Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
Last refreshed: 20/06/2026 15:42 · 49 articles added
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Police Issue Dozens of Fines for Railway Crossing Violations in Prešov Region

Police officers in Slovakia's Prešov region issued fines for 121 traffic violations at railway crossings during a recent enforcement operation. The crackdown targeted drivers who failed to follow safety rules at rail crossings, which pose significant risks to both motorists and train passengers. The Prešov region, located in eastern Slovakia, encompasses numerous rural areas where railway lines intersect with local roads, making proper crossing behavior critical for preventing accidents.

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Society

Three Thousand Slovak Students Complete Annual DofE Summer Expeditions Without GPS

Three thousand Slovak students completed summer expeditions as part of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (DofE) program, navigating wilderness areas without GPS technology and often dealing with challenging conditions including worn-out hiking boots. The DofE program is a global character development initiative for young people, comparable in scale to scouting or YMCA organizations, but with distinctive features including mandatory wilderness expeditions. Around 6,000 Slovak teenagers and students enrolled in the program over the past year, with approximately half successfully completing all requirements. Throughout the academic year, participants must fulfill objectives in three areas: physical fitness and sports, practical skills development, and community volunteering, culminating in the challenging summer expeditions that test their outdoor survival and navigation abilities.

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Society

Slovak Police Use Surveillance Drones to Monitor Traffic Violations in Cities

Slovak police are deploying surveillance drones in cities to monitor traffic violations, issuing fines for offenses such as running red lights and using mobile phones while driving. The drones observe drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians from above, allowing police to identify and penalize violations that might otherwise go undetected. Police are keeping the number and locations of these drones secret for tactical reasons, typically resolving violations through on-the-spot block fines rather than formal proceedings.

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Society

Portrait Displays at Slovak School Spark Debate Over Taste and Personality Cult

Portrait displays at a Slovak school have generated controversy and public discussion about whether they represent a respectful tribute or constitute a personality cult. The founder of the institution has defended the decision to display the portraits, which have drawn criticism for their appropriateness and aesthetic choices. The debate has extended beyond questions of taste to broader concerns about the nature of such displays in educational settings.

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Society

Slovak University Erects Statues of Living Leaders, Drawing Comparisons to Trump

A Slovak university has erected statues of its living officials outside its campus, sparking debate about the appropriateness of memorializing people who are still alive. An expert has drawn comparisons to former US President Donald Trump, suggesting the move reflects ego and self-aggrandizement. The university's founder, however, defended the statues as a reflection of people's admiration for the institution's leadership. The controversy highlights broader questions about institutional culture and the appropriate ways to honor academic leaders in Slovakia's higher education system.

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Society

Gas Explosion Trial in Prešov to Begin Next Month, Five Men Face Prison

A criminal trial will begin next month for five men charged in connection with a gas explosion in Prešov that killed eight people. The defendants face up to ten years in prison for their alleged roles in the deadly incident. Prešov, located in eastern Slovakia, was the site of the tragic gas explosion that claimed multiple lives. The case has now moved to the court phase after what appears to have been an extensive investigation into the circumstances that led to the fatal blast.

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Society

People in Happy Relationships Often Fall for Others, Experts Say

Relationship experts suggest that falling for someone else while in a committed relationship is a common occurrence that doesn't necessarily signal disaster. The phenomenon can happen even in satisfying partnerships and may not indicate fundamental problems with the existing relationship. Mental health professionals emphasize that such feelings are part of normal human experience and can be navigated without ending relationships, though they require honest self-reflection and potentially professional guidance to address constructively.

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Society

Restaurant Etiquette: How to Politely Decline Overzealous Wine Service

Frequent wine refills by restaurant staff can create an unpleasant dining experience and make guests feel rushed, according to dining etiquette experts. The practice of repeatedly topping off wine glasses throughout a meal, while intended as attentive service, often comes across as pushy and can pressure diners to consume alcohol more quickly than desired. Restaurant etiquette specialists suggest that diners can address this situation through simple, polite communication with their server to ensure a more comfortable dining experience.

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Society

Púchov to renovate sports complex at J. A. Komenský Elementary School

The town of Púchov will renovate the sports complex at J. A. Komenský Elementary School. The new facility will offer a diverse range of sports venues designed to accommodate both recreational and competitive sports activities. The renovation project aims to provide improved athletic facilities for the local community and students.

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Society

14-year-old boy suffers broken nose during police raid on parcel locker theft, inspection launched

A 14-year-old boy sustained a broken nose during a police operation targeting theft from automated parcel lockers, prompting an internal investigation. The officers involved in the incident were not equipped with body cameras during the operation. The case highlights ongoing concerns about police accountability, as most law enforcement operations in Slovakia still proceed without the use of body-worn cameras despite calls for their wider implementation to ensure transparency and proper conduct during arrests and interventions.

