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Last refreshed: 28/07/2026 05:39 · 38 articles added
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Economy

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Economy

High Tatras Dinosaur Park Permanently Closes After Three Seasons

DinoParku, a tourist attraction in Slovakia's High Tatras mountain region, has permanently closed after remaining shuttered for three consecutive seasons. The dinosaur-themed park has been fined and its dinosaur exhibits are being relocated abroad, marking the end of what was once a popular destination in the country's premier mountain resort area. The High Tatras, Slovakia's most famous mountain range and a major tourist destination, has lost one of its family-oriented attractions with the closure. The park's closure represents a setback for tourism infrastructure in the region, which relies heavily on both winter sports and summer recreational activities to attract visitors from across Central Europe.

Aktuality
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Economy

Czech Businesses View Slovakia as Cautionary Example Under Fico Government

Czech companies are expressing concerns about Slovakia's business environment under Prime Minister Robert Fico's government, viewing the country as a deterrent example for future investments. New data reveals that Czech firms see limited prospects in Slovakia, citing concerns that Fico's policies are stifling business operations. The developments come as Czech businesses are also showing apprehension about potential governance under Andrej Babiš, the former Czech prime minister and leader of the ANO party who remains active in politics. Slovakia's current government, led by Fico's Smer-SD party, has implemented various policies since returning to power that appear to be affecting business confidence in the region.

SME
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Economy

Gold Price Drops Nearly 3% Following US Inflation Data

Gold prices fell nearly 3% on Tuesday, with spot gold reaching $4,151.86 per troy ounce by 3:10 PM Central European Time. The decline was triggered by the latest US inflation data, which showed inflation reaching its highest level since April 2023. The stronger-than-expected inflation figures affected global financial markets, with investors adjusting their positions in precious metals as they reassess expectations for US monetary policy.

SMETASR/Teraz
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Economy

Slovak Industry Struggles for Over a Year as EU Prepares Trade Protection Measures

Slovakia's industrial sector has been experiencing difficulties for more than a year, primarily due to its energy-intensive nature and rising energy costs in global markets. The country's manufacturing base faces pressure from expensive energy supplies, compounded by recent increases linked to American-Iranian tensions. The European Union plans to implement protective measures against cheaper steel imports from Asia, with additional sectors expected to receive similar protection. Slovakia's industrial challenges have been worsened by government fiscal consolidation measures and the prospect of higher interest rates if inflation remains elevated. The industrial downturn follows a period of weak performance, highlighting the vulnerability of Slovakia's energy-dependent manufacturing sector to external economic shocks and geopolitical developments.

Dennik N
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Economy

EU unemployment rate rose slightly last year, Czech Republic, Poland and Malta report lowest levels

The unemployment rate across the European Union increased marginally in the previous year, according to new data from Eurostat, the EU's statistical office. The Czech Republic, Poland, and Malta recorded the lowest unemployment rates among member states during this period. The statistics agency also highlighted the significant impact of education levels on unemployment rates, demonstrating the continued importance of educational attainment in securing employment across the bloc. The slight uptick in unemployment reflects broader economic challenges facing European labor markets.

SME
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Economy

Slovakia's Leading Electric Vehicle Charging Company Reports Annual Losses Despite Market Leadership

GreenWay Slovakia, the country's leading electric vehicle charging network operator, has revealed its financial results showing the company continues to lose millions annually despite its dominant market position. The company's shareholders are providing financial support to keep the business operational. GreenWay operates Slovakia's largest network of electric vehicle charging stations, but like many companies in the emerging electric mobility sector, it has struggled to achieve profitability as it builds infrastructure ahead of mass adoption of electric vehicles.

SME
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Economy

Slovak Minister Orders Review of IT Research Grants After Controversy

Slovakia's digitalization minister has ordered a review of IT research project funding following controversy over grant allocations. The minister defended the disputed subsidies by citing the example of Steve Jobs, who famously started Apple in a garage, suggesting that innovative projects often begin in modest circumstances. The review comes amid questions about the appropriateness and oversight of public funding for technology research initiatives in Slovakia.

SME
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Economy

European Banking Federation Warns of Growing Annual Investment Gap in EU

The European Union faces a growing annual investment gap, according to the European Banking Federation. The European Commission is set to release its assessment of the EU banking sector's competitiveness in July, with legislative proposals expected to follow in 2027. The warning highlights concerns about the bloc's ability to maintain economic competitiveness amid increasing investment shortfalls that could impact long-term growth and development across member states.

TASR/Teraz
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Economy

EU Farmers Were Set to Receive Fertilizer Subsidies

European Union farmers were expected to receive government subsidies to help offset rising fertilizer costs. Fertilizer prices, particularly for nitrogen-based products, have increased sharply across the bloc. The subsidies would have provided financial relief to agricultural producers facing higher input costs that threaten farm profitability and food production. Rising fertilizer prices have become a significant concern for EU agriculture, as nitrogen-based fertilizers are essential for crop yields but represent a major expense for farmers.

SME
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Economy

Ford Plans Return of Popular Models Including Fiesta and Focus

Ford is preparing to bring back some of its most popular discontinued models, with the Fiesta and Focus potentially returning to production. The American automaker plans to leverage partnerships with other brands to make the revival of these vehicles economically viable. The move comes as Ford seeks to rebuild its presence in market segments it previously abandoned when it discontinued several passenger car models in recent years to focus on SUVs and electric vehicles.

