Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

On February 15th, Trenčín concluded its three-day European Capital of Culture opening ceremony — a milestone moment that transformed this historic Slovak city into a vibrant stage for contemporary and folk art, performance, and community celebration. Against the dramatic backdrop of Trenčín Castle, centuries of history met bold artistic vision, as public squares filled with light installations, music, and thousands of visitors from across Europe. In this first episode of our two-part series, we explore that extraordinary weekend through the voices of the people who brought it to life. From the artists who shaped the creative vision to the organizers who turned years of planning into reality, from dedicated volunteers to guests experiencing the spectacle firsthand — we explore what this opening ceremony meant for the city and what it signals for the year ahead.

Ben Pascoe reports from the 30th Tatra Banka Foundation Art Awards. Interviews with organizers, winners and jury members about the state of culture in Slovakia today.

The Banskobystrická latka is one of Slovakia's true sporting highlights — a prestigious indoor high jump meeting with Silver status on the World Athletics Indoor Tour, the highest ranking available for events of its kind anywhere in the world. Last week, its 32nd edition filled the Štiavničky indoor arena beneath the iconic Urpín hill to capacity, once again delivering world-class performances and an atmosphere you could almost touch. We'll take you behind the scenes with meeting manager Alfons Juck and director Martin Škarba, the driving forces behind the event's success. Among the standout moments: Serbia's Angelina Topić soaring over the two-metre mark to set a new national record, Sweden's Louise Ekman securing third place with a personal best of 1.96 metres, and Czech star Jan Štefela claiming victory under the guidance of his coach Jaroslav Bába, who himself won here back in 2005. World-class heights, a packed arena, and moments that linger long after the bar comes down — that's the magic of Banskobystrická latka. As always, the programme concludes with a new edition of our language corner, Slovak Sound Check.

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

Ambassadors of European countries gathered at Lumiere Cinema in Bratislava to pay tribute to the victims of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The event, co-hosted by Her Excellency the Swedish Ambassador, Ms Annika Ben David, and His Excellency the Ukrainian Ambassador to Slovakia, Mr Myroslav Kastran, featured a screening of the documentary Can You Hear Me? The Invisible Battles of Ukrainian Military Medics. The programme also included a discussion with director Olena Zashko, co-producer Francis Farrell, and Sebastian Lindström from Repower NGO. In support of mental well-being—after reflecting on the profound impact of frontline experiences on both military medics and journalists, and inspired by the solidarity expressed by Their Excellencies—we are pleased to share our regular tips on cultural events suitable for English speakers living in Slovakia.

In honor of the International Human Solidarity Day, which was declared by the UN in 2005, it falls annually on December 20. Thursday's program will also be held in this spirit, during which Patrícia Polakovičová will talk to the organizations Človek v ohrozeníi, SlovakAid, Vagus and Depaul and to sociologist Zuzana Kusá from the Slovak Academy of Sciences, who is an expert on solidarity and cohesion in society, about the current state of solidarity in Slovakia in both the domestic and international context.

In this episode, we focus on two unique natural sites and the efforts to protect and restore them. First, we visit the Šúr nature reserve, located near Bratislava. Despite its international ecological value, it remains little-known to the public. Conservationists are now working to revive this rare wetland forest—using traditional methods like grazing cattle. Then, we turn our attention to the Danube River and its islands. Once rich in biodiversity, many of these islands have been damaged by human intervention. We speak with Andrea Froncová from the Regional Association for Nature Conservation and Sustainable Development about current efforts to restore them.

Ben Pascoe takes a look back at the Winter Olympics to see how the Slovak team fared. He talks with journlalists Palo Tehlar, Martin Kaigl, Stefan Bugan and Stanislav Ščepán abouts the successes and disappointments from Milan 2026.

Why do people give? What does generosity really mean, and what shapes charitable behavior in Slovakia compared to other countries? To explore these questions, we speak with experimental and behavioral economist Matej Lorko. We discuss what behavioral economics reveals about human decision-making, how economists study altruism in laboratory settings, and whether charitable giving is driven more by empathy, moral values, or subtle forms of self-interest. We also examine how experimental research can inform public policy, support the nonprofit sector, and deepen our understanding of cooperation, trust, and prosocial behavior in modern societies. The new episode of Slovak Sound Check explores grammatical gender and polite forms of address in Slovak.

