Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

The programme explores the initiative Mladí Ukrajine, which brings Slovak volunteers to war-affected village Pidhajne near Kyiv. Through rebuilding homes, organising children’s camps, and supporting local residents, they offer both practical help and a sense of solidarity. Guests of this show are the co-founder of the initiative and a long-time professional in the field of education Kristína Uhlík...

In this episode, we’ll visit two Slovak research projects operating on completely different scales—from a social robot assisting patients with aphasia to nanotechnology being developed at the University of Žilina. Both reports offer a glimpse into how Slovak scientists are combining innovation, technology, and human-centered research to shape the future.

Ben Pascoe visited the Loom assistance center in Bratislava to find out how the first year has been and what the center is offering to foreigners living in Bratislava. Zuzana Weberova, Dominika Nagyova and Salma Al Henami from the center explain some of the problems foreigners in Bratislava face and how Loom is trying to help.

Trade unions in Slovakia have a long and complicated history — from their roots in the 19th century, through their controversial role during communism, to today’s efforts to modernise and attract younger workers. Today, we speak with Monika Uhlerová, President of the Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic, about collective bargaining, workplace rights, declining union membership, and...

Reading feedback from listeners. Regular series presenting the history and the present of Slovak music.

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

On Friday, 15 May, London is hosting the launch of an anthology of short stories by Slovak authors in English translation. Introducing the concept as well as the authors are Isabella Barber of the publisher and Julia Sherwood, a promoter of Slovak literature in English translation, respectively. On 21 May, Wiener Musikverein, a legendary music hall, will host a concert by Janoshka ensemble. This a...

In this programme, we explore homelessness through the 20-year journey of Depaul Slovakia. Experts and practitioners highlight key challenges, persistent stigmas, and emerging solutions—from Housing First to prevention and systemic change. The discussion shows and guests talk about how coordinated efforts can help people move from the streets back into stable, dignified lives.

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 the second part of our report, we step inside interactive works...

The IIHF world championship start in Switzerland later this week. Ben Pascoe sat down with Radio Slovakia sports reporter Martin Kaigl to find out more about this year’s Slovak team, their chances of bringing home a medal as well as hockey in Slovakia today.

A recent nationwide survey by the Office of the Commissioner for Children, conducted in cooperation with Trnava University and involving more than 10,200 young people aged 16–17, found that up to 75% of Slovak youth are considering leaving Slovakia after high school. The findings, which also drew reaction from Slovak President Peter Pellegrini during the Parliament of Children and Youth, explore h...

Music Chapters: Folklor Ensemble Šarišan

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

In the programme, we celebrate Europe Day together with the Head of the European Commission Representation in Bratislava, and we also commemorate Victory Day with a programme dedicated to the history of radio broadcasting in wartime Slovakia. Through these events, we are also celebrating the centenary of radio broadcasting in our territory.

In the first part of today´s show first part focuses on the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi and how his legacy continues through Franciscan communities across the country. The programme highlights their history, activities, and the celebrations marking this special jubilee year. In the second part, we focus on the economic situation, specifically the impact of inflation on different g...

Join us behind the scenes of food and textile production. First, we explore how large-scale baking works. Then we visit a specialized institute in Žilina, where textiles undergo rigorous testing. Two reports revealing what ensures the quality of things we often take for granted.

Recently an urban planning competition was launched to create a masterplan for Bratislava’s Zimny Pristav (Winter Port). This area has the potential to become a new symbol of Bratislava as a city on the Danube. Ben Pascoe talked with Eva Hapčová and Marianna Páleníková from the Metropolitan Institute of Bratislava and urbanist Peter Gero about this project and urban Bratislava.

“Queen of the Snow” — that’s the nickname of Slovakia’s most successful Paralympian, Henrieta Farkašová, who celebrated her 40th birthday this Sunday. From a late start in skiing at 17 to the very top of the global stage, her journey is nothing short of remarkable. With 14 Paralympic medals — 11 of them gold — and 20 World Championship medals, she has secured her place among the sport’s all-time g...

Living water 4: Bardejov Spa

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

On the occasion of International Labour Day, we’ll look at how Slovak trade unions can help employees in the event of mass layoffs. You’ll also hear about the labour shortage currently affecting Slovakia. In this year marking the centenary of radio broadcasting in what is now Slovakia, I will take you on a bus drive to the EU in my own report from May 2004. At the end of this May Day programme, ge...

In this programme, we take a closer look at the current state of the Slovak economy, which is expected to face a period of slow growth and increased uncertainty. We explore the key factors behind this development—from global conditions and weaker foreign demand to fiscal consolidation and its impact on households and businesses. Our guests, Tomáš Miklošovič from the Institute of Economic Research...

The world, including Slovakia, marked Earth Day on March 22nd. This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” underscores a simple but powerful message: environmental progress does not depend on any single administration or election, but on collective action and shared responsibility. To honor Earth Day and the individuals and communities working to protect the environment, RSI presents a special pro...

Ben Pascoe talks with the Fulbright Scholarship Director Lydia Tobiasova about what they do in Slovakia today. He also meets American Fulbright Scholar Benjamin Olshin to discuss how he sees Slovakia today and get some advice on how to better enjoy Slovakia today.

Are healthcare clowns closer to artists — or to healthcare assistants? This week, we take a closer look at the work of ČERVENÝ NOS Clowndoctors, a professional organization bringing humor, empathy, and human connection into hospitals and care facilities across Slovakia. In 2025 alone, the organization carried out nearly 3,000 healthcare clown visits nationwide. Executive Director Milan Šagát expla...