Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

March 25 is the anniversary of 1988's Sviečková manifestácia, or candle demonstration which took place in Bratislava. The peaceful demonstration was brutally put down by the authorities, but is seen as one of the first steps that would lead to November 1989 and the fall of the regime. Ben Pascoe talked with organizer František Mikloško and historian Patrik Dubovský who as a student took part in th...

Recent data from Eurostat show that over 14% of Slovak population lives on the poverty line. In this show, we are going to explore the problem of growing poverty in Slovakia. You are also going to hear from experts: sociologist from SAV Zuzana Kusá and trade unionist, activist and analyst Ján Košč from initiative Pracujúca chudoba.

A look back at the past week in Slovakia.

Katarina Gephardt, editor of the compendium "Home and the World in Slovak Writing", presented the method of focusing on historical events - such as the condemnation of Stalin's personality cult, the Prague Spring and the Velvet Revolution - that have shaped the Slovak literary canon. Senior radio editor and producer Tomas Bartonek talks about the "Golden Fond" project, in which public radio is rev...

In this episode, we talk to claire rousay about composing a new soundtrack for Viktor Kubal’s 1980 animated film The Bloody Lady and how she approached this unique project. We also explore the life and work of Kubal himself, a pioneer of Slovak animation. Finally, our latest installment of Who Was That? is dedicated to Podjavorinská, a remarkable Slovak writer whose legacy continues to inspire.

For many, the tractor—its steady rumble echoing across fields as it plows the land in preparation for planting—stands as the most powerful symbol of agriculture. But what if this image of farming, so deeply rooted in tradition, isn’t the way forward? What if turning the soil, a long-accepted practice, is doing more harm than good? Some believe a better way exists—one that moves beyond monoculture...

Long time journalist Jaroslav Daniška is the former editor-in-chief of Štandard and is the host of Do kríža discussion show on STVR. He sat down with Ben Pascoe to talk Slovak media, christian conservatism and the state of Slovakia today.

The time when universities in Slovakia are almost uniform in one of the few things is approaching -- entrance exams. In today's show, Paťka will guide you through the education system at Slovak universities and provide tips for foreign students who would be interested in studying in Slovakia. You will also learn details from Comenius University in Bratislava and the University of Prešov.

A recap of the biggest stories of the past week and some of our best reports from the past week.

Radio broadcasts during the so-called Slovak State, a Nazi Germany ally established on March 14, 1939, featured both well-known and unsung heroes of the WWII era. The individuals working within this institution saved lives, offered hope, and not only documented history but also helped shape it, as evidenced by the ENCORE! series, which traces the development of public radio. At the end of the show...

In this episode, we bring you an exclusive interview with Jozef Lupták about this year's Konvergencie Festival, exploring its themes and highlights. We also sit down with Slovak students from Oxford who are making an impact in the public sphere. Finally, our latest installment of Who Was That? delves into the life and legacy of Bjornstjerne Bjornson, the influential Norwegian writer and Nobel laur...

In this edition of the Slovakia Today programme, we bring you the government plenipotentiary for Roma communities Alexander Daško speaking about the tragic incident that happened in Gelnica, eastern Slovakia. Next is Janette Langová from the Caraffka Gallery in Prešov, eastern Slovakia, about its history and its current mission on the Slovak art scene.

Filip Vagač was a student leader during the Velvet revolution, since then has been a part of different NGOs in Slovakia. At the start of the century, he was working at the Slovak embassy in the USA when Slovakia was attempting to join NATO. Recently he was the Plenipotentiary SR for the development of civil society. Currently he is the program director of the Platform for Democracy. He sat down wi...

This show is dedicated to a small reuse centre in the heart of Trnava called Baterkáreň. It is quite a strange name for what their actual purpose is -- find out why in an interview with its founders Simona Hlaváčová and Jana Reháková. Second part of the show is dedicated to an important milestone in the lives of all high schoolers in Slovakia. The period of school leaving exams, in Slovakia known...

A recap of the biggest stories of the past week and some of our best reports from the past week.

The only Slovak laureate of European Press Prize, Beata Balogova talks about the situation of women investigative journalists in Slovakia. Popular weather forecaster on public TV Nikoleta Hruskova explains that there are more women experts working at Slovak Meteorological Institute than in 1990's when she started her career. Tips for culture for foreigners living in Slovakia.

In this show, we explore the work of the Ukrainian Institute in Bratislava through an insightful interview with its founder, Lyudmila Verbytska. We also take a look at Slovakia from the perspective of Oxford students, gaining fresh insights into the country. Finally, we uncover the story of Slovak writer Timrava.

Wolves in Slovakia have a complex and often turbulent history. Once widely persecuted, these wild canines were relentlessly hunted and driven into the remote valleys of the country’s east. However, Slovakia’s accession to the EU brought stronger conservation policies, allowing wolf populations to make a remarkable comeback. Now, a new wave of fear and controversy threatens their future—not just in...

Ben Pascoe talks with human rights activist and vice chair of the antena network of independent culture institutions, Laco Oravec about the situation NGOs and independent institutions are facing in Slovakia today.

Recent data from Eurostat show that over 14% of Slovak population lives on the poverty line. In this show, we are going to explore the problem of growing poverty in Slovakia. You are also going to hear from experts: sociologist from SAV Zuzana Kusá and trade unionist, activist and analyst Ján Košč from initiative Pracujúca chudoba.

A recap of the biggest stories of the past week and some of our best reports from the past week.

Once again, Gigi Ann Green, a singer from southern Slovakia, winner of the 2022 UK Songwriting Contest in conversation with her father, Hugo Green.

28.2. marks the International Day of Rare Diseases. On this occasion, we talked with Andrea Madunova, social counsellor and chairwoman of the organization Belasý motýľ and Jozef Blažek, coordinator of the Agency of Personal Assistance and Public Collection Belasý motýľ. Who was that? This time, let's travel to the streets of Košice to see the sculptor Ján Mathé, after whom Ján Mathé Square is name...

On the 20th of February 2025, NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte travelled to Slovakia on Thursday for meetings with President Peter Pellegrini as well as other Slovak ministers. Next up is an interview with Matúš Nemec, a student at the University of Prešov in eastern Slovakia and a radio amateur, who made history by successfully establishing a radio connection with the crew aboard the Internatio...

Ben Pascoe talks with Martin Poliačik and Mirek Toda about their experiences visiting Ukraine and what life is like there. They also discuss the challenges that will be faced in achieving peace and afterwards and how Slovakia and Slovaks have shown and continue to show solidarity with their neighbors .