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Image: Valerio Rosati/Zoonar/picture allianceImage: Valerio Rosati/Zoonar/picture alliance

Slovakia

Slovakia is a central European country bordering the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Ukraine and Poland. The nation recently held an early parliamentary election that saw populist Robert Fico return to power.

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All Content on this topic

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (left) grimaces as he speaks to his Slovak counterpart, Robert Fico (right), at the European summit in Brussels, Belgium, October 26, 2023

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (left) grimaces as he speaks to his Slovak counterpart, Robert Fico (right), at the European summit in Brussels, Belgium, October 26, 2023

Hungary, Czech Republic grapple for influence over Slovakia

The Czech Republic is trying to use its close ties with Slovakia to keep its neighbor in Europe's pro-Ukraine camp.

Slovak prime minister Robert Fico arriving at a summit

Slovak prime minister Robert Fico arriving at a summit

Slovakia: Is populist PM Robert Fico a threat to EU, NATO?

How much of a risk does the return of nationalist Robert Fico as prime minister pose to EU and NATO unity?

Illegal migrants cross the Slovakia-Hungarian border near Vyskovce Nad Iplom, Slovakia on September 6, 2023.

Illegal migrants cross the Slovakia-Hungarian border near Vyskovce Nad Iplom, Slovakia on September 6, 2023.

Slovakia sends troops to Hungarian border to curb migration

The government said more than 40,000 undocumented migrants had been detected within its borders this year.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (left) and President Zuzana Caputova (right)

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (left) and President Zuzana Caputova (right)

Slovakia forms coalition government with pro-Russia party

New Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico promised to end military help for Ukraine in his electoral campaign.

Four small children play outside yellow bungalows on both sides of a simple road while carpets and laundry dry on walls and lines in the sun

Four small children play outside yellow bungalows on both sides of a simple road while carpets and laundry dry on walls and lines in the sun

Slovakia: Record number of Roma elected to parliament

Most of Slovakia's new Roma lawmakers are members of OLANO and Friends, which has huge support in the Roma community.

The election billboard for the Republika party, the Smer party, and the SNS party from left to right seen on the street in Bratislava.

The election billboard for the Republika party, the Smer party, and the SNS party from left to right seen on the street in Bratislava.

Populists and propaganda: Electoral thriller in Slovakia

The Slovak election campaign was turbulent, and featured pro-Russian propaganda, fake news and anti-Europe slogans.

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

Inside Europe - 5 October 2023

Ukraine war fatigue helps a pro-Putin politician to victory in Slovakia, will Europe step to fill the US gap in military aid to Kyiv? As Nagorno Karabakh prepares for dissolution, what role did Turkish drones play in Baku's victory? Also: women in Greenland demand compensation over a birth control scandal and as a major Dutch gas field closes, many residents say 'Good riddance.'

Czech police conduct a random check of a bus at the border with Slovakia

Czech police conduct a random check of a bus at the border with Slovakia

Border checks back in several European countries

Amid concerns over irregular migration, Slovakia tightened borders, saying it was forced to do it by a "chain reaction."

Former Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico's left-leaning Smer party has won the country's parliamentary elections.

Former Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico's left-leaning Smer party has won the country's parliamentary elections.

Slovakia election: Former PM Fico secures victory

Former Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico's left-leaning Smer party has won the country's parliamentary elections.

Former Prime Minister Robert Fico speaking on election night while outside a polling station

Former Prime Minister Robert Fico speaking on election night while outside a polling station

Slovakia election: Strongman Robert Fico's return to power

The election win of former Prime Minister Robert Fico threatens to turn Slovakia away from Western partners.

Robert Fico stands with three other men on a balcony with his right hand in the air

Robert Fico stands with three other men on a balcony with his right hand in the air

Slovakia elections: Populist Fico grabs victory

Contrary to what the exit polls expected, Robert Fico's SMER-SSD party has won Slovakia's election.

Members of Republika, an extremist far-right party in Slovakia, standing on a stage campaigning.

Members of Republika, an extremist far-right party in Slovakia, standing on a stage campaigning.

Slovakia's foreign policy at stake in election

Slovakia heads to the polls in parliamentary elections that could see the country forging closer ties to Moscow.

Robert Fico, leader of the Smer-SD party, stands in front of a blue background printed with the year 2023 during an electoral TV debate, Bratislava, Slovakia, September 26, 2023

Robert Fico, leader of the Smer-SD party, stands in front of a blue background printed with the year 2023 during an electoral TV debate, Bratislava, Slovakia, September 26, 2023

Slovakia: Election is a test of its pro-Western values

Slovakia's parliamentary election on September 30 will be a test of its faith in liberal democracy.

Two Polish border guards and their dog

Two Polish border guards and their dog

Poland to conduct migrant searches at Slovakian border

PM Mateusz Morawiecki says Poland doesn't want to be accused of having porous borders.

Illegal migrants walk along a dirt track as they cross the Slovak–Hungarian border near Vyskovce Nad Iplom, Slovakia, September 6, 2023

Illegal migrants walk along a dirt track as they cross the Slovak–Hungarian border near Vyskovce Nad Iplom, Slovakia, September 6, 2023

Slovakia: Will a rise in illegal migration sway voters?

