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International Politics

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International Politics

Slovak Students Meet European Parliament President in Ambassador School Program

Students and teachers from Slovakia's European Parliament Ambassador School program engaged in discussions with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. The meeting preceded the formal evaluation and ceremonial presentation of plaques and diplomas to program participants. The Ambassador School program connects educational institutions across EU member states with the European Parliament to promote civic engagement and European awareness among young people.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Austria Extends Border Controls with Slovakia and Three Neighboring Countries

Austria will extend border controls with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia for an additional three months starting Monday. The move comes despite a recommendation from the European Commission in early June that Austria and eight other Schengen area countries should end controls at internal EU borders. The Schengen Agreement normally allows passport-free travel between member states, but countries can temporarily reintroduce border checks in exceptional circumstances such as security threats or migration pressures.

SMETASR/Teraz
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International Politics

North Korea Criticizes Seoul-EU Statement on Military Cooperation with Russia

North Korea has criticized a joint statement by South Korea and the European Union regarding military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. The Seoul-EU statement called on both Russia and North Korea to immediately halt all such activities and comply with the UN Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The criticism reflects growing international concern over deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia, particularly as Moscow seeks military support for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Slovak Police Brief Bavarian Delegation on Ukraine Border Protection

Slovak police officials met with a delegation from Bavaria to discuss security measures along Slovakia's eastern border with Ukraine. The discussions covered both legal and illegal migration issues affecting the border region. Slovakia shares a 98-kilometer border with Ukraine and has served as a key transit route for Ukrainian refugees since Russia's invasion began in February 2022, while also facing challenges with illegal border crossings and smuggling operations.

Korzár
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International Politics

Slovakia Closer to EU Funds Freeze Than Ever Before, Says Former PM Ódor

Slovakia is closer to having its European Union funding frozen than at any point in its history, according to Ľudovít Ódor, a member of the shadow cabinet and European Parliament representative for Progressive Slovakia. The former interim prime minister criticized the current government's performance, stating that after 20 years since Robert Fico first came to power, Slovakia has only managed to reach the bottom of various rankings. Ódor, who led a technocratic government in 2023, said his former cabinet members continue to meet and remain willing to assist the state and existing political parties in the future. The warning about EU funds comes as Slovakia faces ongoing concerns from Brussels over rule of law issues that could trigger mechanisms to suspend financial assistance from the bloc.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Hungarian PM Orbán Acknowledges Heavy Electoral Defeat for Fidesz, Vows to Continue

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán admitted to a significant electoral defeat for his ruling Fidesz party but declared he would never give up his political fight. Orbán, who has led Hungary since 2010 and built an increasingly authoritarian system while clashing with EU institutions over rule of law issues, announced plans to hold a party congress to evaluate the mistakes that led to the loss. The Hungarian leader said the gathering would also begin restructuring both the party organization and its leadership, signaling potential changes within Fidesz as it faces one of its most serious political setbacks in recent years.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Iranian Conflict Hinges on Psychology of Trump and Khamenei, Analysis Shows

The escalating tensions between the United States and Iran are increasingly dependent on the psychological profiles of the two key leaders involved, according to analysis of the current standoff. While extensive information exists about Donald Trump's psychological patterns and decision-making processes, far less is known about Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's mental approach to the crisis. This psychological dimension has become a crucial factor in determining how the conflict between the two nations will unfold, as both leaders' personal characteristics and decision-making styles directly influence their countries' strategic responses to the ongoing tensions.

SME
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International Politics

European Investment Bank Expands Funding for Defense and Security Projects Across EU

The European Investment Bank has relaxed its funding rules since 2024 to allow greater investment in defense and security projects across the European Union. The EU's financial arm plans to allocate 5 percent of its total project funding specifically to defense and security initiatives within the 27-member bloc. This policy shift represents a significant expansion of the bank's mandate, which traditionally focused on civilian infrastructure and development projects. The move reflects the EU's growing emphasis on strategic autonomy and defense capabilities amid heightened security concerns across Europe.

SMETASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Prosecutors from V4 Countries Sign Declaration on Children's Rights Protection in High Tatras

Top prosecutors from the Visegrad Four countries signed a declaration on protecting children's rights during a meeting in the High Tatras mountains. The 13th joint meeting of the general prosecutors took place in Tatranská Lomnica from June 10-12, with the protection of children's and minors' rights serving as the central theme of discussions. The Visegrad Four, known as V4, is a regional alliance comprising Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland that coordinates on political, economic, and security issues. The declaration represents a commitment by the prosecutorial authorities of these four Central European nations to strengthen cross-border cooperation in safeguarding minors from various forms of harm and exploitation.

SMETASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Dutch Politician Says Slovaks Don't Lose Sleep Over Same-Sex Couple Rights

Dutch politician Sophie in 't Veld stated that she does not believe Slovak citizens are kept awake at night worrying about rights for same-sex couples. The European Parliament member emphasized that Slovakia represents more than just Prime Minister Robert Fico, suggesting the country's identity extends beyond its current political leadership. In 't Veld argued that criticizing specific political decisions does not constitute an attack against Slovakia as a nation, drawing a distinction between opposing particular government policies and being anti-Slovak.