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

As part of the RADIOO:100 years of radio broadcasting in Slovakia, we present once again a programme originally aired on RSI at the beginning of March 2018. Our former colleague, Anca Monica Dragu, dedicated the entire show to the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée, Martina Kušnírová, and the aftermath of their deaths. They were killed in their home on 21 February 2018.

Slovakia consistently ranks among countries with high levels of belief in conspiracy theories. But what drives this phenomenon? In this episode, we look beyond misinformation and focus on feelings. Based on new research conducted by a team of researchers from the Institute of Experimental Psychology of the Center for Social and Psychological Sciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences published in the British Journal of Social Psychology, we discuss with researcher of this project Magdalena Adamus how conspiracy narratives teach people to perceive the world as hostile and unstable — and why this matters for public trust and democracy.

In this episode, we explore what drives ordinary people to step forward in extraordinary times. Social psychologist Barbara Lášticová from the Slovak Academy of Science joins us to discuss new research into the motivations of volunteers who helped refugees following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Drawing on a large study conducted across Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland, the conversation looks at the difference between personal, moral, and politicized motivations — and why some forms of solidarity last longer than others. Listeners will hear how early waves of compassion evolved into long-term engagement, what shapes our expectations of refugees, and what this research reveals about sustaining solidarity in times of crisis.

Ben Pascoe talks with pianist and composer Peter Breiner about the state of Slovakia today. They discuss what is going right here, the challenges facing Slovakia today and what needs to be done to improve Slovakia today.

What does it really mean to shape European policy? From 5–8 February 2026, students in Košice experienced it firsthand. Model European Union brought together 60 high school students from across Slovakia for an immersive, English-language simulation of EU decision-making. Stepping into the roles of Members of the European Parliament, EU Commissioners, and national representatives, they debated pressing topics such as the EU–Mercosur trade agreement and the Green Claims Directive tackling greenwashing. Organised by BETA Slovakia in cooperation with FUTURUM Bilingual High School, and supported by the European Parliament Liaison Office in Slovakia, the event blended dynamic debate with real-world insight. We spoke with participating students, as well as Veronica Anna Lacová, President of BETA Slovakia, and Ján Haraslín, Community Manager at the EP Liaison Office in Bratislava. The programme was further enriched by the opening address of the Vice Mayor of Košice and by discussions with MEPs Katarína Roth Neveďalová and Michal Wiezik, who engaged directly with students about the work of the European Parliament and the importance of youth participation in European democracy.

RSI takes a look back at the past week in Slovakia and on RSI

UNESCO has declared 13 February World Radio Day. In 2026, the focus is on the challenge artificial intelligence poses to radio. Contributing to this year's UNESCO-themed World Radio Day on behalf of Radio Slovakia International is our colleague Jozef Bohunický.

On behalf of the Singles Awareness Day that falls anually on February 15, we are going to talk about the phenomenon of loneliness in Slovakia. Project Disconnect, implemented at the Faculty of Arts of Comenius University aims to comprehensively explore loneliness and social isolation in Slovakia in an interdisciplinary manner. In this show, Patrícia Polakovičová talked to Jakub Januška, a researcher and doctor from the Psychiatric Clinic at the Slovak Medical University. Sharing their insights is also a representative from a crisis helpline IP-čko that deals with a wide range of mental health issues including loneliness, Simona Stopková, who is also the head of IP-čko Bratislava.

Today, we venture beyond Earth and into the future of food as we explore space agriculture—growing crops in space to support long-term human missions. Joining us to unpack this topic are Professor Nigel Mason and Dr. Veronika Medvecká. In the second half of the program, we shift focus back to Earth. We sit down with Lucia Kocáková from Knižnica pre mládež mesta Košice to talk about the evolving role of libraries in today's digital age. From fostering literacy and creativity in youth to serving as inclusive community spaces, Lucia Kocáková shares why libraries remain more important than ever.

Ben Pascoe talks with 3 time Olympic Hockey Team member Michal Handzus to discuss the olympic experience, Slovakia's team and hockey in Slovakia today.

The Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo are underway, with more than 50 Slovak athletes competing under the five rings. This year's team features a notably strong presence of young athletes. According to Roman Buček, head of the Slovak delegation, youth representation is even above average. In total, 32 Slovak athletes are making their Olympic debut, underlining a clear generational shift in Slovak sport. Ahead of the Games, we spoke with young figure skating talent Adam Hagara and Slovak flag bearer, bobsledder Viktória Čerňanská. The new episode of Slovak Sound Check also takes a closer look at popular winter sports in Slovakia.

After the digest of some of this week's top news items, we bring you tips for a few stories of the past week. Veronika Ščepánová met with Clowndoctors, Ben Pascoe discussed Slovak hockey team and Patrícia Polakovičová looks at Slovakia plans to integrate artificial intelligence into education.

An interview with Katarína Ružičková from Amnesty International Slovakia about a joint project with Amnesty International Czech Republic supporting human rights education for children and young adults. The project was created by 18 teachers from the Czech Republic and 7 from Slovakia. Two students—participants in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award—took on the challenge of facing Mr Bilal Zahid, the British Ambassador to Slovakia, in a special discipline. Culture tips include invitations to Fašiangy celebrations across the country.

In this show, we explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping education in Slovakia through the official AI in Education initiative (ai.iedu.sk). While AI tools are increasingly present in classrooms and at home, their use raises important questions about teaching practices, fairness, and the role of human educators. We speak with two experts: Miron Zelina, a psychologist and university professor specializing in education and youth development, and Radoslav Baťo Varga, Head of the AI in Education Project and advisor to the Ministry of Education. Together, they discuss what responsible AI use means for students and teachers, how schools can connect technological potential and practical challenges, and what skills young people will need to thrive in a rapidly changing learning environment.

In this episode, we explore Slovakia's role in the European PACES research project, which examines how people make decisions about migration and how those decisions are reflected in policy. Representatives from the Slovak Academy of Sciences and the Mareena Foundation discuss their collaboration, with a focus on research involving African migrants and the value of combining academic research with on-the-ground experience. Next, we head to Trenčín for a closer look at this year's European Capital of Culture opening weekend. Starting February 13, the city will come alive with exhibitions, concerts, discussions, and parades across multiple venues. CEO Stanislav Krajči joins us to share what not to miss, where to go, and how international visitors can make the most of this one-of-a-kind cultural celebration in Slovakia. We'll also hear from Turkish artist Diren Demir about A Walk in the Rain, an immersive street art project that invites audiences to experience the city in an entirely new way.

The Olympic hockey tournament is starting! The Slovak team are the defending bronze medallists, but this time the best of the best will be playing. Ben Pascoe sat down with hockey podcaster Palo Tehlar and Slovak Radio sports journalist Martin Kaigl to get you all the info you need to cheer on the Slovak team!

Are healthcare clowns closer to artists — or to healthcare assistants? This week, we take a closer look at the work of ČERVENÝ NOS Clowndoctors, a professional organization bringing humor, empathy, and human connection into hospitals and care facilities across Slovakia. In 2025 alone, the organization carried out nearly 3,000 healthcare clown visits nationwide. Executive Director Milan Šagát explains how a wide range of specialized programs supports children, seniors, families, and medical staff — and why laughter, when taken seriously, can play a meaningful role in the healing process. In the latest episode of Slovak Sound Check, Veronika and Lubna open the calendar and guide you through days, weeks, months, and years — all the way to forming full dates in Slovak.

A look back at the past week in Slovakia and RSI

We return to the roundup of some of the most important events of 2025 in Slovakia presenting some of the news that made headlines not only at home but also abroad.

Slovakia is facing two interconnected demographic challenges: a rapidly ageing population and the continued migration of young people abroad. Patrícia Polakovičová explores how these trends shape the country's future, drawing on insights from sociologist Miloslav Bahna of the Slovak Academy of Sciences and Jozef Božik, Chairman of the Association of Towns and Communities of Slovakia. Together, they examine the structural causes behind ageing, the real dynamics of youth migration, and the growing pressure on municipalities and public services across the country.

