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International Politics

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International Politics

Ukraine's Zelensky Says US Will Contribute to Chernobyl Reactor Shelter Repairs

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the United States will contribute funding for repairs to the protective structure covering the damaged reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The total cost for repairing the containment structure is expected to exceed 500 million euros (583 million dollars), according to the Ukrainian president. The Chernobyl nuclear facility, site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986, has required ongoing maintenance of its protective barriers to prevent radiation leakage from the destroyed reactor.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Hungarian Opposition Leader Péter Magyar Faces First Major Political Challenge

Péter Magyar, who emerged as the winner of recent Hungarian elections, appears to be approaching his first significant political misstep that could provoke strong public backlash. Political observers suggest that Magyar may not fully comprehend the challenges and scrutiny he will face in his new position. The development comes as the opposition leader transitions from electoral success to the practical realities of political leadership in Hungary.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Europe Prepares for Collective Defense Against Putin Without Trump

European nations are intensifying preparations for collective defense against Russian threats as they anticipate potential changes in U.S. support under a Trump administration. The preparations reflect growing European concerns about maintaining security cooperation and defense capabilities independently of American backing. European leaders are focusing on strengthening their own military coordination and defense mechanisms in response to ongoing Russian aggression, particularly following the invasion of Ukraine. The initiative represents a significant shift toward greater European strategic autonomy in defense matters.

SME
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International Politics

Slovak Foreign Minister to Visit Albania with Czech and Austrian Counterparts

Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár will travel to Albania for a working visit alongside his Czech and Austrian counterparts. The joint diplomatic mission represents a coordinated approach by the three Central European nations to engage with Albania, though specific details about the agenda and objectives of the visit were not disclosed. The trip underscores regional diplomatic cooperation between Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Austria in their dealings with Western Balkan countries, as Albania continues its efforts toward European Union integration.

SME
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International Politics

Attacks on Property Linked to Starmer Ordered by Russian-Speaking Contact

Slovak authorities have revealed that attacks on property connected to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer were commissioned by a Russian-speaking contact. The person offered financial rewards to three suspects for carrying out the attacks. The investigation suggests an international dimension to the incidents targeting property associated with the British leader, though specific details about the nature of the attacks and the identity of the suspects have not been disclosed.

SME
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International Politics

Putin and Trump Hold Phone Call Amid Middle East Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump conducted their 12th phone conversation since Trump returned to the White House in January 2024. During the call, Putin warned against renewed fighting in Iran, according to Russian news agencies. The frequency of these high-level communications between the Russian and American leaders highlights the ongoing diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Washington despite broader tensions between the two countries.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

United States extends deadline for Lukoil to sell foreign assets

The United States has extended the deadline for Russian oil giant Lukoil to divest its foreign assets, marking the latest in a series of extensions granted to the company. The license allowing Lukoil additional time to complete the sale of its overseas holdings has been renewed multiple times since sanctions were first imposed on the energy company following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The extensions provide Lukoil with more time to find buyers for its international operations while maintaining compliance with US economic sanctions that target Russian energy firms as part of broader Western efforts to pressure Moscow over the war.

SME
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International Politics

Putin Tells Trump Russia Will Achieve Ukraine Goals, Prefers Diplomacy

Russian President Vladimir Putin assured US President-elect Donald Trump in a phone conversation that Russia will achieve its objectives in Ukraine, while expressing a preference for diplomatic negotiations over continued military action. Putin's comments suggest potential openings for diplomatic progress in resolving the conflict. The phone call between the two leaders comes as Trump prepares to take office and has previously indicated his intention to pursue a negotiated settlement to end the war in Ukraine, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Aktuality
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International Politics

European Parliament Pressures Slovakia as Minister Kamenický Steps Back and Sulík Leaves SaS

European Parliament members have increased pressure on Slovakia while Defense Minister Robert Kamenický announced his withdrawal from active political duties and Richard Sulík ended his involvement with the liberal Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party. The developments come amid broader political tensions, with analyst László Gubík discussing conditions set by President Peter Pellegrini's ally András Magyary for Prime Minister Robert Fico. The pressure from European legislators adds an international dimension to Slovakia's domestic political turbulence, though specific details of the European concerns were not immediately clear. These simultaneous developments signal potential instability within both Slovakia's ruling coalition and opposition parties, as key political figures make significant changes to their roles.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Hungarian Oligarchs Move Billions Abroad as Orbán Considers US Exit After Political Fall

Wealthy business figures close to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are reportedly transferring billions of euros to foreign accounts following what sources describe as Orbán's political downfall. Hungarian police have begun reopening previously dormant corruption investigations, while Orbán himself is allegedly considering relocating to the United States. The developments suggest mounting pressure on Hungary's long-serving leader, who has dominated the country's politics since 2010. Orbán's Fidesz party has maintained power through control of media and state resources, but the reported capital flight and police activity indicate potential instability in his political system. The situation represents a significant shift in Hungarian politics, where Orbán has been one of Europe's most entrenched populist leaders and a frequent critic of EU policies.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Lebanon Demands Full Ceasefire Compliance Before Direct Talks with Israel

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has conditioned direct negotiations with Israel on full compliance with the existing ceasefire agreement. Aoun characterized ongoing attacks as an unacceptable obstacle to peace efforts, demanding complete adherence to the truce before proceeding with direct talks. The Lebanese leader's statement comes amid continued tensions between the two countries, with Lebanon insisting that any meaningful peace negotiations require Israel's full respect for ceasefire terms. The demand reflects Lebanon's position that sustained violations of the truce agreement undermine the foundation necessary for productive diplomatic engagement.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Slovak Coalition Must Fix 'Indefensible Mistake' Before International Scandal, Political Analyst Warns

A prominent Slovak political commentator has warned that the country's ruling coalition has committed an "indefensible mistake" that must be corrected before it escalates into an international incident. The warning comes amid concerns about a potential new wave of attempts to address Slovakia's historical Trianon trauma, which could intensify if Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar comes to power. The commentator argues that Slovak politics must resolve these domestic issues independently to maintain stability and avoid external complications in regional relations.

