Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

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...

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...

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...

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

A three-day report from the only international competition organised by Slovak Radio features jury members, world music experts, as well as samples of traditional music recordings. After boycotting the regular 2025 edition, 14 national broadcasters from across Europe have submitted 31 entries this year. Supported by the EBU, the contest highlights a vibrant and evolving music scene. Many tradition...

In this programme, we are going to take you inside a powerful photography project by Depaul Slovakia, where people experiencing homelessness document their own lives and journeys toward stability. Through personal stories, interviews, and authentic images, it reveals both the harsh realities and the hope behind starting over. You are going to hear from a Slovak documentary photographer Gabriela Te...

In this episode, we focus on two unique natural sites and the efforts to protect and restore them. First, we visit the Šúr nature reserve, located near Bratislava. Despite its international ecological value, it remains little-known to the public. Conservationists are now working to revive this rare wetland forest—using traditional methods like grazing cattle. Then, we turn our attention to the Dan...

The recent Hungarian elections will have a big impact on Europe, but how will they affect Slovakia Today? Ben Pascoe talked with political analysts Grigorij Mesežnikov from IVO (the Institute for Public Affairs) and Radovan Geist from Euractiv about what the elections mean for Slovakia today.

Held at the Primate’s Palace, Integration Forum 2025 brought together national and international stakeholders to explore how to build resilience in times of uncertainty. The discussion focused on key global challenges, including European security, the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, the protection of vulnerable groups in Slovakia, and the role of NGOs in strengthening democratic resilience. T...

The weekly news digest is followed by a selection of topics discussed over the past week on Slovakia Today. Ben Pascoe revisits the national cinematography awards ceremony, Patrícia Polakovičová looks into the reasons behind Slovakia’s declining birth rate, and Veronika Ščepánová reports on Daffodil Day 2026 in Slovakia.

Talking about the latest exhibition by the prominent Slovak visual artist Dorota Sadovská in Vienna is its curator, Anne Avramut. Wolfgang Horvat, founder of the EU Art Network, presents a show marking 25 years of international symposia organized by the EU Art Network. Currently on display at the Gallery of Slovak Radio, the exhibition explores the theme “Times They Are a-Changing.” We also hear f...

Slovakia is experiencing a continued decline in birth rates, with fewer children being born each year and noticeable changes in the country’s demographic structure. The report from the Statistical Office of Slovak Republic says, the birth rates recorded for the year 2025 were the lowest since the World War II. What is behind this trend, and how will it shape the future of Slovak society? In today’...

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 this first part of our report, we hear from American education...