The number of illegal migrants entering Slovakia from Hungary has risen. Will it affect the outcome of the election?

A combine harvester at work in a field, Odessa region, southern Ukraine

A combine harvester at work in a field, Odessa region, southern Ukraine

Ukrainian grain: Why are eastern EU members banning imports?

Poland, Slovakia and Hungary have imposed unilateral import bans on Ukrainian grain. It's all about domestic politics.

Rows of sprouting corn in fields somewhere in Ukraine

Rows of sprouting corn in fields somewhere in Ukraine

Ukraine to sue Poland, Hungary, Slovakia on produce bans

Kyiv said its plans were in response to unilateral bans announced by the three states after an EU ban expired.

Michal Simecka

Michal Simecka

Slovakia: Liberals seek to prevent return of firebrand Fico

A return to power for former PM Robert Fico risks casting Slovakia into EU isolation warns challenger Michal Simecka.

Election posters for the OLANO and Smer-SD parties in Slovakia, August 2023

Election posters for the OLANO and Smer-SD parties in Slovakia, August 2023

Slovakia: Scandal overshadows pivotal election

A scandal has engulfed Slovakia's police and intelligence community just weeks before a key parliamentary election.

Made Wärmepumpen

Made Wärmepumpen

Heat pumps manufacturing hub in Slovakia

As demand for heat pumps grows, a number of companies are moving manufacturing to eastern Europe.

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

Inside Europe - 24 August 2023

If Prigozhin’s dead, where does that leave Belarus? - Ukrainian Independence Day falls on the 18 month anniversary of Russia’s invasion - Slovak security: dramatic arrests in the run-up to elections - A new party enters the Dutch elections race - Meet the Armenian “repats” - French produce a-plenty: but who’s going to bring in the harvest? - And a night under the stars in a Sicilian amphitheater.

The national flag of Slovakia in the wind

The national flag of Slovakia in the wind

Slovakia spy chief facing criminal charges ahead of key vote

The charges targeting multiple officials come ahead of elections, with one candidate deriding it as a "police coup."

A brown bear roams in the wilderness in Slovakia.

A brown bear roams in the wilderness in Slovakia.

Bear attacks shake up election season in Slovakia

Slovakian politicians are turning bear attacks into an election issue.

Three men standing at the doorway of a long building, as if looking for something

Three men standing at the doorway of a long building, as if looking for something

Ina Liga: Reporting on Slovakia's beloved village soccer

A Slovak website documents grassroots soccer matches — uneven playing fields, limping strikers and all.

An older voter puts a ballot into the ballot box

An older voter puts a ballot into the ballot box

Germany's AfD reflects Europe's shift to the right

Germany's far-right AfD party has won its first governing post, amid a wider European shift to the right.

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Germany's heat pump makers look to expand at home and abroad

German heat pump giant Vaillant heads to Slovakia with big plant plans.

heavily armed members of Prison Service bring Marian Kocner into a courtroom ahead of his trial in 2020 in Pezinok, Slovakia

heavily armed members of Prison Service bring Marian Kocner into a courtroom ahead of his trial in 2020 in Pezinok, Slovakia

Slovak court acquits businessman of journalist's murder

Businessman Marian Kocner, the suspected mastermind behind the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak, was acquitted again.

Slovakia's President Zuzana Caputova (right) and Prime Minister Ludovit Odor shake hands after the inauguration of the new cabinet, Presidential Palace, Bratislava, Slovakia, May 15, 2023

Slovakia's President Zuzana Caputova (right) and Prime Minister Ludovit Odor shake hands after the inauguration of the new cabinet, Presidential Palace, Bratislava, Slovakia, May 15, 2023

Slovakia's interim government hopes to end political turmoil

Slovakia's interim government of technocrats has been appointed at a time of political crisis and high inflation.

Candles and flowers with messages on the pavement outside Teplaren on Zamocka Street, Bratislava, Slovakia, October 13, 2022

Candles and flowers with messages on the pavement outside Teplaren on Zamocka Street, Bratislava, Slovakia, October 13, 2022

LGBTQ+ rights situation at home drives young Slovaks abroad

Six months after the murder of two gay men in Bratislava, members of the LGBTQ+ community feel let down by politicians.

Wheat field in Ukraine with a fragment of a rocket half-buried among the plants

Wheat field in Ukraine with a fragment of a rocket half-buried among the plants

Unilateral import bans on Ukrainian grain challenge EU

The European Commission is looking for solutions to avoid a conflict within the EU.

Peter Kazimir

Peter Kazimir

Slovakia central bank governor denies bribery charges

Peter Kazimir was convincted in a case that dates back to his time as finance minister between 2012 and 2019.

Slovakian Mig-29

Slovakian Mig-29

Ukraine updates: Slovakia to send MIG-29 jets to Ukraine

Meanwhile, Russian forces have made some progress in the battle for the Ukrainian town of Bakhmut. DW has the latest.