Aktuality
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International Politics

European Commission sues Hungary over discriminatory tax on foreign retail chains

The European Commission has filed a lawsuit against Hungary over an extraordinary tax on profits from foreign retail chains. The tax disproportionately targets retail businesses under foreign control, such as Spar, while domestic companies are not subject to the same maximum tax rates. The Commission argues this discriminatory approach violates EU law by creating unequal treatment between foreign and domestic businesses operating in Hungary's retail sector.

SMETASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Kyiv Imposes Sanctions on Those Involved in Kidnapping Ukrainian Children

Ukraine has imposed sanctions on individuals involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children during Russia's ongoing invasion. The sanctioned individuals include officials from the Russian state system, collaborators operating in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, and propagandists who have supported or facilitated these activities. The sanctions represent Ukraine's effort to hold accountable those responsible for what international observers have characterized as forced deportations of Ukrainian children to Russia, a practice that has drawn widespread international condemnation as a potential war crime under international law.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Madagascar expels French diplomat amid accusations of destabilization attempts

Madagascar has expelled a French diplomat and accused France of attempting to destabilize its government, prompting France to summon Madagascar's ambassador in Paris and strongly reject the allegations. The French government categorically denied any efforts to undermine the regime in Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital. The diplomatic tensions arise as Madagascar remains one of the world's poorest countries despite being the largest producer of vanilla and possessing rich biodiversity, highlighting the complex relationship between the former French colony and Paris.

SMEAktualityTASR/Teraz
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International Politics

European Parliament Calls for Unified Rape Definition Based on Consent Across EU

The European Parliament has demanded a uniform definition of rape across all EU member states based on the principle that only explicit consent constitutes agreement to sexual activity. The proposed legislation would center on clear, freely given consent rather than requiring victims to prove resistance or force. Slovak members of the European Parliament remain divided on the initiative, which aims to ensure that silence and paralyzing fear determine the guilt of perpetrators rather than victims. The measure represents part of broader European efforts to harmonize criminal law standards for sexual crimes across the 27-member bloc.

Aktuality
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International Politics

European Parliament Adopts Report on Slovakia's Progress

The European Parliament has adopted a report evaluating Slovakia's progress, with the document suggesting that EU funds to Slovakia would already be frozen if the European Union did not suffer from its own democratic deficit. The report appears to be critical of Slovakia's current trajectory, implying that the country's democratic and rule-of-law standards have deteriorated to a level that would normally trigger financial penalties under EU mechanisms. The assessment comes as the EU has increasingly used its budget as leverage to pressure member states over rule-of-law concerns, having previously suspended funds to Hungary and Poland over similar issues. The report's language suggests that procedural or political constraints within EU institutions may be preventing stronger action against Slovakia despite concerns about its democratic governance.

SME
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International Politics

Hungarian Opposition Party Tisza Votes More Often with Ruling Fidesz Than Own European Parliament Group

The Hungarian opposition party Tisza has been voting more frequently in alignment with the ruling Fidesz party than with its own political group in the European Parliament. Tisza, led by Péter Magyar, emerged as Hungary's main opposition force after winning seven seats in the June European elections, positioning itself as a centrist alternative to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz. The party joined the European People's Party group in the European Parliament, which typically opposes Fidesz on key issues. However, voting records show Tisza has demonstrated greater alignment with Fidesz positions than with fellow EPP members, raising questions about the party's stated opposition credentials and its potential role as what critics describe as 'Fidesz with a human face' - maintaining similar policies while presenting a more moderate image.

SME
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International Politics

Hungarian Opposition Leader Sets Precondition for Talks with Slovak PM Fico

Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar has confirmed he will not engage in dialogue with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico until the issue of the Beneš Decrees is resolved. The post-World War II decrees, which stripped ethnic Germans and Hungarians of property and citizenship in former Czechoslovakia, remain a contentious issue between the two countries. Fico has shown no willingness to address the historical grievances. László Gubík, head of the Hungarian Alliance party in Slovakia's parliament, acknowledged the stance could strain relations between the Slovak and Hungarian governments. Gubík, who represents Slovakia's ethnic Hungarian minority, admitted to voting for Hungary's ruling Fidesz party as a Hungarian citizen but said his party would maintain its strategic partnership with the Hungarian government regardless of the diplomatic tensions.

Aktuality
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International Politics

European Parliament Calls for Legal Action Against Slovakia Over Anti-Corruption Office Dismantling

The European Parliament approved a recommendation on Wednesday calling on the European Commission to initiate legal proceedings against Slovakia, a move that could lead to the suspension of EU funding for the country under the bloc's rule-of-law mechanism. The parliamentary resolution specifically cited Slovakia's dismantling of anti-corruption offices as grounds for concern. While the recommendation serves as a political signal to the Commission, it is not legally binding on the EU's executive body. The action represents escalating tensions between Brussels and Bratislava over democratic backsliding concerns, as the EU has increasingly used its financial leverage to pressure member states to maintain rule-of-law standards. Slovakia receives significant funding from EU structural and cohesion funds, making any potential suspension a serious economic threat to the country's development projects and public investments.

Košice Dnes
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