Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

Held at the Primate's Palace, Integration Forum 2025 brought together national and international stakeholders to explore how to build resilience in times of uncertainty. The discussion focused on key global challenges, including European security, the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, the protection of vulnerable groups in Slovakia, and the role of NGOs in strengthening democratic resilience. The programme features insights from Human Rights League Programme Director Miroslava Mittelmannová, as well as experts and officials including Pavol Dinga from the Slovak Migration Office, Aljona Kurotová from the Office of the Commissioner for Children, and Slovak Public Defender of Rights Róbert Dobrovodský. It also includes interviews with the British Ambassador to Slovakia, Bilal Zahid, and the Ambassador of the Netherlands, Jules Gerzon.

The weekly news digest is followed by a selection of topics discussed over the past week on Slovakia Today. Ben Pascoe revisits the national cinematography awards ceremony, Patrícia Polakovičová looks into the reasons behind Slovakia's declining birth rate, and Veronika Ščepánová reports on Daffodil Day 2026 in Slovakia.

Talking about the latest exhibition by the prominent Slovak visual artist Dorota Sadovská in Vienna is its curator, Anne Avramut. Wolfgang Horvat, founder of the EU Art Network, presents a show marking 25 years of international symposia organized by the EU Art Network. Currently on display at the Gallery of Slovak Radio, the exhibition explores the theme “Times They Are a-Changing.” We also hear from Weaam ElMasry from Egypt, one of the international artists selected for this show, as she speaks about her work. Our culture tips include an invitation to see a Slovak bookmaker in Helsinki, along with other events suitable for English speakers.

Slovakia is experiencing a continued decline in birth rates, with fewer children being born each year and noticeable changes in the country's demographic structure. The report from the Statistical Office of Slovak Republic says, the birth rates recorded for the year 2025 were the lowest since the World War II. What is behind this trend, and how will it shape the future of Slovak society? In today's programme, we take a closer look at the latest data and long-term projections with demographer Boris Vaňo.

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 this first part of our report, we hear from American education researcher Taylor Delhagen, Teach for Slovakia CEO Zuzana Bočledovičová, Živica CEO Zuzana Labašová, and former Minister of Education Daniel Bútora..

The annual Slkno v Siete awards, recognizing the best in Slovak cinema were recently handed out. Ben Pascoe brings you interviews and sounds from the gala event.

Daffodil Day is one of the world's most iconic and widely supported annual campaigns, raising both funds and awareness for cancer. In Slovakia, it is organised by the League Against Cancer and represents the country's largest public fundraising initiative, promoting solidarity with cancer patients. This Thursday, April 16, volunteers wearing the signature yellow daffodils and carrying donation boxes will once again take to the streets, marking the campaign's 30th anniversary. On this occasion, Eva Kováčová — who has been with the League Against Cancer since 2002 and now serves as its Executive Director — shares insights into the impact and significance of this long-standing initiative. The latest episode of Slovak Sound Check focuses on adjectives and their opposites, exploring common word pairs.

Or Happy International Romani Day! 8 April, dubbed International Romani Day, has been around since 1990—but the story starts earlier. Back in 1971, Romani representatives from across Europe met near London for the first World Romani Congress—bridging divides, even with the Iron Curtain still in place. Since then, it's been about language, identity, culture—and being heard. And right now, that voice is loud. Slovak singer Julia Kozáková is part of that wave, here presenting her album "Manuša II"—entirely in Romani— that topped the World Music Europe charts and picked up Best World Music Album at the 2025 Radio_Head Awards. Dominika Badžová from STVR's Romani-language broadcast will add her insight into why music matters so much in Romani culture, and about the stereotypes associated with it from the majority perspective, is Dominika Badžová from STVR's Romani-language broadcast. Culture tips at the end of the show include an invitation to Dorota Sadovská's exhibition in Vienna, a look at Slovak singer Adéla as a support act for Demi Lovato in the US and Canada, highlights from international artists at the Light Art Festival in Trenčín, and an appearance by an iconic American documentary filmmaker at a conference in Banská Bystrica.

