovak science is helping shape the future of healthcare and technology.

Ben Pascoe visits Slovakia's biggest Slowfood festival, Degustorium, to find out more about slowfood in Slovakia today.

RERUN: May 2nd, 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of Dežo Ursíny's passing. This radio show looks at the life and work of this Slovak musical legend, filmmaker, and thinker. With the help of his son Jakub Ursiny, film producer Marián Urban and music journalist Marián Jaslovský we explore what made him so special. From his early music to his deep, personal films, Dežo Ursiny's art still speaks to people today and his legacy remains.

We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.

The Bratislava literary festival, commonly known as BRaK, brought together readers and the wider community of authors, poets, translators, critics, and professionals working in the book industry, including publishers, distributors, illustrators, and even book reviewers from all across Slovakia. Although it is called the Bratislava literary festival, it also hosted several public readings and discussions with authors from abroad. At the same time, several discussions were dedicated to Slovak—and not only Slovak—literature in translation. In modern science, particularly in physics, a quantum is the smallest unit of reality capable of interacting with its surroundings. In Slovakia, KVANTUM is an interdisciplinary festival that combines science and art. It is one of several festivals currently taking place across the country that cater to English speakers living in or visiting Slovakia.

Join us as we take a look at the second edition of the biennial Teen Theatre Festival in Trnava, organized by the Ján Palárik Theatre. The motto of this year's edition – WE ARE NOT ALONE – invited audiences to see the world, and themselves, from an entirely new perspective. The festival featured performances and artistic works that connected imagination, the realities of adolescence, and scientific discoveries. Audiences were taken on a journey from microscopic worlds, where even the smallest movement can change everything, to the inner universes of young people filled with questions, chaos, hopes, desires, and fears. You will hear recordings from performances and productions, interviews with artists, actors, and festival participants, and, last but not least, insights from the festival's Executive Director, Ivica Franeková.

One of the few things in our modern world that has not changed for centuries is our need for forests. They provide so much more than the wood we all consume in myriads of forms in our daily lives. Forests are the lungs of the planet. They sequester carbon, provide habitat for many animals, and offer people a place to rest and reset. To keep many of our private and public forests healthy and productive, we turn to foresters. They employ skills that have been handed down for generations and use the most advanced science for understanding how forests grow and change. In Slovakia, many start their education path in the handful of forestry high schools spread across the country. One of the oldest of these schools is still in operation today. It lies in the low Tatras in a village called Liptovský Hrádok. Stredná odborná škola lesnícka a drevárska Jozefa Dekreta Matejovie is a school like no other. In the show, we toured the school to discover the traditions and science driving this unusual but important education path.

Ben Pascoe visits Bratislava's Jewish Community Museum and talks with director Maros Borsky about the newly opened exhibit Heritage Rediscovered II and about the Jewish Community in Bratislava.

International cooperation, digital skills and real-life learning define the European eTwinning platform, which has been part of Slovak schools for more than 20 years. To we explore how Europe's largest online community of schools connects teachers and students across borders through projects that develop key competences for life in the 21st century we speak with Katarína Hrbáňová, coordinator of eTwinning Slovakia, the National Support Organisation based at the University of Žilina, and Ivana Bršťáková, an English teacher at Business Academy Dudova in Bratislava, who presents her award-winning project Eco-Heritage: Cultures United for Nature. The project won third place in the Slovak National eTwinning Competition 2025 in the secondary school category and brought together students from Slovakia, Spain and Turkey to explore cultural heritage, environmental protection and eco-tourism. As always, the programme includes a new edition of our language corner, Slovak Sound Check.

Past week's breaking headlines and broadcast selection of RSI English section.

As we prepare for the release of the next installment of the RSI Competition Series in 2026, we take a look back at the previous round.

In this Thursday's programme, we first look at the legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi and the 800th anniversary of his passing, reflecting on the experiences of Slovak Franciscans during communist persecution and the continuing relevance of Franciscan values today. You will hear from Capuchin Brother Félix and Franciscan Brother Peter. In the second part, we turn to economics and examine how Slovaks perceive inflation. Why do rising food prices dominate public perceptions of the cost of living, and how does this shape economic expectations? These questions will be answered by Michal Marenčák, an expert in econometric modelling from the National Bank of Slovakia.

What happens when an abandoned railway station becomes a thriving cultural centre? And what does it feel like to spend almost four hours inside Philip Glass's groundbreaking opera Einstein on the Beach? In this feature, Radio Slovakia International explores two remarkable cultural stories from Slovakia - one about community, creativity and independent culture in Žilina, the other about a landmark musical event that brought one of the world's most influential contemporary works to Bratislava for the first time.