Europol headquarters in the Netherlands

Europol headquarters in the Netherlands

Europol operation nets 16 suspects, 4.7 tons of meth seized

Sixteen people have been arrested in a joint operation. They are accused of producing and distributing 4.7 tons of meth.

Toblerone without the Matterhorn on the package

Toblerone without the Matterhorn on the package

New look: Toblerone to remove Matterhorn from packaging

A Slovak MiG-29

A Slovak MiG-29

Can and will Slovakia send fighter jets to Ukraine?

Slovakia's acting PM would like to send fighter jets to Ukraine, but the constitution and opposition stand in his way.

A woman pays for vegetables at a market

A woman pays for vegetables at a market

Inflation: Eastern Europe's dilemma comes to a head

Europe's east has suffered higher and more persistent inflation than their western neighbors, but the tide is turning.

A picture showing the start of production in a new car body plant of the Slovak division of Volkswagen in Bratislava

A picture showing the start of production in a new car body plant of the Slovak division of Volkswagen in Bratislava

Slovakia's auto industry faces painful EV transition

Will Slovakia's auto industry survive the end of the combustion engine era?

A man casts his vote in a polling station in Slovakia on January 21, 2023

A man casts his vote in a polling station in Slovakia on January 21, 2023

Slovakia: September election likely after failed referendum

Slovakia's caretaker prime minister, Eduard Heger, is taking the country to an early election this fall.

Rastislav Kacer (left), foreign minister of Slovakia, and Jan Lipavsky (right), foreign minister of the Czech Republic, October 2022

Rastislav Kacer (left), foreign minister of Slovakia, and Jan Lipavsky (right), foreign minister of the Czech Republic, October 2022

Czech Republic, Slovakia: Still close after 30 years apart

While the Czech Republic and Slovakia remain close allies, there has been tension in recent months.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Eduard Heger leaves the chamber ahead of a confidence vote on his government in the parliament in Bratislava, Slovakia, December 15, 2022

Slovakia's Prime Minister Eduard Heger leaves the chamber ahead of a confidence vote on his government in the parliament in Bratislava, Slovakia, December 15, 2022

Slovakia: Uncertainty ahead after government ousted

Slovakia's self-proclaimed anti-corruption, reformist government has been toppled. What happens next is unclear.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Eduard Heger, right, is greeted by Czech Republic's Prime Minister Petr Fiala as he arrives for a meeting of the European Political Community at Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Eduard Heger, right, is greeted by Czech Republic's Prime Minister Petr Fiala as he arrives for a meeting of the European Political Community at Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic.

No confidence vote topples Slovakia coalition government

The move could trigger early election, unless another viable government can be formed.

Wind turbines in Slovakia

Wind turbines in Slovakia

Slovakia: The search for alternatives to Russian gas

Only two wind farms are providing Slovakia with renewable energy — too little in the current energy crisis.

Austrian policemen check passports at the Slovakian border to Austria in Kittsee, Austria

Austrian policemen check passports at the Slovakian border to Austria in Kittsee, Austria

Illegal migration puts Slovakia into Schengen isolation

Relations between Slovakia and the Czech Republic have been strained by the reintroduction of border checks.

Eurasian wolf stands in tall grass in the High Tatra National Park, Slovakia

Eurasian wolf stands in tall grass in the High Tatra National Park, Slovakia

Claims of increased wolf attacks in Slovakia divide opinion

A law protecting wolves in Slovakia was passed in 2021. But now there are calls for a review.

Two soldiers looking out of the turrets of a tank in a field

Two soldiers looking out of the turrets of a tank in a field

Germany's ring exchange with Ukraine: An assessment

Some experts see Germany's contentious tank swaps to arm Ukraine as a prelude to a new German security policy.

A man walks past two trailers full of wood in the forest in Polany, Slovakia, September 23, 2022

A man walks past two trailers full of wood in the forest in Polany, Slovakia, September 23, 2022

In Slovakia, firewood back as energy crisis bites

As demand for firewood in Slovakia grows, what impact will this have on the country's forests?

The defense ministers of Czechia, Slovakia and Poland during a press conference at the Malacky air force base near the Slovak capital Bratislava

The defense ministers of Czechia, Slovakia and Poland during a press conference at the Malacky air force base near the Slovak capital Bratislava

Poland, Czechia to protect Slovakia's airspace

Slovakia will have Polish and Czech fighter jets protect its airspace as it gives up its old Soviet-made MiGs.

A train in Slovakia

A train in Slovakia

Train accident leaves 74 injured in Slovakia

A train near the Strecno municipality stopped due to a defect and was hit by a locomotive which was coming to its aid.

Hand on heater

Hand on heater

Russian gas: Czech and Slovak homes eye alternatives

The war in Ukraine and skyrocketing gas costs have forced both countries to consider other energy sources.

An oil tank battery at the Novokuibyshevsk Refinery in Russia

An oil tank battery at the Novokuibyshevsk Refinery in Russia

Ukraine: EU struggles to find unity on Russian oil embargo

The 27 EU member states deliberating a gradual ban on Russian oil imports. Hungary and Slovakia have opposed the move.