REPRÍZA: 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.

A father sets out on a journey across Slovakia, walking from Košice to Bratislava - not for sport, not for adventure, but to try fundraise money to help save his two-year-old son, William. The boy suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare and devastating disease, and the family is racing against time to access experimental gene treatment. This radio piece follows a father's determination, love, and the extraordinary distance he is willing to walk for hope.

Ben Pascoe finds out about the Engerau camp that was located in Petrzalka at the end of the Second World War. This forgotten chapter of Bratislava's history was commemerated at the Petrzalka cemetary on the 26th of March.

What traditions are linked to Good Friday and Easter in Slovakia? Ethnographer Zora Mintálová Zubercová shares insights from her book "Annual Holidays and Customs", while music ethnologist Miroslava Záhumenská highlights the traditional sounds of Good Friday in the region.

On behalf of the World Autism Awareness Day which anually falls on April 2, we prepared a special feature dedicated to people with this diagnosis. This programme explores what it means to live with autism in Slovakia today. Despite growing awareness, many families still face limited support and challenges in everyday life. Our guests include special educator Eva Turáková, founder of a specialised school for children with autism in Prešov, and Ivan Štubňa, Director of NGO SPOSA (Spoločnosť na pomoc osobám s autizmom), a project of integration of people suffering from autism, who will discuss both practical support and ongoing gaps in the system. In the second part of the show, we prepared for you yet another economy window in the cooperation with the National Bank of Slovakia and their director of research, statistics and economic education, Reiner Martin. In this episode you are going to learn about the spending of Slovaks during Easter holidays.

As International Women's History Month came to a close, events across Slovakia highlighted women's contributions to society, from science and politics to art. In Trenčín, the Hviezda Cultural Centre hosted a four-day Women in Art Festival, featuring discussions, exhibitions, workshops, and performances. Our report features interviews with festival organizers, local artist Natália Okolicsányiová, and South African rapper Yugen Blakrok. Meanwhile, the Alma Good Education Festival in Zvolen brought together educators, parents, and experts to discuss improving education. On the opening day, Hugo Gloss, co-founder of the Dekk Institute, presented research on social cohesion and its impact on education — and we spoke with him about the latest trends in Slovakia today.

The annual RadioHead awards are handed out by RadioFM to recognize the best in Slovak alternative music. The 2025 edition was a celebration of the vibrant, thriving, Slovak music scene. Ben Pascoe brings you all the highlights from this year's gala evening.

Teacher's Day has been celebrated in Slovakia and Czechia on 28 March since 1955, marking the birth anniversary of John Amos Comenius. To mark the occasion, we speak with Alena Rapčan Štrompová — winner of the Teacher Personality of Slovakia 2024 award — about her unconventional path into teaching, the state of education, and the status of teachers in society. A Slovak language and media education teacher from Košice, she is recognised for promoting critical thinking, media literacy, and inclusive learning. In the interview, she also shares insights into her innovative teaching projects and her approach to helping students navigate today's complex information landscape. For the 40th episode of Slovak Sound Check, Veronika is joined by Lubna and Sean to reflect on learning Slovak over the past season, sharing highlights and revisiting episodes 31 to 39 — from travel and sports to useful vocabulary, pronunciation, and conjugation tips.

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

Radio Slovakia International is turning 33 at the end of March. Radio Prague is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Discussing their shared history is the Editor-in-Chief of Radio Prague, Klára Stejskalová.Radio journalists David Vaughan and Ingrid Slaninková will share their personal experiences of working in international broadcasting in former Czechoslovakia. At the end of the show, we will bring you a few cultural tips for an English-speaking audience.

