News summary: The Riksdag ratifies Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO protocol
Border controls at the Slovak-Czech border and cycling adventures in northern Slovakia.
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Good evening. Tuesday, September 27 edition of Today in Slovakia is ready with the most important news of the day in less than five minutes.
Vote for Sweden and Finland to join the NATO passport
Foreign Minister Rastislav Káčer (left) attends a parliamentary session on September 27, 2022. (Source: TASR – Jaroslav Novák)
Slovak members of parliament have given the green light for Sweden and Finland’s accession protocol to NATO.
The overwhelming majority of MPs, with the exception of far-right lawmakers and several other MPs, voted in favor of the minutes. Until today, Slovakia had been one of the last countries to ratify them.
President Zuzana Čaputová will also need to ratify the protocols to complete the process.
Quote: “Strengthening relationships and creating sustainable partnerships remains a priority for our security policy.” (PM Eduard Heger)
More stories from The Slovak Spectator website
- Healthcare: A new hospital will open in Bratislava next year. Here are the first pictures.
- Security: The Czech Republic will reintroduce border controls on the Slovak-Czech border on Thursday.
- Podcast: The podcast Na Slovensku Aj Po Anglicky explores the complexities of separation and family life for migrants living in Slovakia.
- Archaeology: A wooden fortification probably stood on the site of the present manor house in Bytča.
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FEATURE STORY FOR TUESDAY
Cycling adventures from tame to wild
Downhill mountain bike.
Cycling has experienced a boom in Slovakia in recent years and fortunately the country has many places to cycle.
In northern Slovakia, in the area of Malá Fatra, Rajecká Dolina valley, Turiec, Orava, Kysuce and Liptov, cyclists who are not afraid of hills or with electric bikes will enjoy the tours.
Each region also has easier routes for families with children or those looking for pleasant cycling.
IN OTHER NEWS:
- Prime Minister Eduard Heger has submitted the name of the future Minister of Education to President Zuzana Čaputová. Although the name has not been officially revealed, it should be Ján Horecký. He is a past president of the Association of Catholic Schools. (Actuality)
- On Tuesday, MPs voted in favor of energy laws that allow the government to declare a state of emergency and the public economic interest in gas and electricity. Here’s what the laws mean.
- The most trusted politician in Slovakia is President Zuzana Čaputová (43 percent), according to a survey conducted by the IPSOS agency for Denník N Daily. She is followed by opposition leaders Peter Pellegrini (Hlas) and Robert Fico (Smer).
- Former Slovak ice hockey coach Vladimír Šťastný, the oldest of the four famous Šťastný brothers, has died at the age of 77. As an assistant coach, he witnessed Slovakia’s three World Championship victories: the silver in 2000, the gold in 2002 and the bronze in 2003. He never pursued a professional ice hockey career after university studies. Instead, he helped his brothers Marián, Peter and Anton grow and become future stars. (Hockey Slovakia)
- In the last three months, Slovak police arrested 65 smugglers who illegally transported 2,134 migrants.
The national postal provider, Slovenská Pošta, has issued a stamp to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the launch of international gas transit through Slovakia. The country has grown into Central Europe’s gas transit route. (Source: Slovenská Pošta)
- The monuments under the direction of the Ministry of Cultureincluding Bojnice Castle and Spiš Castle, turned off its decorative flash on Monday to save energy. Only lightning strikes that are necessary for safety and operational reasons are now allowed. The Slovak Parliament has also adopted several measures to save energy.
- Despite price pressure, Slovakia’s GDP will grow by 1.9 percent this year, according to Macroeconomic forecast for September issued by the Ministry of Finance. The dynamism of the Slovak economy is slowing down to only 0.6 percent next year. This year, prices will grow by 12.4 percent, with 13.5 percent in 2023.
- Free entry to museums and galleries managed by the Ministry of Culture is moved to the first Wednesday of the month. Until now, it had been possible to use free admission on the first Sunday of the month.
- Since the beginning of the year, the state has granted investment support to ten companies. Since 2002, more than 200 companies have received government support for their investments. This year, for example, the state supported Porsche, Foxconn, Muehlbauer Technologies and Kamax Fasteners, the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency said.
If you have suggestions on how this news overview can be improved, you can reach us at [email protected].