Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
♥ Support DávkaNewsletter
Last refreshed: 06/06/2026 10:36 · 51 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

International Politics

View all2852 stories
International Politics

Hungary withdraws request to leave International Criminal Court

Hungary has officially withdrawn its request to leave the International Criminal Court after President Tamás Sulyok signed legislation passed by parliament on Wednesday. The decision was supported by 133 members of the ruling Tisza party, while 37 lawmakers from the opposition Fidesz-KDNP bloc voted against the measure and five members of the far-right Mi Hazánk party abstained. The move reverses Hungary's previous position under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government, which had initiated withdrawal proceedings from the ICC. The Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, represents a pro-European Union political shift that won parliamentary elections earlier this year, replacing Orbán's Eurosceptic Fidesz party that had governed Hungary since 2010.

SMETASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Russia Rejects US Call to Halt Promised Strikes on Kyiv at UN

Russia rejected a United States appeal at the United Nations to abandon its threatened strikes against Kyiv following weekend bombardments that killed at least two civilians and wounded approximately 100 others. Moscow justified Sunday's attacks as retaliation for a Ukrainian strike on a school dormitory in the city of Starobilsk. The exchange represents an escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with Russia openly announcing its intention to conduct further strikes on the Ukrainian capital despite international diplomatic pressure to cease such operations.

TASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

US and Iran Close to Nuclear Deal but Not Yet Reached, Says Vance

The United States and Iran are close to reaching a nuclear agreement but have not yet finalized a deal, according to US Vice President JD Vance. The remaining disputed issues include questions over Iran's stockpiles of enriched uranium and the uranium enrichment process itself. The statement comes as tensions continue over Iran's nuclear program, which has been a source of international concern since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal under former President Trump and Iran subsequently began expanding its uranium enrichment activities beyond the limits set by that agreement.

SMETASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Europe of Sovereign Nations party group under scrutiny for violating EU fundamental values

The Europe of Sovereign Nations, the smallest political faction in the European Parliament with 27 members, faces suspicions of breaching the European Union's fundamental values. The group, which represents far-right and Eurosceptic parties across member states, is being examined for potential violations of core EU principles including democracy, rule of law, and human rights. The investigation highlights growing concerns about radical political movements within EU institutions and their compatibility with the bloc's foundational values.

SME
|
International Politics

Indian Prime Minister Modi to Make Historic First Visit to Slovakia in Mid-June

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Slovakia in mid-June, marking the first time an Indian head of government has traveled to the Central European nation. Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár announced the historic visit, which represents a significant diplomatic milestone for Slovakia's relations with India. The visit underscores growing diplomatic ties between Slovakia, a European Union member state of 5.4 million people, and India, the world's most populous nation and one of its fastest-growing major economies.

TASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Hungarian Opposition Leader Cuts Salary in Half, Slovak Opposition Leader Faces Pressure to Follow Suit

Péter Magyar, leader of Hungary's opposition TISZA party, has cut his parliamentary salary in half as a political gesture. The move has prompted calls for Michal Šimečka, leader of Slovakia's opposition Progressive Slovakia party, to make similar financial sacrifices. The development comes as Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico maintains an unprecedented political position of strength in the country's political landscape.

Aktuality
|
International Politics

EU Cannot Be Neutral Mediator Between Russia and Ukraine, Says Kallas

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas rejected the idea that the bloc could serve as a neutral mediator between Russia and Ukraine. Her statement came in response to calls from some EU member states, including Austria, for the appointment of a chief EU negotiator to facilitate dialogue between the warring parties. Kallas's position reflects the EU's stance as a strong supporter of Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022, having provided billions of euros in military and financial aid while imposing extensive sanctions on Moscow. The debate over EU mediation highlights divisions within the bloc about how actively to pursue diplomatic solutions to the conflict.

TASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Slovak Minister Praises EU Competitiveness Proposals at Brussels Meeting

Slovak Interior Minister Denisa Saková praised European Union proposals to boost the bloc's competitiveness during discussions with member states in Brussels. Saková highlighted that the European Commission is preparing measures to increase competitiveness by boosting demand within Europe, particularly for products manufactured in the EU that have a carbon-neutral footprint. The discussions are part of broader efforts by the EU to strengthen its economic position amid global competition challenges.

SMETASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Israel Cuts All Ties with UN Secretary-General Over Sexual Violence Blacklist

Israel severed all diplomatic contact with UN Secretary-General António Guterres after the United Nations added Israel to a blacklist for alleged sexual violence. The Israeli mission to the UN announced it would maintain no contact with the Secretary-General's office as long as Guterres leads the organization. Israel characterized the UN decision as spreading lies and described it as an insult, rejecting the allegations that led to its inclusion on the list of entities accused of sexual violence.

AktualityTASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial to Open Educational Centers in Germany

Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial will establish educational centers in Munich and Leipzig, marking the first time the institution has opened such facilities outside Israeli territory. The announcement comes as sociological studies indicate rising antisemitic attitudes in Germany. Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to Holocaust victims, serves as the country's primary center for Holocaust documentation, research, education and commemoration. The decision to expand internationally reflects growing concerns about Holocaust awareness and antisemitism in Europe, particularly in Germany where the Nazi regime originated and implemented the systematic murder of six million Jews during World War II.

SMETASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

NATO Chief Rutte Praises Hungary's Alliance Contribution During Budapest Meeting

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest, where he praised Hungary's contribution to the functioning of the North Atlantic alliance. The two leaders also discussed preparations for NATO's upcoming July summit scheduled to take place in Ankara, Turkey. The meeting comes as NATO continues to coordinate alliance activities and prepare for key strategic discussions at the summer gathering of member nation leaders.

SMETASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Czech Senate President Vystrčil to Travel to Taiwan Despite Business Concerns

Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil announced he will travel to Taiwan, rejecting claims that the visit could harm Czech business interests. Vystrčil defended his decision against criticisms from former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, who had argued that such a visit could damage Czech-China relations and negatively impact Czech companies operating in China. The planned visit comes amid broader tensions between democratic nations and China over Taiwan, which Beijing considers a breakaway province while Taiwan maintains its independence.

SME
|
International Politics

Sweden to Donate and Sell Gripen Fighter Jets to Ukraine in Major Air Defense Deal

Sweden will donate older Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine while also selling the country newer versions of the aircraft in one of the most significant aviation agreements since Russia's invasion began. The deal represents a major boost to Ukraine's air defense capabilities as the country continues to seek advanced Western military equipment to defend against Russian attacks. Sweden's decision to provide both donated and purchased Gripen jets marks a substantial escalation in Nordic military support for Ukraine, adding to the growing list of Western nations providing fighter aircraft to strengthen Ukrainian forces.

Aktuality
|
International Politics

Hungarian Prime Minister Considering Salary Reduction as Regional Comparison Shows Fico Would Lead Regional PM Salaries

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is considering reducing his salary, which would make Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico the highest-paid government leader in the Central European region. The development comes 46 days after Hungary's recent elections, as part of a weekly summary of the most important post-election events in Hungary. Fico, who leads Slovakia's ruling Smer-SD social-democratic party, would gain this distinction if the Hungarian salary reduction proceeds. The comparison highlights the varying compensation levels for government leaders across Central Europe, where economic conditions and political pressures often influence executive pay scales.

Dennik N
|
International Politics

Hungarian Opposition Leader Magyar Announces Anti-Corruption Measures, Plans to Join EU Prosecutor's Office

Péter Magyar, a prominent Hungarian opposition figure, has confirmed Hungary's intention to join the European Public Prosecutor's Office as part of broader anti-corruption initiatives. Magyar announced this move during a visit to Brussels, where he indicated the government plans to use this anti-corruption step as leverage to unlock frozen European Union funds. The European Public Prosecutor's Office is an EU institution that investigates and prosecutes crimes against the EU budget, including fraud and corruption involving EU funds. Hungary has been excluded from this system since its establishment, contributing to tensions with Brussels over rule of law concerns. The country has had billions of euros in EU funding frozen due to concerns about corruption and democratic backsliding under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government.

SMEAktuality
|
International Politics

Hungary's Péter Magyar Forms Expert Government Team

Hungarian opposition politician Péter Magyar has assembled what observers describe as a government of experts, raising expectations for potential genuine political change in the country. The development has drawn attention due to the quality and expertise of the team Magyar has gathered around him, suggesting a serious challenge to the current Hungarian political establishment.

SME
|
International Politics

Slovak Foreign Minister Sets V4 Presidency Priorities

Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár has outlined Slovakia's priorities during its upcoming presidency of the Visegrad Group, a regional alliance of Central European countries. Blanár discussed these priorities with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski as part of diplomatic preparations for Slovakia's leadership role in the four-nation bloc. The Visegrad Group, commonly known as V4, includes Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland, and serves as a platform for coordinating positions on European Union policies and regional cooperation. Slovakia's presidency will give the country a leading role in shaping the group's agenda on key issues affecting Central Europe.

SME
|
International Politics

Austrian Investigation Exposes Russian Troll Operation Targeting Central Europe

An Austrian investigative report has revealed a Russian hybrid operation aimed at Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia through a project called "Mitteleuropa." The Kremlin-backed initiative appears designed to spread propaganda across Central European countries rather than conduct legitimate diplomacy. The editor-in-chief of Austrian magazine Profil described the operation as "absurd if you read it as diplomacy, but dangerous if you read it as propaganda." The investigation highlights Russia's continued efforts to influence public opinion and political discourse in Central European EU member states through coordinated disinformation campaigns targeting the region.

Dennik N
|
International Politics

Russia temporarily restricts Armenian fruit and vegetable imports over Western ties

Russia has imposed temporary restrictions on certain types of fruits and vegetables from Armenia, signaling Moscow's displeasure with Yerevan's deepening relationship with Western nations. The trade restrictions represent the latest escalation in tensions between Russia and Armenia, a former Soviet republic that has historically been within Moscow's sphere of influence. Armenia has been gradually strengthening ties with the European Union and United States in recent years, moving away from its traditional alignment with Russia, which has prompted increasingly strained relations between the two countries.

SME
|
International Politics

Czech Republic Could Manufacture Weapons for United States Under New Program

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský believes the Czech Republic could begin manufacturing weapons for the United States under a new American defense program. Lipavský, known by his surname Macinka in some contexts, described the potential arrangement as a significant opportunity for his country. The proposal involves The America First Arms Transfer Strategy, a U.S. program that appears designed to expand American defense partnerships with allied nations. The development would represent a major expansion of Czech-American defense cooperation and could provide substantial economic benefits to the Czech Republic's defense industry.

SMETASR/Teraz
|