Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
Last refreshed: 20/06/2026 21:40 · 28 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

Society

View all2230 stories
Society

Slovaks Neglecting Colonoscopy Despite Cancer Prevention Benefits

Slovaks are failing to undergo colonoscopy screening despite the procedure's critical role in preventing colorectal cancer, according to health officials. The examination can detect not only existing tumors but also polyps, which can be removed during the procedure in most cases, preventing cancer from developing altogether. The screening method represents a key preventive measure against one of the most common forms of cancer, yet participation rates among the Slovak population remain inadequate.

|
Society

Slovak Troops Fought Alongside Nazis: Overlooked Chapter of War Crimes in National History

Slovak military forces under the wartime Ľudák government fought alongside Nazi Germany against the Soviet Union for nearly three years during World War II. The Slovak State, a Nazi client regime that existed from 1939 to 1945, was led by the authoritarian Ľudák Party under Jozef Tiso and closely collaborated with Hitler's Germany throughout the war. Historians emphasize the importance of openly discussing these darker chapters of Slovak history, including the country's participation in war crimes, rather than glossing over periods that are not sources of national pride.

|
Society

Slovak Journalist Reflects on Rising Toxicity in Daily Life and Media

A Slovak journalist has expressed frustration with what he describes as the increasingly toxic nature of everyday events and news coverage in the country. Writing in Denník N, the columnist described how his "cup of patience overflowed" last weekend, after years of what he characterizes as contaminated information from daily events. The journalist described a routine at home where his wife would greet him after work with coffee and updates on disturbing developments that occurred during his absence, illustrating his concern about the pervasive nature of negative news and social tensions in contemporary Slovak society.

|
Society

Air Rescue Helicopter Makes Three Emergency Flights for Injured Children in Northern Slovakia

Air rescue crews from Žilina conducted three emergency helicopter flights in a single day on Friday to transport seriously injured children to Martin University Hospital. The rescue operations took place across northern Slovakia's Orava and Malá Fatra regions. One of the emergency calls involved a 14-year-old skier who was injured in a fall at the Vrátna-Paseky ski resort. The intensive day of operations highlighted the critical role of air rescue services in Slovakia's mountainous regions, where helicopter transport is often necessary to quickly reach patients in remote areas and transport them to specialized medical facilities.

|
Society

Slovak Interest in Family History Abroad Reflects Deeper Social Issues, Says Analyst

A growing trend among Slovaks to celebrate their family histories abroad may signal underlying social problems at home, according to cultural analyst Tomáš Hudák. The phenomenon reflects Slovaks increasingly looking to their ancestors' stories and experiences in foreign countries as a source of pride and identity. Hudák suggests this trend toward romanticizing family connections beyond Slovakia's borders may indicate dissatisfaction with current domestic conditions, as people seek validation and meaning through ancestral narratives rather than present-day achievements. The analysis points to a broader pattern of Slovaks turning to historical family legacies as a way to cope with contemporary challenges facing the country.

|
Society

Slovak Social Media Personality Distances Himself from Don Boss Bossov Moniker

Michal Ferenc, a Slovak social media personality known by the alias Don Boss Bossov, said he would no longer use that name today because people stereotype muscular, bearded men as criminals. Ferenc made the comments during a podcast interview for Autobazar.EU. He also dismissed claims about making 20,000 euros from luxury Mercedes G-Class vehicles as unrealistic, calling such assertions "complete fairy tales" that do not reflect how the business actually operates.

|
Society

Activist with Tourette's Syndrome Apologizes After Racist Outburst at BAFTA Awards

An activist with Tourette's syndrome caused controversy at the BAFTA awards ceremony after shouting a racist slur during the event. The individual later apologized, stating "this is not the real me" and attributing the outburst to their neurological condition. The incident has sparked broader discussions about the limits of tolerance and inclusion in society, particularly regarding how communities should respond when individuals with neurological disorders exhibit socially unacceptable behavior. Tourette's syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary tics, including vocal outbursts that can sometimes include inappropriate or offensive language, known as coprolalia, though this affects only a minority of people with the condition.

|
Society

Journalists Share Travel Experiences: Dubai Apartments Cost Less Than Bratislava, Car Essential for Getting Around

Two Slovak journalists shared their international travel and living experiences in a recent discussion, offering insights into life abroad and travel advice. Tina Paholík Hamárová, a journalist from the Sme newspaper's Všesvet podcast who lived in Dubai for several years, and Nina Janešíková, an editor at Denník N who spent five years traveling internationally, discussed practical aspects of living and traveling overseas. The journalists covered topics including the cost of living in Dubai, where apartments can be cheaper than those in Bratislava, the necessity of having a car for transportation in the Gulf city, and how local residents perceive the current situation in the Middle East. They also provided practical advice for travelers on what to pack and arrange before departing, sharing tips on how to avoid common risks while living or traveling abroad.

|
Society

Medical experts identify 23 often-ignored cancer warning signs including fatigue and night sweats

Slovak medical experts have published a list of 23 cancer symptoms that patients frequently overlook, including fatigue and night sweats. The warning comes as doctors emphasize that cancer can be diagnosed in people of any age, with current statistics showing that only half of patients diagnosed with cancer survive longer than 10 years. The comprehensive list aims to help people recognize early warning signs that might otherwise be dismissed as minor health issues, potentially improving early detection rates and treatment outcomes.

|
Society

Slovak Hospital Compared to Household That Buys Car Before Getting Driver's License

