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Last refreshed: 07/06/2026 05:36 · 18 articles added
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Economy

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Economy

Survey Shows Nearly Half of Slovaks Report Worsening Living Standards

Nearly half of Slovak respondents say their living conditions have deteriorated compared to a year ago, according to a new survey. The poll reveals significant financial strain among the population, with one-third of respondents indicating they would be unable to cover an unexpected expense of 300 euros. The findings highlight growing economic pressures facing Slovak households, suggesting that many citizens are experiencing declining purchasing power and financial security amid broader economic challenges in the country.

SME
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Economy

Mortgage Interest Rates Rise in Slovakia, Real Estate Market Set for Changes

Mortgage interest rates are increasing in Slovakia, signaling significant changes ahead for the country's real estate market. Despite the rising borrowing costs, housing prices are expected to continue climbing, though the pace of growth may slow. The higher interest rates will likely reduce demand from homebuyers as monthly payments become more expensive, potentially cooling the overheated property market that has seen dramatic price increases in recent years. However, analysts suggest apartment prices will not decline in the near term, as supply shortages and construction costs continue to support elevated property values across Slovak cities.

SME
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Economy

ArcelorMittal Donates 600 Tons of Steel for White House Dance Hall Project

Steel giant ArcelorMittal has donated 600 tons of steel for a dance hall project at the White House. The multinational corporation, which operates significant steel production facilities in Slovakia, has a long history of providing steel donations for iconic buildings around the world. The donation represents part of the company's ongoing practice of contributing materials to prestigious architectural and cultural projects.

SME
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Economy

Head of Slovak Agricultural and Food Chamber Resigns for Personal Reasons

The head of the Slovak Agricultural and Food Chamber has resigned from his position citing personal reasons. Gajdoš had been serving in the role since May 2024, making his tenure less than a year. The Slovak Agricultural and Food Chamber represents the interests of agricultural producers and food industry companies in the country, serving as a key voice in policy discussions affecting Slovakia's farming and food sectors.

SME
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Economy

Two-thirds of marketers fail basic knowledge test in Slovakia

A new study by market research firm Ipsos has revealed that two-thirds of marketing professionals in Slovakia lack adequate knowledge of fundamental marketing principles. The Marketing Anchors study tested 1,226 marketers and found that poor grasp of basic marketing concepts is hampering their work effectiveness. The research highlights a significant skills gap in Slovakia's marketing industry, suggesting that professionals need stronger foundational knowledge to perform their roles effectively.

Dennik N
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Economy

Government's Fiscal Consolidation Efforts Failed to Stabilize Long-Term Outlook, Budget Council Warns

Slovakia's public finances deteriorated further last year despite three consolidation packages introduced by the government, according to the Council for Budget Responsibility. Ján Tóth from the fiscal watchdog said the government was an "unpleasant surprise" and effectively decided to spend an additional 1.8 billion euros beyond planned levels. The Council for Budget Responsibility, an independent body that monitors Slovakia's fiscal policy and debt sustainability, concluded that the government's consolidation measures have failed to stabilize the country's long-term financial outlook. The assessment highlights growing concerns about Slovakia's fiscal discipline as public spending continues to outpace revenue despite multiple attempts at budgetary reform.

Aktuality
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Economy

Analysis Predicts Highway Completion Will Reduce Mobility Despite Western Traffic Surge

An analysis by Slovakia's Institute of Transport Policy predicts that citizen mobility will decline by mid-century, even as the country completes its highway network. The study indicates that the western regions of Slovakia will experience the heaviest traffic pressure once the highway connections are finalized. The Institute of Transport Policy, which advises the government on transportation infrastructure and policy, conducted the research to examine long-term mobility patterns as Slovakia works toward completing its national highway system. The findings suggest a paradox where improved infrastructure coincides with reduced overall travel patterns among the population, while concentrating traffic flows in the country's western areas near the borders with Austria and the Czech Republic.

SME
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Economy

Banking Association: Payme Payment Service Expands Coverage Across Banks

Slovakia's banking association announced that the Payme digital payment service is expanding its coverage across multiple banks in the country. The expansion follows the introduction of instant payments throughout the eurozone, which has created opportunities for new financial services and payment platforms. Payme represents one of several digital payment solutions that banks are now able to offer customers as part of the broader European instant payment infrastructure that enables real-time money transfers between bank accounts across participating countries.

TASR/Teraz
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Economy

Slovaks Can Boost Retirement Benefits by Delaying Pension Claims

Slovak workers can significantly increase their monthly pension benefits by delaying retirement beyond the standard retirement age, according to new calculations. The analysis shows specific financial advantages for those who continue working past their eligible retirement date. Many Slovaks find continuing to work in retirement age manageable and are exploring options to maximize their pension benefits through delayed claims.

SME
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Economy

Slovakia Introduces Mandatory Electronic Payment System for All Retailers

Slovakia implemented a new requirement on May 1st mandating that all retailers must offer electronic payment options for transactions exceeding one euro. The regulation applies to all merchants, including small vendors and market stall operators who previously relied solely on cash transactions. The government prepared a low-cost QR code payment system to help businesses comply with the new rules, with thousands of entrepreneurs already adopting the technology by the end of April. Merchants who fail to offer electronic payment options to customers face significant financial penalties under the new system.

