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International Politics

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International Politics

Foreign Policy Expert Says Fico Has Become 'Laughing Stock' in Europe After Moscow Trip

Foreign policy expert Alexander Duleba criticized Prime Minister Robert Fico's recent trip to Moscow, stating that the Slovak leader has become a "laughing stock" across Europe. Duleba, commenting on the diplomatic implications of the visit, suggested that Fico's actions have damaged Slovakia's standing within the European Union. The expert also predicted that Hungarian opposition politician Péter Magyar would take an uncompromising stance toward Fico, noting that Magyar "has nothing to give" the Slovak prime minister. The criticism comes amid ongoing tensions over Slovakia's foreign policy direction under Fico's leadership, particularly regarding relations with Russia while Slovakia remains an EU and NATO member.

Dennik N
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International Politics

EU Commission Representative Warns Slovakia Over EU Funds and Rule of Law Violations

Peter Stano, head of the European Commission's representation in Slovakia, warned that ongoing investigations into problematic EU funds will continue regardless of the European Parliament's vote last week. The investigations include scrutiny of controversial projects such as ranches funded by European money. Stano indicated that while the Commission will respond to the Parliamentary vote, it will not affect current probes into fund misuse. He expressed greater concern about Slovakia's repeated failures to meet rule of law standards, which the Commission has consistently identified as deficient. The European Commission has established mechanisms to suspend EU funding when member states violate rule of law principles, a tool designed to protect the bloc's democratic values and financial integrity. According to Stano, Europe could achieve greater prosperity if member states unified some of their differing legal frameworks, suggesting that regulatory fragmentation hampers economic growth across the European Union.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Slovak PM Fico's Moscow Visit Draws Parliamentary Criticism as Foreign Minister Sits Out

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will travel to Moscow on May 9 to honor victims of World War II, though he will not attend the military parade, and plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Fico leads Smer-SD, the ruling social-democratic party in Slovakia's coalition government. The visit has drawn criticism in the National Council, Slovakia's parliament, particularly as it comes amid ongoing tensions over Russia's war in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár will notably skip this trip, unlike previous occasions when he has accompanied the prime minister on controversial visits. The May 9 commemoration marks Victory Day, when Russia celebrates the defeat of Nazi Germany, but the event has become increasingly politicized since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Bellingcat Founder Says British Police Underestimated Russian Assassination Capabilities

Eliot Higgins, founder of the investigative website Bellingcat, said British police underestimated what Russian operatives were willing to do during the poisoning cases of Alexander Litvinenko and Sergei Skripal. In an interview, Higgins discussed how Russian agent methods in Europe have evolved over the years and explained how his organization uncovers war crimes using open-source intelligence. The investigative journalist revealed his personal security concerns, stating he would rather flush hotel food down the toilet than risk being poisoned by Russians, though he does not employ bodyguards.

Dennik N
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International Politics

Report Reveals Iran Hit More US Bases Than Washington Acknowledged During Regional Conflict

Iran successfully struck more American military bases in the Middle East during recent regional conflicts than the US government publicly admitted, according to a Washington Post investigation. The findings suggest the Iranian attacks caused more damage to US facilities than American officials disclosed to the public. President Donald Trump has continued to discuss potential negotiations with Iran while characterizing the military exchanges as a "minor skirmish." The revelation highlights the ongoing tensions between the two countries and raises questions about the transparency of US military reporting regarding Iranian capabilities and the extent of damage to American assets in the region.

Dennik N
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International Politics

Polish Intelligence Reports Surge in Russian, Belarusian, and Chinese Espionage Activities

Polish counterintelligence services have reported a dramatic increase in espionage operations by Russian, Belarusian, and Chinese intelligence agencies operating within Poland. The Internal Security Agency (ABW), Poland's domestic intelligence service, recorded a record number of espionage cases and issued warnings about the escalating security threat. The surge in foreign intelligence activities comes as Poland, a NATO member and strong supporter of Ukraine, has become a key strategic target for hostile intelligence services. Poland's position as a major transit route for Western military aid to Ukraine and its role in coordinating international support for Kyiv have made it an increasingly attractive target for foreign spy operations aimed at gathering intelligence on Western military capabilities and logistical networks.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Two Russian drones crash in Latvia, one hits oil storage facility

Two drones from Russia crashed in Latvia, with one striking an oil storage facility. Latvian authorities issued warnings to residents in the affected area, advising them to remain indoors during the morning hours. The incident represents another example of drones crossing into NATO airspace during Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, raising concerns about regional security and the spillover effects of the conflict into neighboring countries.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Iranian Embassy in Seoul Denies Iran's Involvement in South Korean Ship Incident

Iran's embassy in Seoul has denied that Tehran was involved in an incident affecting a South Korean vessel. An explosion and subsequent fire broke out on Monday aboard the commercial ship HMM Namu, which was sailing under the Panamanian flag. The Iranian diplomatic mission's denial suggests there had been speculation or allegations linking Iran to the maritime incident involving the South Korean-operated vessel.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Trump's Middle East Envoy to Meet Ukrainian Defense Minister in Miami This Week

Steven Witkoff, Donald Trump's designated Middle East envoy, is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in Miami this week. The meeting comes as Trump prepares to take office with promises to quickly resolve the Ukraine conflict. Sources did not provide specific details about the exact date or agenda for the discussion between the two officials.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Macron Speaks with Iranian President, Calls for Opening of Strait of Hormuz