Every year on 25 March, Slovakia commemorates the Day of the Struggle for Human Rights, marking the anniversary of the 1988 Candle Demonstration in Bratislava. The peaceful protest, organised primarily by Catholic activists, called for religious freedom and respect for civil rights under the communist regime. Although the gathering lasted only a short time before it was violently dispersed by the police, it became one of the most important civic protests in late socialist Czechoslovakia and a symbolic precursor to the democratic changes of 1989. Today, the anniversary raises a broader question: What does the struggle for human rights mean in Slovakia today? Historian and professor at the Comenius University in Bratislava, Ondrej Podolec will talk about the historical meaning of Candle Manifestation alongside with František Mikloško, who was one of the organizers. About the current meaning of the term human rights you are going to hear from the executive director of the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights, Silvia Porubänová.

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 second episode of our two-part report, we explore that extraordinary weekend through the voices of those who brought it to life. You'll hear from the artists who shaped its creative vision, the organizers who turned years of planning into reality, and the dedicated volunteers who helped make Trenčín not only beautiful, but truly welcoming. We'll also discover how this event reflects the spirit of European cooperation and unity.

Weronika Gogola moved from Poland to Slovakia more than a decade ago. Today she writes, translates and raises her family in Bratislava where she has become a local patriot. She sat down with Ben Pascoe to discuss why she chose Slovakia, what it is like being an author here and of course why she has become a local patriot.

Nearly one in ten women in Slovakia experienced psychological or physical violence in the past year. Although slightly below the global average, experts warn the real numbers are likely higher due to underreporting. This feature explores why gender-based violence persists, the factors behind it, and the support available in Slovakia, with insights from Zuzana Očenašová, psychologist and researcher from the Institute for Research in Social Communication of Slovak Academy of Sciences; Andrej Kuruc, psychologist and long-time specialist on gender equality; and Barbora Burajová from the Coordination and Methodology Centre for the Prevention of Violence Against Women. Originally aired to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. In the newest episode of Slovak Sound Check, we look at a clear pattern in verb conjugation: how regular verbs ending in -ať change in the present tense, including how endings work and why long vowels sometimes shorten.

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

Discover the poetry of Nóra Ružičková in English translation by Slovak literary scholar Ivana Hostová. How does a Slovak poet come to life in English through the voice of a fellow Slovak? This unique journey into translation and creativity is explored by the book's editor, poet Michal Tallo, alongside translator Ivana Hostová, offering insights into the art of bringing poetry across languages. The programme also brings inspiring cultural tips: experience the Slovak Philharmonic Choir performing in Vienna, or join an engaging English-language workshop at the tranzit.sk gallery.

In Thursday's programme, we will focus on the latest research by the agency Intrum, presenting the results of the largest European survey on consumer payment behaviour, the European Consumer Payment Report 2025 (ECPR 2025). The survey was conducted in August 2025 and involved 20,000 consumers from 20 European countries, including 1,000 respondents from Slovakia. We will discuss the findings, consumer behaviour, and the financial uncertainty faced by Slovaks with Martin Musil, Director of the research agency Intrum Slovakia. NBS: Housing Prices Increased by 12% in 2025 – What does this rise in housing prices mean for young people in Slovakia? In cooperation with the National Bank of Slovakia, we will discuss this topic with Reiner Martin, the Executive Director at National Bank of Slovakia

Invasive species—ranging from plants and animals to insects—are a growing global threat, causing an estimated $400 billion in economic damage each year. Beyond the financial toll, they wreak havoc on native ecosystems, contributing to the decline of biodiversity and widespread agricultural losses. To better understand which invasive species have entered Slovakia, the extent of the damage they've caused, and what measures can be taken to prevent their spread, RSI spoke with two experts from the Slovak Academy of Sciences: botanist Barbora Šingliarová and entomologist Marek Semmelbauer.

Former RSI team member, former head of AmCham and long time expat in Slovakia, Jake Sleger,s sits down with Ben Pascoe to discuss the state of Slovakia today and how things have changed over his 30 years here.

