Slovak Spectator

A Lithuanian says Orava deserves more tourists. Locals agree — but don’t want to become another Chochołów
Tourism businesses say closer co-operation could keep visitors in Orava longer, while lower taxes give Polish and Czech resorts a competitive edge.

Orava remains a transit region. Local businesses call for more accommodation and better cycle paths
Entrepreneurs in and around Dolný Kubín say the region could persuade more tourists to stay longer rather than continue towards Poland or Liptov.

Forbes describes ‘earthquake’ in Slovakia’s richest list as new leader emerges
The number of Slovak dollar billionaires has risen to a record seven.

Lime kilns of renown
Lime from Buková was distributed across a large area.

Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners
EMAfest takes jazz in a new direction, Spanish cinema comes to Lumière, Gzuz plays Bratislava and Archirun heads for the old thread factories.

Defence cannot save Slovakia’s automotive sector – AHK Slowakei president
Pavel Lakatos on the impacts of Germany’s industrial slowdown, costly energy and car-sector pressures on the country.

Algorithms will no longer have the final say over couriers and taxi drivers. New rules take effect in December
The law also changes how authorities decide whether someone working through a platform is self-employed or an employee.

Slovakia ranks 43rd for economic freedom. Czechia and Austria are ahead
Slovakia scores well for international trade, but ranks much lower for regulation and the size of government.

News digest: 500 Serbs in Slovakia want to vote. There’s just nowhere to do it
What Slovaks earn, a loophole in TikTok’s teen ads, KFC’s mounting losses, and a Caribbean-blue lake worth a detour.

Interior Ministry reviews forensic software over alleged Russian links
US prosecutors allege the American supplier concealed Russian ownership and development.

Fallen apples and barking dogs: What are your rights as a neighbour?
The new Civil Code clarify some disputes over trees, animals and fences, although courts will still decide when a nuisance goes too far.

Foreign students will have a new way to get visa appointments from November
Universities can register students and researchers for reserved appointment slots at visa centres abroad.

How microorganisms can help safely extract critical metals
Slovak Academy of Sciences researchers are developing an environmentally friendly method of metal recovery.

Peter makes Mass wine in Brekov. Pope Francis has tasted it
His vineyard is the northernmost registered in Slovakia and produces more than 12,000 litres a year.

KFC has 17 restaurants in Slovakia. Its operator lost €3.4 million last year
Sales have risen sharply in recent years, but accumulated losses at Queensway Restaurants Slovakia exceed €15 million.

Slovak research highlights a gap in EU rules on TikTok ads to teens
Influencer marketing targeted teenage profiles five to eight times more precisely than adult ones.

News digest: Fico’s ‘budget of good news’ gets three noes
Kyiv thanks Bratislava over its response to a Russian warning, drought leaves 10 villages relying on water tankers, and Spanish cinema comes to Banská Bystrica.

Ružomberok’s long-awaited D1 highway bypass opens
The nearly 15-kilometre Hubová–Ivachnová section, including the Čebrať tunnel, will cut journey times by an average of 16 minutes.

A Caribbean-blue lake hidden in the hills of Slovakia
The historic Veľká vodárenská reservoir has served the town for centuries and today attracts swimmers, walkers and cold-water enthusiasts.

Volkswagen enters Slovakia’s Šurany battery project with 49 percent stake
The carmaker will have access to 8.4 GWh of annual capacity at the Chinese-backed factory, securing supplies for Volkswagen Group vehicles.