SME
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Economy

Financial Group Across Appoints Former Finax Executive as Digital CEO

Ján Jursa, a manager with extensive experience in building digital investment solutions and over a decade of practice in capital markets, has been appointed CEO of Across Digital j.s.a. Jursa, who previously worked at Finax, will be responsible for the technological development of a new investment application. The appointment strengthens the financial group Across as it expands its digital investment services.

Aktuality
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Economy

Former Slovak Finance Minister Examines Danish Flexicurity Model for Slovakia

Former Finance Minister Ivan Mikloš has analyzed the potential for introducing Denmark's flexicurity system in Slovakia and other European countries. The Danish model combines a flexible labor market with generous unemployment benefits and effective retraining programs. Mikloš, who served as finance minister in two center-right governments between 2002-2006 and 2010-2012, suggests this approach could offer lessons for Slovak labor market policy. The flexicurity system allows employers to hire and fire workers more easily while providing robust social safety nets and active job retraining to help unemployed workers quickly return to the workforce.

Dennik N
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Economy

Premium Offices Become Accessible to Small Firms as Flexible Workspace Trend Spreads in Bratislava

Small companies and startups in Bratislava are gaining access to premium office locations previously reserved for large corporations, as flexible workspace solutions expand into upscale areas like Chalupkova Offices. The development addresses limited office options that smaller firms typically face when seeking space in Slovakia's capital, reflecting a broader trend toward more accessible premium commercial real estate for growing businesses.

Aktuality
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Economy

Slovak businesses urge government to abandon summer break amid economic concerns

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico faces mounting criticism from businesses and trade unions who are demanding concrete plans to revive the country's struggling economy rather than taking a summer pause. Fico has attempted to deflect criticism by pointing to full shopping center parking lots and vacation travel as signs that Slovakia's economic situation is not as dire as portrayed. The prime minister has also positioned himself as a defender of working people in response to the pressure. However, companies and labor organizations continue to press for clear economic strategies, arguing that this is not the time for the government to step back during the traditional summer break period.

Dennik N
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Economy

Eastern Slovakia Water Company Sells Out First Green Bond Issue

Východoslovenská vodárenská, the water utility serving eastern Slovakia, has successfully sold out its inaugural green bond offering. The three-year bonds carried an annual yield of five percent and represent the company's first foray into sustainable financing instruments. Green bonds are debt securities specifically earmarked to raise money for climate and environmental projects, allowing investors to support environmentally beneficial initiatives while earning returns. The successful sale indicates investor appetite for sustainable investment opportunities in Slovakia's utility sector.

SME
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Economy

Oil prices fall over 4 percent to multi-week lows

Oil prices dropped by more than four percent, reaching their lowest levels in several weeks. Brent crude oil slid toward the $90 per barrel threshold, marking a significant decline in global energy markets. The price movement represents one of the steepest drops in recent trading sessions, bringing oil costs down from higher levels seen in previous weeks.

SME
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Economy

Boeing Increases Aircraft Deliveries by Third in May

American aircraft manufacturer Boeing delivered 60 aircraft to customers in May, representing an increase of approximately one-third compared to the previous period. The delivery figures indicate a significant uptick in Boeing's production output as the company works to fulfill customer orders amid ongoing recovery in the aviation industry.

SME
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Economy

Slovak Energy Supplier Changes Solar Storage Rules Due to Negative Electricity Prices

Energy supplier Greenlogy, one of Slovakia's largest alternative electricity providers, will fundamentally change the terms of its virtual battery service starting July 1. The company will no longer count electricity stored during periods of negative market prices for customers with solar panels. Negative electricity prices are becoming increasingly common in the market, making virtual battery services economically disadvantageous for energy suppliers. Virtual battery services allow solar panel owners to store excess electricity they generate and use it later when their panels are not producing power. The pricing changes reflect broader market pressures as renewable energy production sometimes exceeds demand, creating periods when electricity prices turn negative and suppliers must pay to offload excess power.

Dennik N
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Economy

Mountain Hut Operators Raise Prices as Focus Shifts to Profitability

Mountain hut operators in Slovakia have significantly increased prices as they emphasize making their facilities profitable. The price changes are being felt directly by visitors to these mountain facilities, with critics describing the increases as abrupt and dramatic. The shift represents a new business approach for mountain tourism infrastructure that was previously operated with less focus on generating revenue.

Korzár
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Economy

Major Highway Projects to Brezno and Ružomberok Remain Unrealistic Despite Longstanding Promises

Long-promised highway infrastructure projects in central Slovakia remain unrealistic and unlikely to be completed in the foreseeable future. The planned four-lane highway connection to Brezno and the R1 expressway extension to Ružomberok have failed to materialize despite years of government commitments. Similarly unrealistic is the expansion of the I/66 road, a route that has been the site of multiple fatal traffic accidents. These undelivered infrastructure promises highlight ongoing challenges in Slovakia's highway development program, leaving communities in central Slovakia without the improved road connections that officials have repeatedly pledged to deliver.

Aktuality
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