Can Gen Z become the generation that drives real change? That question framed the conference Generation of Change, organised by the Youth Council of Slovakia (RmS), which connects organisations working with young people across the country. The event also marked the closing of the international project We Are Here Together, implemented with the Ukrainian Youth Council. Focused on active citizenship, the event brought together youth and key stakeholders — from civic and state institutions to European bodies — for panel discussions and workshops on how young people can shape public policy and democratic life. To explore the goals and impact of the initiative, we spoke with RmS project coordinator Monika Krištofčáková, researcher Ema Brunovská, and Head of the European Commission Representation in Slovakia in Bratislava Peter Stano. The latest episode of Slovak Sound Check introduces essential vocabulary for talking about your home — from describing a flat or house to naming the most common rooms in Slovak.

A look back at the past week in Slovakia Today.

In 2026, Slovakia's public broadcaster commemorates two major milestones: 100 years since the launch of radio broadcasting and 70 years since the start of television broadcasting in the territory of today's Slovak Republic. To mark these anniversaries, RSI presents the special series 100 Years on the Air. The first episode, dedicated to the early days of radio broadcasting in Slovakia, was prepared for RSI by Martina Greňová Šimkovičová.

The non-profit organization Tlakový hrniec recently presented findings from its internal research focusing on the risks and dangers young people face when chatting with artificial intelligence. Inappropriate content, including pornography, is widely exploited on many platforms by curious users, who are often children. We will discuss this issue with Lívia Halmkan, the director of the NGO Tlakový hrniec and the lead researcher of the study.

On the one hand, he was a writer and a great cultural manager. On the other hand, his attitudes during the dramatic years of the wartime state led to a bitter journey into exile. This controversial period of his life erased him from Slovak textbooks for many decades. Learn about Jozef Cíger Hronský with Marika Antašová, who prepared a story marking the 130th anniversary of the writer's birth.

Ben Pascoe talks Slovak literature with author and translator Michal Hvorecký and book expert Dado Nagy. They give some recommendations about some of the best Slovak books that can be read in English. (Repeat)

After the Winter Olympic Games, the spotlight now shifts to the Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. According to Tomáš Varga, head of the Slovak Paralympic delegation, Slovakia will make history — sending its largest winter Paralympic team ever and, for the first time, competing in every sport on the programme. Just before the team's departure to Italy, we spoke with Miroslav Dráb, general manager of the Slovak para hockey national team, as well as several athletes heading to the Games. Among them are para hockey players Michal Hlinka and captain Martin Joppa, curling team captain Radoslav Ďuriš, rising para alpine skiing talent Alexandra Rexová, and Slovakia's most successful winter Paralympian, former skier Henrieta Farkašová, who shared her experience ahead of the Games, along with other members of the team.

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

Celebrating the women's fight for equality and liberation, we speak with acclaimed director Yvonne Vavrová about her experience as a female filmmaker starting out in the 1980s and about the challenges her students face today in the 2020s. Slovak film producer Matej Sotník explains why he joined the co-production of If Pigeons Turned to Gold, which has just won the Best Documentary Award at Berlinale 2026. The film's director, Pepa Lubojacki, adds her perspective. We also share a few tips for cultural events for English-speaking audiences, including the Visegrad Film Forum and the Konvergencie festival.

Slovakia is considering a potential ban on social media use for children under the age of 15, citing concerns about mental health and online safety. The proposal has sparked debate about whether stricter regulation can truly protect young people in the digital age or whether education and smarter platform rules would be more effective than prohibition. In this programme, we explore the risks children face online, the psychological impact of social media, and whether a legislative ban is a realistic and enforceable solution in Slovakia with IT and cyber security expert Jozef Filko, child psychologist and director of the Private Centre for Counceling and Prevention in Topoľčany Jana Merašická and Slovak Education Minister Tomáš Drucker.

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.