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Society

Environment Ministry Rejects Waste Incineration Plant Near Hont Spa

Slovakia's Environment Ministry has officially rejected plans for a waste incineration plant near the Hont spa area, following opposition from over 7,000 people who signed a petition against the project. The ministry, led by Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba, cited concerns about the facility's proximity to the therapeutic spa. Local residents celebrated the decision, saying "common sense prevailed." However, the investor retains the right to appeal the ministry's negative assessment and could potentially challenge the ruling through administrative procedures.

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Society

Local Governments Welcome Rejection of Incinerator Construction Near Dudince

Local governments have welcomed the rejection of plans to build a waste incinerator near Dudince, a spa town in southern Slovakia. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process concluded with a negative result, effectively blocking the proposed facility. The EIA is a mandatory evaluation process in Slovakia that assesses the potential environmental effects of major development projects before construction permits can be granted. The decision represents a victory for local authorities who had opposed the incinerator project, likely due to concerns about environmental impact and effects on the area's spa tourism industry.

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Society

Blood donations rise in Vranov nad Topľou with increase in first-time donors

Blood donations increased significantly in Vranov nad Topľou, a town in eastern Slovakia, with donors contributing nearly 876 liters of blood in the past year. The eastern Slovak town, located in the Prešov region, also recorded a notable rise in first-time blood donors, indicating growing community participation in the voluntary donation program. The increase in blood collection represents a positive development for Slovakia's healthcare system, which relies on voluntary donations to maintain blood supplies for hospitals and medical facilities across the country.

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Society

Children's Hospital in Košice Prepares New MRI Facility for Pediatric Patients

Health Minister Kamil Šaško visited the Children's University Hospital in Košice to review construction progress on a new magnetic resonance imaging facility specifically designed for pediatric patients. During the visit, Šaško toured the future workspace and discussed additional investment projects with hospital management aimed at supporting the development of pediatric healthcare in eastern Slovakia. The new MRI facility represents part of broader efforts to enhance specialized medical services for children in the region.

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Society

Bishop Marián Andrej Pacák Appointed New Greek Catholic Visitator for Western Europe

Bishop Marián Andrej Pacák has been appointed as the new visitator for Greek Catholics in Western Europe, returning to frontline service for the community. Pacák takes over the mission from Bishop Milan Lach. The Greek Catholic Church, also known as the Byzantine Rite Catholic Church, maintains Eastern Orthodox liturgical traditions while being in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. The visitator position involves overseeing Greek Catholic communities and pastoral care across Western European countries, where many Slovak and Ukrainian Greek Catholics have emigrated for work or due to recent conflicts.

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Society

Health Minister Guarantees Poprad Hospital Reconstruction Milestones Will Be Met

Slovakia's Health Minister has provided assurances that the reconstruction project at Poprad hospital will meet all planned milestones, with completion scheduled by the end of June. The minister's guarantee comes as the major hospital renovation project enters its final phase in the Prešov region city of Poprad, located in northern Slovakia near the High Tatras mountains. The reconstruction represents a significant healthcare infrastructure investment for the region, which serves both local residents and tourists visiting the popular mountain destination.

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Society

Prešov Mayor Calls on Government to Maintain Environmental Protection in Poloniny National Park Zoning

The mayor of Prešov has urged the Slovak government not to weaken environmental protections in the Starina area during the rezoning process of Poloniny National Park. The mayor emphasized that the Starina region serves as a strategic source of drinking water, making its environmental protection crucial for the city and surrounding areas. Poloniny National Park, located in northeastern Slovakia near the borders with Poland and Ukraine, contains important water resources that supply communities in the region.

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Society

Slovak driver clocked at 182 km/h faces hefty fine

Slovak traffic police caught a driver traveling at 182 kilometers per hour, significantly exceeding posted speed limits. The motorist was issued an on-the-spot fine of 600 euros for the severe speeding violation. Such high-speed infractions represent a major road safety concern in Slovakia, where excessive speeding is a leading cause of traffic accidents and fatalities.

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Society

Medical institutions warn against risks of rejecting health regulation revisions

Medical institutions in Slovakia have issued warnings about potential risks following the government's decision to reject proposed revisions to health regulations. The Slovak government approved the rejection of the health prescription reforms, despite concerns raised by healthcare organizations about the implications of this decision. The medical institutions fear that blocking these regulatory changes could negatively impact the healthcare system, though specific details about the nature of the proposed revisions and the exact risks identified were not elaborated upon in available reports.

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