Dennik N
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International Politics

Dutch Politician Calls Slovak Constitutional Amendment a 'Smokescreen' Amid European Criticism

Dutch politician Sophie in 't Veld described Slovakia's recent constitutional amendment as a "smokescreen" while defending European criticism of the country's political direction. In 't Veld emphasized that Slovakia represents more than just Prime Minister Robert Fico, arguing that criticism of specific political decisions does not constitute opposition to the country itself. Her comments come amid ongoing tensions between Slovakia's government and European institutions over various policy measures and democratic concerns.

Dennik N
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International Politics

Ukraine and Hungary Sign Historic Agreement on Rights of Hungarian Minority in Transcarpathia

Ukraine and Hungary have signed a historic agreement guaranteeing the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine's Transcarpathian region. Kyiv has officially committed to implementing all provisions of the deal, which addresses longstanding tensions between the two countries over minority rights. The agreement resolves disputes that have strained bilateral relations, particularly since Ukraine's 2017 education law that restricted minority language instruction. Transcarpathia, which borders Hungary, is home to approximately 150,000 ethnic Hungarians who have faced concerns about preserving their language and cultural rights under Ukrainian legislation.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Czech MP warns EU funds to Slovakia could be suspended over misuse concerns

A Czech parliamentarian has warned that European Union funding to Slovakia could be suspended as early as autumn due to alleged misuse of EU funds by associates of Prime Minister Robert Fico. The warning comes amid growing scrutiny of how Slovakia's government is handling European development funds. Fico leads Smer-SD, the ruling social-democratic party that returned to power in 2023 after campaigning on a platform critical of Western support for Ukraine. The potential suspension of EU funds would represent a significant financial blow to Slovakia, which relies heavily on European funding for infrastructure and development projects across the country.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Macron and Carney Seek to Strengthen Canada-Europe Ties Amid Global Tensions

French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Mark Carney met to discuss strengthening ties between Canada and Europe during a period of rising global tensions. The two leaders held talks ahead of next week's G7 summit, which will take place in the town of Évian on the shores of Lake Geneva. According to Carney, Canada, France, and Europe are prepared to "jointly represent a force for good in the coming century." The meeting reflects efforts by Western allies to coordinate their response to international challenges and reinforce transatlantic partnerships at a time of geopolitical uncertainty.

SMETASR/Teraz
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International Politics

UN Records Highest Civilian Deaths in Ukraine Since April 2022

The United Nations documented the highest number of civilian casualties in Ukraine during May since April 2022, according to ongoing monitoring of the conflict. The spike in civilian deaths marks a significant escalation in the human toll of Russia's war against Ukraine, which began with Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022. The UN has been tracking civilian casualties throughout the conflict to document violations of international humanitarian law and provide accountability for war crimes.

SME
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International Politics

Iran and US Complete Peace Agreement, Tehran to End Nuclear Program

Iran has agreed to end its nuclear program and destroy existing nuclear materials as part of a comprehensive peace deal with the United States, according to US officials. The agreement also includes Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping route through which roughly one-fifth of global oil passes. US officials announced Thursday that the deal has been finalized, with signing expected over the weekend at a European location. Iran will only receive access to billions of dollars in frozen assets after fulfilling all conditions of the agreement, including the complete dismantlement of its nuclear infrastructure and destruction of nuclear materials.

AktualityTASR/Teraz
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International Politics

EU approves start of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova

The European Union has formally approved the launch of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, marking a significant step toward potential EU membership for both countries. The first intergovernmental conference will open discussions on fundamental issues as part of the membership process. Ukraine submitted its membership application on February 28, 2022, just days after Russia's invasion began, while Moldova has also been pursuing EU integration amid regional security concerns. The decision represents a major diplomatic milestone for both Eastern European nations, which have sought closer ties with the West following Russia's aggression in the region.

SMETASR/Teraz
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International Politics

EU Study Warns Social Media Undermines Democracy as Evidence of Authoritarian Threat Grows

A leading cognitive psychologist has warned that social media platforms are systematically undermining democratic institutions across Europe, citing mounting scientific evidence of their harmful effects. Stephan Lewandowsky from the University of Bristol made the warning in a commentary published in the prestigious journal Science, responding to an 80-page report from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre. The Joint Research Centre, which serves as the Commission's scientific advisory body and provides research to guide EU policy-making, documented how internet platforms and social networks are destabilizing democratic processes. Lewandowsky emphasized that concerns about social media's impact on democracy are no longer based on speculation but are now supported by substantial empirical evidence. He warned that without concrete action to address these platforms' negative influence, the European Union faces the risk of authoritarian governments gaining power through the manipulation of online information ecosystems.

Dennik N
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International Politics

EU Lifts Budget Deficit Procedure Against Malta After Successful Fiscal Consolidation

The European Union has terminated its excessive deficit procedure against Malta after the Mediterranean nation successfully reduced its budget deficit below three percent of GDP on a sustainable basis. The decision marks Malta's successful compliance with EU fiscal rules that require member states to maintain budget deficits below the three percent threshold. The European Commission's move sends a clear signal to other EU member states that sustained fiscal discipline can lead to the lifting of punitive budget procedures. Malta's achievement demonstrates effective implementation of budgetary measures to bring public finances in line with the bloc's economic governance framework.

Aktuality
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