A healthcare analyst has criticized the management practices of a Slovak hospital, comparing it to a household that purchases a car and then spends two years learning to drive. The analyst pointed to the problematic situation where warranties on medical equipment expire and technology becomes outdated while patients continue to wait for treatment. This criticism highlights ongoing inefficiencies in Slovakia's healthcare system, where poor planning and delayed implementation of medical services can leave expensive equipment underutilized while patient care suffers. The comparison underscores broader concerns about resource management and operational efficiency in Slovak public healthcare facilities.

|
Society

Slovak Hospital Criticized for Delaying Use of Medical Equipment While Under Warranty

A Slovak healthcare analyst criticized hospitals for purchasing medical equipment but failing to utilize it promptly, comparing the practice to buying a car and then taking two years to get a driver's license. The analyst noted that warranties expire and technology becomes outdated while patients continue to wait for treatment. This inefficient approach to medical equipment procurement and deployment highlights systemic issues in Slovakia's healthcare system, where administrative delays prevent timely access to modern medical technology despite financial investments in new equipment.

|
Society

Healthcare Expert Criticizes Hospital Equipment Purchase Strategy

A healthcare analyst has criticized Slovak hospitals for purchasing medical equipment before having trained staff to operate it, comparing the practice to "buying a car and then spending two years getting a driver's license." The expert warned that while expensive medical technology sits unused due to lack of qualified operators, warranties expire, equipment ages, and patients continue to wait for treatment. The criticism highlights ongoing inefficiencies in Slovakia's healthcare system, where poor planning and coordination between equipment procurement and staff training has led to wasted resources and delayed patient care.

|
Society

Mass Brawl Erupts in Slovak Village, Woman Injured and Vehicle Damaged

A mass brawl broke out in a Slovak village, leaving one woman injured and resulting in damage to a delivery van. Multiple police patrols responded to the incident to restore order. The incident required significant police resources, with several units dispatched to handle the situation and investigate the circumstances that led to the violent altercation.

|
Society

Slovak Commentary Discusses Support for Humanitarian and Protest Organizations

A Slovak commentary piece addresses support for organizers of humanitarian collections, mass petitions, and protest gatherings. The article, titled about half-full and half-empty glasses, appears to focus on civic engagement and grassroots organizing efforts in Slovakia. The piece likely examines perspectives on citizen activism and community organizing, though specific details about particular campaigns or events are not provided in the available summary.

|
Society

Slovak Public Television Gave More Coverage to Putin Than Ukrainian Perspective on War Anniversary, NGO Analysis Shows

A new analysis by MEMO 98, a Slovak media monitoring organization, examined how the country's public television covered the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The study revealed that the broadcaster allocated more airtime to Russian President Vladimir Putin's perspective than to Ukrainian voices during coverage of the war anniversary. The findings raise questions about balanced reporting on the conflict by Slovakia's state-funded television service. MEMO 98's detailed analysis tracked which sources and viewpoints received prominence in the broadcaster's coverage of this significant milestone in the ongoing war.

|
Society

Slovak Police Investigate Errors in School Attack Simulation Training

Slovak police are investigating incidents where their school safety training program went wrong, causing distress to children and prompting emergency calls. The "Break the Silence" prevention campaign is designed to prepare schools for worst-case scenarios and provide teachers with practical training on how to respond to armed attacks on schools. The training sessions, including attack simulations, are intended exclusively for teachers. However, in at least two cases, significant errors occurred during the exercises. In one incident, children were present in the elementary school premises during the simulation, though neither they nor their parents had been informed about the training taking place. The mishaps highlight concerns about the implementation of the police program meant to enhance school security preparedness.

|
Society

Driving School Instructors Would Keep Licenses Without Mandatory Retraining Under Proposed Changes

The Slovak government is considering changes to driving instruction regulations that would prevent instructors from losing their licenses if they fail to complete mandatory retraining courses within two years. The proposed amendment aims to standardize rules governing driving school operations across the country. Currently, instructors risk having their teaching permits revoked if they do not fulfill continuing education requirements within the specified timeframe.

|
Society

Milan Lach Named New Eparchial Bishop of Bratislava Eparchy

Milan Lach has been appointed as the new eparchial bishop of the Bratislava Eparchy, the administrative unit of the Greek Catholic Church in Slovakia's capital region. Lach, who was born in Kežmarok in northern Slovakia, previously served as an auxiliary bishop. The Greek Catholic Church is one of Slovakia's recognized Christian denominations, following Eastern Catholic traditions while maintaining communion with Rome, and serves a significant portion of the country's Catholic population particularly in eastern regions.

|
Society

Milan Lach Named New Bishop of Bratislava Eparchy, Replacing Petra Rusnák

The Bratislava Eparchy has appointed Milan Lach SJ as its new eparchial bishop. The experienced Jesuit priest, who brings international experience to the role, takes over the position from Petra Rusnák. The Bratislava Eparchy is the administrative diocese for Greek Catholic churches in the Bratislava region, part of Slovakia's Eastern Christian tradition that follows Byzantine liturgy while maintaining communion with Rome.

|
Society

Waste Separation Rate in Komárno Reaches 47 Percent

The southern Slovak city of Komárno has achieved a waste separation rate of 47 percent, representing a significant improvement in recycling efforts. The city faces rising costs in its waste management operations due to increasing waste volumes, higher energy prices, and minimum wage increases. Komárno, located on the Danube River near the Hungarian border, has been working to improve its environmental performance as Slovak municipalities face growing pressure to meet European Union waste management standards and reduce landfill dependency.

|