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International Politics

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International Politics

Lawyer for Rapper Diddy Joins Legal Team for Arrested Venezuelan President Maduro

A lawyer who represented rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs will join the legal defense team for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was arrested by U.S. special forces in Caracas in early January. Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were detained and flown to New York, where they face charges in American courts. The addition of Diddy's former attorney signals Maduro's preparation for a high-profile legal battle in the United States. The arrests represent a dramatic escalation in U.S.-Venezuela tensions, as American authorities have pursued the Venezuelan leader on various charges including drug trafficking and corruption allegations.

SMETASR/Teraz
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International Politics

France and Germany Propose EU Benefits for Candidate Countries Before Membership

France and Germany have proposed granting European Union candidate countries certain benefits and participation rights before they achieve full membership. According to a document, representatives from Western Balkan countries and Moldova could participate in parts of EU ministerial meetings and summits, though without voting rights. The proposal would allow these candidate nations to join EU programs during the accession process rather than waiting for complete membership. This initiative appears aimed at providing incentives and closer integration for countries seeking EU membership, particularly those in the Western Balkans and Moldova, which have been navigating lengthy accession processes.

SMETASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Moscow Ready to Build Relations with Magyar Government, Says Russian Foreign Ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova announced that Moscow is prepared to develop relations with the government of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's deputy, Peter Magyar. Zakharova stated that both countries have good prospects for continued cooperation across a wide range of areas. The comments come as Slovakia navigates its foreign policy balance between its EU and NATO membership obligations and maintaining some level of dialogue with Russia, despite ongoing European sanctions related to the war in Ukraine.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Russia monitors Hungarian leadership's actions, expects pragmatic relations

Russia is closely monitoring the actions of Hungarian leadership and expects to maintain pragmatic relations with Budapest. The relationship between the two countries includes significant economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector through the Paks II nuclear power plant project, which is being developed by Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom. Hungary, a member of both the European Union and NATO, has maintained closer ties with Moscow than most Western allies, particularly regarding energy cooperation despite EU sanctions related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

SME
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International Politics

Slovak PM Fico Rejects Hungarian Politician's Comments About Hungary 'Bordering Itself'

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico dismissed statements by Hungarian politician Péter Magyar as "strongman rhetoric" after Magyar claimed that Hungary is the only country in the world that borders itself. Magyar's remark was a reference to ethnic Hungarian minorities living in neighboring countries, including Slovakia. Fico, leader of the ruling social-democratic Smer-SD party, rejected the comments and said they unnecessarily increase tensions instead of promoting common sense and pragmatism. The exchange highlights ongoing sensitivities over ethnic Hungarian communities in Central Europe, particularly in areas that were part of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire before World War I, when borders were redrawn and significant Hungarian populations found themselves in newly formed states.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Putin Says Russia Must Strengthen Air Defenses as Ukrainian Territorial Gains Continue

Russian President Vladimir Putin called for strengthening the country's air defense systems as military dynamics shift on the Ukrainian battlefield. The pace of Russian advances has slowed since the end of 2024, with recent data showing Ukraine has regained more territory than it has lost for the second consecutive month. The territorial developments represent a notable shift in the conflict's trajectory, as Ukrainian forces appear to be making incremental gains against Russian positions after months of largely defensive operations.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Poland Reopens Case of 'Legal Drugs King' with Slovak Connections

Polish authorities will reopen the case against a figure known as the 'king of legal drugs' following an appeals court ruling that raised doubts about the original proceedings. The case involves an individual with suspected connections to Slovakia, though specific details about the Slovak link were not disclosed. The appeals court determined that uncertainties had emerged during the initial legal process, prompting the decision to revisit the matter. Legal drugs, also known as designer drugs or new psychoactive substances, have been a growing concern across Central Europe as authorities struggle to regulate rapidly-evolving synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of illegal narcotics while exploiting legal loopholes.

SME
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International Politics

Hungarian Foreign Minister Revives Trianon Rhetoric, Drawing Response from Slovak Officials

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has renewed historical rhetoric about the 1920 Treaty of Trianon, stating that Hungary "borders itself" in reference to Hungarian minorities in neighboring countries. The comments prompted responses from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár. The Treaty of Trianon redrew Central Europe's borders after World War I, leaving significant Hungarian populations in surrounding countries including Slovakia, and remains a sensitive political issue that Hungarian leaders periodically invoke when discussing relations with neighbors.

SME
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International Politics

Slovakia Opens New Honorary Consulate in Italian City of Bari

Slovakia has established a new honorary consulate in Bari, Italy, expanding its diplomatic presence in the southern Italian region of Apulia. Salvatore Chionno has been serving as Slovakia's honorary consul for the Apulia region since 2024. The opening of the consulate strengthens Slovakia's diplomatic network in Italy, providing consular services to Slovak citizens and facilitating bilateral relations in the economically important southern Italian region.

SME
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International Politics

European Countries and US Fail to Agree on New Bosnia Representative

European countries and the United States have failed to reach agreement on selecting a new High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Christian Schmidt stepped down from the position on May 10, leaving the international oversight role vacant. The High Representative serves as the top international official overseeing the implementation of the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement that ended the Bosnian war, with powers to impose laws and remove officials who obstruct peace efforts.

