Slovak Spectator

News digest: Slovaks' fondness for pumpkins is growing, but farmers face challenges
Tesco in Slovakia is to get a new owner, an investigation into donated military equipment to Ukraine is revived, and shops will open on the 1 November holiday.

A history of schooling in Pukanec
The town flip-flopped on whether Catholic and Protestant children should be taught together.

Investor worries start to show
Closures and cautious expansion plans mirror weaker confidence in Slovakia.

A young Ukrainian is bringing children together in Nitra – through crochet
A round-up of uplifting stories from Slovakia.

News digest: A graveyard joke
Matovič counters PS’s protest offer, Fico reportedly flies to Croatia with his partner, another train breaks down, and a pensioner throws €10,000 and jewellery out of her window.

At a tiny Bratislava gallery, the art is only part of the story
Paintings by a future heart surgeon, a €117,000 collage and a floor once covered in grass. For Karin Kumpf, the pleasure of running a gallery lies in the people it brings together.

Meal vouchers to increase from December. Here’s why they still won’t cover lunch
The minimum meal voucher value will rise by 37 cents to €7.35.

Naomi Osaka stunned by Slovak wildcard who grew up watching her win grand slams
Mia Pohánková claimed the biggest win of her career with a straight-sets victory over the four-time major champion in Tokyo.

Shops to stay open across Slovakia on 1 November
Kaufland, Tesco, Lidl and other major chains have confirmed they will open on All Saints’ Day.

Slovakia’s biggest energy ‘battery’ gets a €200 million upgrade
New turbines, battery storage and record-sized frequency converters will help the Čierny Váh pumped-storage power plant keep pace with the rise of renewable energy.

Weekend: Will you dare enter these haunted places?
Here's what to do during the weekend of 30 October - 1 November.

3 free things to do in Bratislava in the next seven days
Enjoy yoga session, listen to live jazz, blues and soul, or explore Slovakia’s recent history.

Volunteer firefighter wins world championship bronze in Las Vegas before even landing his first job
Maroš Bošeľa claimed bronze in a gruelling 90-second challenge against firefighters from around the world.

News digest: All together now? Not quite
Slovakia moves closer to a new nuclear reactor, cheaper public transport gets another month, and a local mineral water wins EU protection.

Slovakia could lose production of Audi SUVs that make up 30% of VW plant’s output
Audi is considering a $4 billion factory in the US as Trump’s tariffs increase costs for European carmakers.

Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners
Meet the modern-day ‘King of Waltzes’, feed a white rhinoceros and learn to tango!

A fairytale castle in Slovakia is for sale — complete with four luxury apartments
The 13th-century castle has survived a siege, served as an orphanage and housed nuns.

What Slovakia needs to get right about energy prices and regulation
Two lawyers explain why clearer rules, targeted support and a stable energy strategy matter.

News digest: Fico won’t blink, Pellegrini goes to court
Ukrainians living in Slovakia take part in Ukraine’s annual radio dictation and startups from around the world seek a place in Bratislava’s tech incubator.

Slovakia’s sex trade has moved online. One company dominates the market
MultiMedia Solutions employs just one person but makes €882,000 a year in profit from advertising sexual services.