Today, we explore eco-friendly farming across Slovakia. First, we visit Ovosad Farm in Myjava, where sustainable farming practices are shaping a greener future. Then, we head to Moravské Lieskové to learn about hazelnut farming and its role in the local economy and environment. Next, we check out a prototype electromobile designed to assist farmers in vineyards, reducing emissions and soil disruption. Finally, we travel to Kráľová pri Senci to discover rare beehives and the efforts to preserve pollinators and biodiversity.

Before heading to Italy to cover the winter olympics, STVR sports reporter Martin Kaigl sat down with Ben Pascoe to discuss the Slovak team. This is the first part in a series that will help you get to know and cheer on the Slovak team.Before heading to Italy to cover the winter olympics, STVR sports reporter Martin Kaigl sat down with Ben Pascoe to discuss the Slovak team. This is the first part in a series that will help you get to know and cheer on the Slovak team.

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.

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

Marking one hundred years of radio broadcasting in Slovakia, this series also highlights the international-level content produced by RSI. In this instalment, Martina Greňová Šimkovičová revisits her coverage of the landmark exhibition of sculptor Mária Bartuszová at London's Tate Modern — one of the world's leading museums of modern and contemporary art. Presented in 2022, the exhibition reflected Tate's long-term commitment to expanding the representation of women artists in its collections and programming. As Tate director Maria Balshaw prepares to step down in spring 2026, Martina returns to her in-depth conversation with Tate Modern curator Juliet Bingham and renowned gallerist Alison Jacques, exploring works that had rarely been presented to UK audiences before.

In the first part of our show we are going to discuss a very important milestone for Slovakia -- M.R. Štefánik airport in Bratislava has reached the highest number of travelers in its history, reaching the number of 2,43 million passangers in 2026. You are going to hear from the M. R. Štefánik Airport CEO Dušan Novota as well as ambassadors from Georgia and Moldova. Second part of the show will be an additional segment from an interview with special educator and director of the Private Centre for Counseling and Prevention in Topoľčany, Jana Merašická about the state of mental health of children and young people in Slovakia.

This year, Mira Tus Manos — the solo project of Argentine producer Cristian Estrella — released a new album titled The Future Sounds of Slovakia. The record journeys through Slovakia's rich folkloric traditions and regional cultures, but with a modern twist. Each expansive track, created in collaboration with musicians from around the globe, fuses traditional Slovak sounds with diverse influences from world music. In this episode, we dive into The Future Sounds of Slovakia and its companion film Medzi dolinami, Medzi vrski with Cristian Estrella. Together, we'll explore how cross-cultural collaboration shapes music across borders — and uncover what astronauts and the ancient Slovak flute, the fujara, have in common.

Ben Pascoe sits down with constitutional lawyer and expert Radoslav Procházka discuss the Slovak court systems and the recent laws that have been sent to the constituional court to see if they are in line with the Slovak constitutional.

What happens when art confronts indifference, fear, and political inertia? We talk with Tomáš Eštok, founder of Spare Parts Theater, Bohdan Metenkanych, director of their upcoming production The Normal Heart, and Seán MacDiarmada, actor and co-host of Slovak Sound Check, about their unique English-language theatre in Slovakia and its strong social and political commentary. The conversation centres on The Normal Heart, Larry Kramer's powerful play about the AIDS crisis, and its renewed — and at times surprising — relevance in post-pandemic Slovakia. As always, the programme concludes with a new edition of our language corner, Slovak Sound Check.

Week in Slovakia

Marking 100 years of radio broadcasting in Slovakia and coinciding with the latest Golden Globe Awards, Martina Greňová Šimkovičová revisits a selection of her most memorable interviews with international film stars who have visited Slovakia. In this instalment of her 2026 series, she looks back on her meeting with US–French actor Jean-Marc Barr and her conversation with one of the world's top directors of animated films, the London-based Dutch filmmaker Michael Dudok de Wit.

Marking the 30th anniversary of Child Safety Helpline, this programme examines the current state of mental health among children and minors in Slovakia. Through insights from child helpline professionals, special education teacher Jana Merašická, and a researcher from The Research Institute of Child Psychology and Pathopsychology, we explore how children's psychological needs have changed over the past decades, what challenges dominate today, and where the system still falls short.