Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

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.

In today's program, Romana Grajcarová talks with ornithologist Adriana Hološková about the great bustard—named Bird of the Year 2026—and why protecting this rare and majestic species matters for our landscape and biodiversity. Later, the show continues with a new episode of the Who Was That series, this time introducing Jozef Ignác Bajza, the author of the first novel written in the Slovak language, and exploring his place in literary history.

Former British MEP Dr. Charles Tannock sits down with Ben Pascoe to discuss the state of Slovakia today. The strengths, weaknesses, challenges facing Slovakia today, as well as some hints on how to better enjoy life in Slovakia today.

To find out what the night sky has in store for us in 2026, we speak with Silvia Ďurišová, astronomer and astrophysicist at the Astronomical Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. She explains what really happens when we see a “shooting star,” how international cooperation in meteor research works, what Slovakia contributes to global meteor science, and which sky highlights can be observed from Slovakia this year. In the latest episode of Slovak Sound Check, Veronika and Lubna explore common New Year's resolutions in Slovak.

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

Marking 170 years since his death, here is the programme celebrating Ľudovít Štúr's life.

RERUN: In this episode, we explore the realities of homelessness in Slovakia during the winter and the upcoming festive season. We speak with Alexandra Kárová, Executive Director of VAGUS and Michal Cibiri from Depaul, about the challenges faced by people without homes and the support available during the cold months. Patrik Krebs, theatre director and activist from Divadlo bez domova, shares how theatre gives a voice, identity, and hope to those experiencing homelessness. We asked them about the state of homelessness in Slovakia, what challenges are these people facing and what can be done to help them.

In this episode, we first explore the little known world of Sikhism in Slovakia. A brand new Sikh Temple opened recently in Bratislava, the first in the country. RSI was there to meet the founders and hear about the experiences of this growing minority. Then, we head to Trenčín for the 25th anniversary of the independent record label Deadred. At a celebration marking this quarter century achievement, we hear from the founder about the humble origins of the label and from musicians about what the label means to them.

In honour of the end of Christmas and the start of another Christmas we bring you seasonal short stories written by Bratislava high school students Lara Federova, Maximillian Cordozo, Gwenaelle, and Marek Horvat.

We revisit a discussion on sustainable urban transport in Slovakia. Experts from environmental policy, transport emissions, urban planning, and public transport explore how car-free initiatives can improve air quality, safety, and quality of life in Slovak towns and cities. The broadcast also features a brand-new episode of Slovak Sound Check, building on what listeners have learned over the past months and preparing us for a new chapter as the new year begins.

Usually on Saturdays, we bring you a digest of the week's news and features broadcast on RSI. However, the first Saturday of the new year will offer a roundup of some of the most important events of 2025 in Slovakia. Today, you will hear news that made headlines not only at home but also abroad.

We're once again catching up with Natália Hejková, the world-famous Slovak basketball coach who concluded her coaching career in 2025. To honour the celebrated Slovak, the song Natália by Robo Opatovský will be featured in the show.

In the honor of the beginning of the year 2026, you will hear the speechs of Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and head of the Radio Slovakia International Jozefína Mikleová. The staff of RSI English section will share their visions and some of the things they are looking forward to in 2026 as well as some prognosis from economist from SAV Viliam Páleník and political scientist František Šebej.

Based on a recent interview for Radio Slovakia International, Radio_FM host Viera Ráczová presents her personal pick of the five best Slovak alternative albums of the year. This New Year's Eve special revisits the records that stood out for their originality, sound, and impact on the local music scene. Alongside the music, you will hear a selection of radio bloopers recorded during Radio Slovakia International journalists' recording sessions, offering a fun behind-the-scenes moment from life on air.

Ben Pascoe visits the gala presentation of this year's Tatra Bank Foundation Art Awards. For the 29th year, the Tatra Bank foundation awards achievements in audiovisual creation, literature, design, music, theatre and fine arts. Ben Pascoe talks with jury members, organizers and artists about the state of the arts in Slovakia today. (repeat)

As the year draws to a close, we look back at some of the most memorable moments from our Monday broadcasts. This special end-of-year edition brings together selected excerpts from interviews, reports, and stories that shaped the past months, reflecting on society, history, culture, and the conversations that mattered most. With New Year's Eve just around the corner, the programme also features a brand-new episode of Slovak Sound Check, exploring Slovak expressions, traditions, and customs connected to end-of-year celebrations and the welcoming of the year ahead.

The features the RSI English section editors are calling their best work this year.

In Slovakia, Boxing Day is not observed; instead, the second day of Christmas is celebrated. In the Slovak calendar, this day is dedicated to St Stephen. Who are some other notable figures named Štefan in Slovakia? One such example is the sculptor Štefan Papčo, whose latest artwork was installed in Bratislava in June 2025. Martina Greňová Šimkovičová will also guide you to Pruské, where parish clerk František Hlaváč presents the history of the local nativity scene.