French President Emmanuel Macron held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which he called for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. The conversation took place shortly after the French military announced that the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle was sailing through the Suez Canal toward the southern Red Sea. The timing of the diplomatic contact suggests France is coordinating military positioning in Middle Eastern waters with diplomatic outreach to Iran, which controls access to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz that serves as a crucial chokepoint for global oil shipments from the Persian Gulf.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Russia Calls for Diplomat Evacuation if Victory Day Celebrations Are Disrupted

Russia has issued a call for diplomatic evacuations in the event that Victory Day celebrations on May 9th are disrupted. The announcement comes as Russia unilaterally declared a ceasefire for May 8th and 9th to mark Victory Day, which commemorates the Soviet defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Victory Day is one of Russia's most significant national holidays, typically marked by large military parades in Moscow's Red Square and celebrations across the country. The diplomatic evacuation warning suggests heightened security concerns around this year's commemorations, though the specific nature of potential threats was not detailed in the announcement.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Former Slovak Finance Minister Analyzes Iran's Current Situation and Leadership Structure

Ivan Mikloš, Slovakia's former finance minister, has published an analysis examining how Iran reached its current position and identifying who actually governs the country. Writing two weeks after his previous article where he predicted the closure of the Strait of Hormuz would last several weeks to months at most, Mikloš based his assessment on the significant pressure created by the US Navy's blockade of Iranian ports since mid-April. The former minister, who served in Slovakia's government, continues to offer geopolitical commentary on international developments affecting global stability and economic conditions.

Dennik N
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International Politics

Czech PM Babiš criticizes planned Sudeten German gathering in Brno

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has expressed disapproval of a planned gathering of Sudeten Germans in the Czech city of Brno, calling the event "unfortunate." The Meeting Brno association, which is organizing the congress, has stated it will proceed with the event regardless of any potential parliamentary call to cancel it. The Sudeten Germans were ethnic Germans who lived in the border regions of Czechoslovakia before World War II and were expelled after the war ended in 1945, creating a sensitive historical issue that continues to generate controversy in Czech politics today.

SMETASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Israel Strikes Beirut Suburb in First Attack Since Ceasefire, Targets Hezbollah Commander

Israel conducted a targeted airstrike on a Beirut suburb, marking the first such attack since a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect at midnight on April 16-17. According to AFP sources, the strike killed the commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan unit along with his deputy. The ceasefire agreement has been repeatedly tested, with fighting continuing in southern Lebanon despite the truce. Hezbollah is a powerful Lebanese militant group and political party backed by Iran that has been engaged in cross-border exchanges with Israeli forces.

AktualityTASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Hungarian Government's Propaganda Network Shows Signs of Strain

Hungary's extensive state propaganda apparatus, built under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's rule, is experiencing internal pressures and organizational difficulties. The propaganda system, which has been central to Orbán's political strategy and public messaging campaign, is facing challenges that suggest potential weakening of the centralized media control structure. Orbán has constructed one of Europe's most comprehensive state media networks since returning to power in 2010, using public resources to fund pro-government messaging across television, radio, print media, and outdoor advertising. The system has been crucial to maintaining public support for Orbán's Fidesz party and promoting government policies, while simultaneously attacking opposition figures and independent media outlets.

SME
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International Politics

Two-thirds of Hungarians would put Orbán on trial, poll shows

A new poll by Hungarian research agency Medián found that two-thirds of Hungarians would support putting Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on trial. The survey also revealed a dramatic shift in the country's political landscape, with the opposition Tisza Party capturing 61 percent of voter support in a hypothetical new election. The findings suggest significant erosion of support for Orbán's Fidesz party, which has dominated Hungarian politics since 2010. Tisza, led by Péter Magyar, emerged as a major opposition force earlier this year and has positioned itself as the primary challenger to Orbán's rule, advocating for democratic reforms and anti-corruption measures.

SME
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International Politics

Slovak PM Fico Criticized for Body Language During Meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday in Yerevan, Armenia, but his conduct during the encounter has drawn criticism from etiquette experts. Observers focused on Fico's body language during the meeting, with specialists in diplomatic protocol describing his demeanor toward the leader of a country facing military aggression as disrespectful. The meeting took place on the sidelines of international proceedings in the Armenian capital, though the specific context of the broader gathering was not detailed.

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International Politics

Slovak Prime Minister to Visit Munich and Dachau Concentration Camp During Germany Trip

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will travel to Germany for an official visit that includes meetings in Munich and a visit to the Dachau concentration camp memorial. In Munich, Fico will meet with Markus Söder, the Minister-President of Bavaria, to discuss bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in the automotive industry. The visit represents part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between Slovakia and Germany, with particular focus on economic collaboration in the automotive sector, which is crucial to Slovakia's economy as the country hosts major car manufacturing plants from German automakers.

SMEAktualityTASR/Teraz
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International Politics

G7 condemns economic coercion through arbitrary export restrictions

The Group of Seven major economies issued a condemnation of economic coercion in the form of arbitrary export restrictions, with criticism clearly directed at Beijing. The G7, which includes the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada, represents the world's largest advanced economies and frequently coordinates policy responses to global economic and security challenges. China has increasingly used trade restrictions and export controls as tools of economic pressure against other nations, particularly in disputes involving technology transfers, territorial claims, and diplomatic disagreements.

SME
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International Politics

France Deploys Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle to Red Sea via Suez Canal

France is moving its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea as part of international efforts to secure maritime shipping routes. France and the United Kingdom are leading a multinational initiative to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which nearly one-fifth of the world's oil supplies pass. The deployment reflects growing international concern over threats to global shipping lanes that are vital to energy security and international trade.

TASR/Teraz
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