Dennik N
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Economy

European Central Bank Keeps Interest Rates Unchanged Despite Rising Inflation Risks

The European Central Bank maintained its current interest rate policy despite growing inflation concerns across the eurozone. Annual inflation in the eurozone accelerated significantly this month, raising questions about the central bank's monetary policy stance. The ECB's decision to hold rates steady comes as policymakers weigh inflation pressures against economic stability concerns throughout the 19-country currency bloc.

SME
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Economy

Slovak Parliament Party Backs State Purchase of Majority Stake in National Power Company

The Hlas party announced its support for the state's acquisition of a 17 percent stake in Slovenské elektrárne, Slovakia's main electricity producer, which would give the government majority control of the strategic energy company. Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, who leads Hlas, said the state should hold stronger positions in strategic enterprises. Hlas is part of Slovakia's ruling coalition alongside the dominant Smer-SD party and the Slovak National Party. The move would consolidate state control over the country's energy infrastructure, with Slovenské elektrárne operating the nation's nuclear power plants and other major electricity generation facilities.

SME
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Economy

Eurozone Economic Growth Slows as Inflation Accelerates in April

The eurozone economy experienced slower growth while inflation picked up pace in April, according to preliminary data released Thursday by Eurostat, the European Union's statistical office. The broader European Union showed similar economic patterns, with growth momentum weakening across the region. The data highlights the ongoing economic challenges facing European economies as they navigate between concerns about sluggish growth and rising price pressures.

SMETASR/Teraz
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Economy

Slovakia's R4 Highway Construction Remains Stalled in Planning Phase

Construction of Slovakia's R4 highway remains in the planning stages with highway authorities still preparing documentation rather than beginning actual construction work. The project continues to face significant delays, with the most advanced section being the second phase of the Prešov bypass in eastern Slovakia. The R4 is a planned highway that would connect western and eastern Slovakia, but the project has been plagued by lengthy bureaucratic processes and planning delays that have prevented construction from moving forward despite years of preparation.

SME
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Economy

Construction Material Prices Rise Sharply in Slovakia

Construction material prices in Slovakia have experienced significant increases in recent periods. The price growth for building materials has deepened markedly, adding to cost pressures in the construction sector. This trend affects both residential and commercial building projects across the country, potentially impacting housing affordability and infrastructure development costs.

SME
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Economy

European Commission: Over 36 billion euros flowed to Slovakia from EU budget since 2004

Slovakia has received more than 36 billion euros from the European Union budget since joining the bloc in 2004, according to the European Commission's representation in Slovakia. The EU funds have contributed to significant improvements in the country's economy and constitute a large portion of public investments. Slovakia joined the European Union in 2004 as part of the largest expansion in the bloc's history, along with nine other countries including Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. EU structural and cohesion funds are designed to help newer member states modernize their economies and infrastructure to converge with wealthier Western European nations.

TASR/Teraz
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Economy

Slovakia to Allocate Three Million Euros for Food Marketing Campaign

The Slovak government will provide three million euros to support marketing efforts for domestic food products, with applications opening in May. Food producers will be able to apply for state assistance through the new funding program launched by the agriculture ministry. The initiative aims to promote Slovak-made food products, though specific details about eligibility criteria and application processes have not yet been announced.

SME
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Economy

Gasoline Prices Drop Slightly While Diesel Costs Rise in Slovakia

Fuel prices showed mixed movements at Slovak gas stations this week, with gasoline costs declining modestly while diesel prices increased once again. The average price for a liter of regular 95-octane gasoline fell to 1.688 euros. The diverging price trends for gasoline and diesel reflect ongoing volatility in fuel markets, affecting transportation costs for both individual drivers and commercial operators across the country.

SME
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Economy

EU Energy Trading System Changes to Increase Heating and Fuel Costs in Slovakia

New European Union energy regulations implemented in April will increase costs for heating and transportation fuels across Slovakia. The changes to the EU's Emissions Trading System (ETS2) will directly impact both households and businesses through higher prices for energy consumption and vehicle fuels. The regulatory adjustments represent part of the EU's broader climate policy framework, requiring member states including Slovakia to adapt their energy sectors to stricter environmental standards. Slovak consumers and companies will face increased operational costs as the new trading system creates additional financial burdens on carbon-intensive energy sources.

SME
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Economy

Slovakia's Public Finances in Critical State, Requiring €8 Billion for Stabilization

Slovakia's public finances are in a critical condition, requiring nearly €8 billion for stabilization according to new analysis. The country faces mounting financial pressures from excessively high and continuously growing debt levels, which threaten the government's ability to maintain fiscal balance. The deteriorating global economic environment is compounding Slovakia's domestic fiscal challenges, creating additional strain on government revenues and spending capacity. The pension system has emerged as a particular area of concern, with its poor structural condition representing a significant long-term liability for the state budget. These combined factors pose serious threats to the long-term sustainability of Slovakia's public finances. The Central European nation, which adopted the euro in 2009, must address these fiscal imbalances to maintain economic stability and meet European Union budgetary requirements. The scale of the required stabilization funding underscores the severity of the country's current financial position.

Aktuality
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