SME
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International Politics

Macedonia Questions Whether Slovak Air Defense Equipment Worth €10 Million Was Diverted to Russia

Macedonia has raised concerns about Slovak air defense equipment worth €10 million that was allegedly sold as scrap metal, with opposition politicians questioning whether the systems may have been diverted to Russia. Democratic opposition parties in Macedonia claim that valuable components remained in the equipment when it was sold, prompting calls for police intervention. The case has drawn international attention as both Slovakia and Macedonia grapple with questions about the disposal of military hardware and potential security implications amid ongoing tensions with Russia.

SME
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International Politics

Slovak Foreign Minister Protests Hungarian Opposition Leader's Avoidance of Slovakia

Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár has formally protested to Budapest over statements by Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar that appear to deliberately exclude Slovakia from regional cooperation discussions. Magyar, who has emerged as a prominent critic of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, spoke in April about strengthening Czech-Hungarian and Polish-Hungarian relations while notably avoiding any mention of Slovakia. Blanár's protest signals growing Slovak frustration with what officials perceive as provocative behavior by the Hungarian opposition figure. The incident highlights ongoing sensitivities in Slovak-Hungarian relations, particularly as Slovakia's government, led by the Smer-SD party, maintains closer ties with Orbán's administration than many of its regional neighbors.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Ukraine Changes Battlefield Dynamics with New Technologies Despite Air Defense Shortfalls

Ukraine has begun altering the situation on the front lines through the deployment of new military technologies, according to recent battlefield assessments. The technological advances are helping Ukrainian forces improve their tactical position against Russian forces in the ongoing conflict that began with Russia's invasion in February 2022. However, Ukraine continues to face significant challenges in one critical area - insufficient anti-missile defense systems remain a major obstacle limiting the success of Ukrainian operations on the front. The lack of adequate air defense capabilities continues to hamper Ukraine's ability to fully capitalize on its technological improvements and maintain sustained offensive operations against Russian positions.

SME
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International Politics

Hungary Seeks Irish Support to End EU Article 7 Proceedings

Hungary has requested Ireland's assistance in ending European Union legal proceedings against Budapest that have been ongoing since 2018. The proceedings, initiated under Article 7 of the EU Treaty, allow the bloc to suspend voting rights of member states that breach fundamental values. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris pledged close cooperation with the European Commission to help Hungary unlock frozen EU funds. The Article 7 procedure was launched against Hungary over concerns about rule of law, judicial independence, and media freedom under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government. The case represents one of the EU's most serious tools for addressing democratic backsliding among member states.

SMETASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Slovak Foreign Minister Blanár to Travel to Moldova and Ukraine

Slovakia's Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár will travel to Moldova and Ukraine on an official visit. During his trip to Ukraine, Blanár plans to visit a medical facility where he will deliver humanitarian aid from Slovakia. The Foreign Ministry announced the diplomatic mission, though specific details about the timing and scope of the humanitarian assistance were not immediately provided.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Serbian President Vučić Says EU Would Not Blackmail Serbia in Any Direction

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated he does not believe the European Union would blackmail Serbia in any direction. Vučić highlighted the strong economic ties between Serbia and the EU, noting that bilateral trade reaches 58 billion euros and that the European Union accounts for the majority of both Serbian exports and imports. The comments come as Serbia continues to balance its relationships between the EU and other international partners while pursuing EU membership negotiations.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Hungarian Opposition Leader Protests Benes Decrees on Trianon Anniversary

Hungarian opposition politician Peter Magyar staged a protest against the Benes Decrees during commemorations of the Treaty of Trianon anniversary, employing nationalist rhetoric in his demonstration. The protest occurred as part of broader political activities in Hungary, which is now 53 days away from upcoming elections. The Benes Decrees were post-World War II legislation that resulted in the expulsion of ethnic Germans and Hungarians from Czechoslovakia, while the Treaty of Trianon in 1920 significantly reduced Hungary's territory after World War I, making both sensitive historical issues that continue to influence Hungarian politics and regional relations.

Dennik N
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International Politics

EU to End Tax-Free Shopping on Cheap Chinese Imports from July 2026

The European Union will impose new fees on low-cost orders from Chinese e-commerce platforms Temu and Shein starting in July 2026, ending the current system that allows duty-free imports on small packages. The change will likely increase prices for European consumers who have grown accustomed to ultra-cheap purchases from these popular online retailers. Currently, small-value packages from outside the EU can enter the bloc without customs duties, making products from Chinese platforms significantly cheaper than domestic alternatives. The new EU policy aims to level the playing field between foreign and European retailers while generating additional customs revenue for member states.

Bratislavak
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International Politics

Czech Opposition Leader Calls for EU Diplomatic Mission to Negotiate with Putin on Ukraine

Andrej Babiš, leader of the Czech opposition ANO party and former prime minister, has called for a coordinated European diplomatic offensive to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the Ukraine conflict. Babiš claims that Europe has finally recognized the necessity of negotiating with Putin and has proposed establishing a joint EU mission led by Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The proposal comes as European leaders continue to grapple with finding a path toward resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Lebanon's President Warns Israel Ceasefire Deal Is Last Chance for Peace as Hezbollah Rejects Terms

Lebanon's president has warned that a new ceasefire agreement with Israel represents the last opportunity to calm their volatile border, but the deal's fate remains uncertain as the militant group Hezbollah has rejected the American-brokered terms. The president indicated the ceasefire could take effect within 24 hours if accepted. This comes as an existing truce between Israel and Lebanon, which began on April 17 and was initially set for ten days before being extended for 45 days, continues to hold. Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shia militant organization that controls much of southern Lebanon and holds significant political power in the country, remains the key obstacle to implementing the new ceasefire arrangement.

AktualityTASR/Teraz
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