In this special Christmas programme you are going to hear a next round of Christmas inspired stories written by students from bilingual gymnasiums in Slovakia. In the second part of the show, catholic priest Benjamin Kosnac will talk about how people living in monasteries, priests, nuns and monks celebrate Christmas.

On this episode of Slovakia Today, we celebrate Christmas Eve by exploring the rich traditions that shape the Slovak holiday season, from festive village markets to time-honoured foods and handmade decorations. We visit a local Christmas market in western Slovakia to discover how artisans keep traditions alive through crafts such as oplatky, honey products, ornaments, and locally grown Christmas trees, highlighting the role of community and sustainability in a Slovak Christmas. Later in the programme, we look beyond Slovakia's borders to see how these cherished customs are preserved abroad. We travel to Canada and the United States to meet members of the Slovak diaspora who continue to celebrate Štedrý večer, sharing stories of family, food, and faith, and showing how resilience and community spirit help keep Slovak Christmas traditions alive far from home.

High school students from Bratislava share their holiday cheer with RSI. Students Marek Horvat, Eliska Molcanova and Gwenaelle bring you special holiday stories to brighten this special time of year.

The Christmas season invites us to slow down, look around, and think of others. We take a closer look at charitable initiatives and nonprofit projects that aim to make Christmas a little brighter for people in Slovakia facing difficult life circumstances, whether through social disadvantage, exclusion, or vulnerability. Through conversations with Simona Stančeková, project coordinator of Vianočný zázrak, Katarína Barošová, media manager at Človek v ohrození behind the Skutočný darček project, Silvia Slobodová, co-founder of Koľko lásky sa zmestí do krabice od topánok?, and teacher Mária Macharová from Trenčín, we explore how these initiatives work, what motivates the people behind them, and why even small acts of generosity can have a lasting impact. In the newest episode of Slovak Sound Check, Veronika and Lubna invite you to celebrate Christmas Slovak-style. Learn essential Christmas vocabulary, explore Slovak traditions connected with “Štedrý deň” and “Štedrý večer” (Christmas Eve), discover what Slovaks eat, who brings the presents, and what traditions belong to the season.

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

The Historical Museum at Bratislava Castle invites visitors to see one of the four replicas in the world of the necklace once worn by Marie Antoinette. Beata Greneche, one of the exhibition's co-curators, describes the jewel—featured in the exhibition “Marie Antoinette: From Celebration to Tragedy”—as the most famous necklace in history, as it allegedly helped spark the French Revolution. Elena Mihaly identifies as a Rusyn American and is currently applying for Slovak citizenship by descent. On her first-ever trip to Šarišské Jastrabie, she was accompanied by her mother, Michelle, who is also partly of Rusyn descent. Culture tips bring great news for Slovak literature.

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 explore the fascinating world of mushrooms and urban mushroom farming in an inspiring conversation with Paulína Pôbišová. Later, we turn our attention to the holiday season, as Nikoleta Kováčová shares practical tips and creative ideas for preparing a delicious vegan Christmas dinner that everyone can enjoy.

Ben Pascoe looks into modern Slovak Christmas traditions and how western culutre is influencing Slovak Christmas. He sits down with pop culture theorist Juraj Malicek for a different point of view of local traditions.

As Christmas approaches, the streets fill with sparkling lights, crowded shops, and people rushing by — some carrying bags of gifts, others hauling suitcases as they set off for the holidays. It's the season when most of us long to be home with our loved ones. But what happens when “home” is suddenly far away? Maybe you've recently moved abroad, or work and life commitments make traveling back impossible — especially with flight prices soaring at this time of year. In Slovakia, many foreigners will be spending Christmas here for the very first time. How should one cope with this new reality and with the homesickness that often feels strongest during what's known as the most magical season? We spoke with Simona Stopková, psychologist and Head of the Bratislava branch of IPčko (a free psychological counselling service), about navigating these emotions and finding a sense of peace during the holidays. With the holiday season just around the corner, the new episode of Slovak Sound Check dives into an essential toolkit of everyday and festive Slovak wishes.

Week in Slovakia

An interview about the English translations of four 20th-century Slovak writers, which have been published until 2025 by Karolinum Press, the publishing house of Charles University in Prague. The importance of translating the literature of so-called “small” nations is discussed by translator Julia Sherwood and, on behalf of Karolinum Press, editors Martin Janeček and Michael Stein. The centenary of the P. O. Hviezdoslav Library in Prešov — along with the institution's mission and its newly renovated building — is the focus of conversations with library director Iveta Hurná, Prešov Self-Governing Region chairman Milan Majerský, and staff member Alena Brindová, winner of the 2025 Golden Wave national poetry award. British writers James Sutherland Smith and Jonathan Gresty, long-time residents of Prešov, also share their perspectives. Culture tips highlight upcoming Christmas concerts by the Košice State Philharmonic and the launch of a new Christmas-themed book written in English by a young Slovak author.