Ben Pascoe talks with Zuzana Novotova Godalova from the antenna network of independent cultural centers about what these centers do and why it is important to Slovakia today. She also introduces us to some of the many festivals and events that these centers are organizing all across Slovakia all summer long.

Parenting counsellor Martina Vagačová says that walking to school independently helps children build self-confidence, responsibility and social skills. Yet many parents are hesitant because they do not see public spaces and traffic as safe enough for children. The Metropolitan Institute of Bratislava (MIB) is searching for solutions through its Mesto pre deti (City for Children) project. By combining urban planning, traffic solutions and community participation, the initiative aims to improve areas around schools and encourage walking and cycling instead of relying on cars. Today, MIB urbanist Sandra Štasselová and architect Marianna Páleníková explain why safe streets, accessible public spaces, greenery and active mobility are essential for a healthy and functional city — not only for children, but for everyone. In playful Children's Day episode of Slovak Sound Check, we learn useful vocabulary connected to playground activities while keeping things fun, and beginner-friendly.

We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.

Slovak Film Day – Simona Nôtová from the Slovak Film Institute will discuss the consolidated event “Slovak Film Week”; director Katarína Kerekešová will talk about the current state of animated filmmaking while Katarína Krnáčová will present the first ever Slovak feature film in Rusyn language, "Flood". The Open Culture! international conference was discussing the European Artistic Freedom Act. Talking about safeguarding artistic freedom in Europe is Lars Ebert, Culture Action Europe Secretary General. Culture tips invite English speaking audience to BRaK and more.

Today's programme talks about the organization Cesta Von, focusing on their largest project Omama, which focuses on supporting children growing up in generational poverty from their earliest years. Trained women from marginalized Roma communities (known as “omamas”) regularly visit families, helping parents develop their children's skills and prepare them for a more successful start in school and in life. The aim is not only to support children, but also to provide employment and education for local women, who themselves become part of positive change within their communities. The guests of the programme will be the organization's director Martin Hrica, analyst and researcher Shoshanna Chovan, and a field worker — omama Zuzka with her mentor Janka.

In Slovakia, research is underway both in laboratories and even on farms, as scientists work to better understand and combat infectious diseases. One of the most prominent figures in this effort is Dr. Boris Klempa, a virologist at the Institute of Virology within the Biomedical Research Center at the Slovak Academy of Sciences. In our conversation, we discussed his work on zoonotic viruses in Slovakia and beyond, the role of the European Virus Archive, and the ongoing challenge of combating misinformation in science and public health.

Ben Pascoe talks with Zuzana Wienk from the Bystiny civil organization who put out the Dobru/Druh tourist guide with hundreds of tips on what to see in Slovakia while also supporting the growth of tourism and regional improvement.

Amnesty International is the world's largest human rights movement, bringing together more than 10 million people across over 150 countries and territories to defend human rights and human dignity for everyone. Ahead of Amnesty International Day, observed worldwide on 28 May, we spoke with Rado Sloboda, director of Amnesty International Slovakia, about the state of human rights in Slovakia and around the world. In the interview, we discuss the growing pressure on civil society, freedom of expression and the media, discrimination against minorities, the rights of Roma and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as Amnesty's campaigns and educational activities.

From Trade unions, through nano technologies, from foreigners in Slovakia to Slovaks helping Ukrainians. This was the week on Radio Slovakia International as presented by Patrícia Lucia Balajová, Ben Pascoe, PAtrícia Polakovičová and Veronika Ščepánová..

Janko Kráľ, a poet, a representative of the Romanticism period in Slovak literature. "From dusk till dawn", the 22-year-old student became the most popular Slovak poet of his era. No portrait of Janko Kráľ has ever been found. On 23 May, it will be 150 years since his mysterious death. Who was Janko Kráľ, Johnny the King? Exploring this question are Ľubica Schmarcová of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Palo Bálik from AFAD and John Minahane, the translator of his poetry. On Wednesday, 20 May, advance ticket sales began for the Bratislava Music Festival. The 61st edition of the festival will take place in September and October, bringing several internationally renowned orchestras and soloists to the Slovak capital. Inviting you to the event are Izabela Pažítková, Juraj Bubnáš and Marián Turner. Culture tips invite you to BRaK, an international festival of literature.

The programme explores the initiative Mladí Ukrajine, which brings Slovak volunteers to war-affected village Pidhajne near Kyiv. Through rebuilding homes, organising children's camps, and supporting local residents, they offer both practical help and a sense of solidarity. Guests of this show are the co-founder of the initiative and a long-time professional in the field of education Kristína Uhlíková and one of the many young participats Martin Letko share their experiences from the ground and reflect on the impact of war on everyday life.

