Slovak Spectator

Slovakia's birds are sending a warning we can no longer ignore
From disappearing farmland birds to new southern species moving north, ornithologist explains how climate change is reshaping Slovakia's birdlife.

He raced at the Olympics. Then he picked up a shovel to fund his dream
Ukrainian Dmytro Shepiuk explains why he chose work over handouts and how a Czech-Slovak support network is helping him build his skiing career.

News digest: The media’s out to get us, says institution that sprayed its own hedges green
Bad news for same-sex couples, Slovak artist exhibiting in Berlin highlights Roma issues, and upcoming astronomy events.

Fico turns to UAE for investor to rebuild Slovakia’s irrigation network
Only a fraction of the country’s former irrigated farmland remains operational after years of state inaction.

The student guide from a 1992 British travel show is now Bratislava’s governor
A rediscovered documentary records a city preparing to become Europe's newest capital.

Beckov Castle reopens restored wing after nearly 300 years following devastating fire
Visitors can now explore two newly reconstructed floors of the mediaeval landmark.

European capital of culture: Fill your August with culture in Trenčín
Cultural highlights at a glance.

Slovak sponsor helps Indian woman overcome poverty to become university lecturer
A selection of short feel-good stories from Slovakia.

News digest: Slovak MEP visits Russia, meets officials linked to Putin’s party
Interior minister’s video on Ukrainian refugees, what to expect this weekend in Slovakia, and the country’s Oscar contender.

Cafés in Slovakia start serving a Japanese tea for those who don’t like matcha
Hojicha, a roasted green tea with a mellow flavour and less caffeine, is gaining ground.

Pellegrini embraces China’s economic offer but sidesteps the risks
Opposition politicians and analysts say Pellegrini overlooked Slovak and EU concerns over Chinese technology and strategic dependence.

Bratislava responds to heatwaves with new cooling centres
The network will be activated when the Slovak weather service forecasts extreme heat.

Slovak roots: correcting the history
For many years, the story of Mária Gulovič, a teacher turned spy, was not known in Slovakia.

Frequently asked questions: Working in Slovakia
The Slovak Spectator offers the basic information a foreigner needs to know about employment relations in Slovakia.

3 free things to do in Bratislava in the next seven days
Start your morning with a workout or hear young German musicians perform in the heart of the capital.

Weekend: Festivals abound, enjoy folklore, 90s music and living statues
Here's what to do during the weekend of 31 July - 2 August.

Kosovo man finds Slovak beauty he fell for on a 1986 seaside holiday after four decades apart
Menduh Leka spent weeks walking, dancing and laughing with Luba in Bulgaria.

News digest: A shrinking Danube disrupts ships, tourism and nature
Heat warnings, Thursday tips for Bratislava, and Slovakia’s only ice cave that keeps losing ice.

Fighting cancer, she nearly missed meeting her Formula One hero — until he changed his plans
A meeting with Max Verstappen gave 18-year-old Nina a lasting memory.

Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners
Meet legendary heavy metal icons, enjoy enchanting opera in the garden, and dance by the fountain.