In this episode, we'll visit two Slovak research projects operating on completely different scales—from a social robot assisting patients with aphasia to nanotechnology being developed at the University of Žilina. Both reports offer a glimpse into how Slovak scientists are combining innovation, technology, and human-centered research to shape the future.

Ben Pascoe visited the Loom assistance center in Bratislava to find out how the first year has been and what the center is offering to foreigners living in Bratislava. Zuzana Weberova, Dominika Nagyova and Salma Al Henami from the center explain some of the problems foreigners in Bratislava face and how Loom is trying to help.

Trade unions in Slovakia have a long and complicated history — from their roots in the 19th century, through their controversial role during communism, to today's efforts to modernise and attract younger workers. Today, we speak with Monika Uhlerová, President of the Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic, about collective bargaining, workplace rights, declining union membership, and why trade unions still matter in Slovakia's modern economy. In the latest episode of Slovak Sound Check, Veronika and Lubna explore the lively market scene while picking up practical Slovak along the way.

We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.

On Friday, 15 May, London is hosting the launch of an anthology of short stories by Slovak authors in English translation. Introducing the concept as well as the authors are Isabella Barber of the publisher and Julia Sherwood, a promoter of Slovak literature in English translation, respectively. On 21 May, Wiener Musikverein, a legendary music hall, will host a concert by Janoshka ensemble. This acclaimed Slovak born quartet will present their take on iconic piece of classical music, Vivaldi's “The Four Seasons”. František Janoshka, a member of this music family, brings introduction to their unique style for English speakers. Culture tips invite to the international conference Open Culture! as well as to the Night of Museums and Galleries, among other events.

In this programme, we explore homelessness through the 20-year journey of Depaul Slovakia. Experts and practitioners highlight key challenges, persistent stigmas, and emerging solutions—from Housing First to prevention and systemic change. The discussion shows and guests talk about how coordinated efforts can help people move from the streets back into stable, dignified lives.

In March, the education-focused NGO Živica hosted the Alma Festival for Good Education. The festival, which took place at both the inclusive Alma Primary School and the Technical University in Zvolen, brought together education experts, teachers, and families to discuss and present new ideas on how to improve education in Slovakia. In the second part of our report, we step inside interactive workshops led by inspiring educators. From the promises and pitfalls of AI in the classroom, to the transformative role of music, to the power of practical, hands-on science learning, discover how innovative approaches are shaping the future of education in Slovakia today.

The IIHF world championship start in Switzerland later this week. Ben Pascoe sat down with Radio Slovakia sports reporter Martin Kaigl to find out more about this year's Slovak team, their chances of bringing home a medal as well as hockey in Slovakia today.

A recent nationwide survey by the Office of the Commissioner for Children, conducted in cooperation with Trnava University and involving more than 10,200 young people aged 16–17, found that up to 75% of Slovak youth are considering leaving Slovakia after high school. The findings, which also drew reaction from Slovak President Peter Pellegrini during the Parliament of Children and Youth, explore how young people perceive Slovakia, their future, and the society they are growing up in. The data will serve as a foundation for creating a “Vision for Slovakia Through the Eyes of Young People.” We discussed the survey's findings with Commissioner for Children Jozef Mikloško and psychologist Mária Dědová from Trnava University. Beyond the survey findings, we also spoke with youth shadow ministers for social affairs, foreign affairs, education, and culture about their own ideas and priorities within their respective policy areas. The latest episode of Slovak Sound Check, we celebrate one year of learning Slovak together by exploring birthday vocabulary.

A look back at the past week in Slovakia and on RSI.

In the programme, we celebrate Europe Day together with the Head of the European Commission Representation in Bratislava, and we also commemorate Victory Day with a programme dedicated to the history of radio broadcasting in wartime Slovakia. Through these events, we are also celebrating the centenary of radio broadcasting in our territory.

In the first part of today´s show first part focuses on the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi and how his legacy continues through Franciscan communities across the country. The programme highlights their history, activities, and the celebrations marking this special jubilee year. In the second part, we focus on the economic situation, specifically the impact of inflation on different groups in Slovak society. Together with Reiner Martin from the National Bank of Slovakia, the show examines how rising prices affect households and young people, and what this means for everyday life in Slovakia.

Join us behind the scenes of food and textile production. First, we explore how large-scale baking works. Then we visit a specialized institute in Žilina, where textiles undergo rigorous testing. Two reports revealing what ensures the quality of things we often take for granted.