AGP Executive Report

Champions League, Slovakia spotlight: Paris Saint-Germain kicked off their 2026/27 title defence in style, routing Slovan Bratislava 6-1 at the Parc des Princes. Goals & stars: Ferran Torres stole the show with a hat-trick, while Ousmane Dembélé added two goals and two assists as PSG raced to 5-0 inside 57 minutes. Slovan reaction: Slovan’s Yaya Touré said the gulf in class was obvious, after Suleiman Camara scored the visitors’ consolation. Other Slovak-linked news: Slovakia’s defence plans also made headlines, with the government approving a deal to procure four more U.S.-supplied F-16 Block 70 jets by year-end. Education data: OECD PISA 2025 results were in the spotlight again, with reporting highlighting reading and maths declines to record lows. Diplomacy in Bratislava: The Irish Taoiseach is set to meet V4 leaders in Bratislava, focusing on the EU budget, enlargement and Ukraine.

Diplomacy & Ukraine: Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár says the EU should be more active in Ukraine peace efforts, arguing Europe is paying most of the bill while lacking a “seat at the table.” Digital State: Labour and Health ministers announced improved e-government services for nine key life events under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, with final EC confirmation due after audits. Education: OECD Deputy Secretary-General František Ružička told reporters Slovakia has no reason to be ashamed of PISA 2025 results, noting strengths in maths and science but urging better reading habits and stronger parental involvement. International Law: Juraj Blanár signed a host country agreement with the Permanent Court of Arbitration to allow PCA hearings in Slovakia, paving the way for parliamentary approval and ratification. Public Media Tech: STVR plans to switch its terrestrial TV multiplex to DVB-T2 by 22 September. National Security: Slovakia’s government approved buying four more US F-16 fighter jets for about €390m (excluding VAT/customs), citing the need to expand tactical aviation capacity. Culture & Language: Slovak Sound Check episode 54 focuses on outdoor activity vocabulary. Sports (Slovak spotlight): Slovan Bratislava’s coach Yaya Touré makes history as the first African head coach in the Champions League group phase ahead of PSG’s visit.

Champions League Spotlight: Real Madrid and Manchester City kicked off the new UEFA Champions League league phase with wins, as Mbappé struck early to help Madrid beat Inter 2-1 and Haaland scored twice for City in a 2-0 win over Porto. PSG vs Slovan Bratislava: PSG captain Marquinhos called the campaign “historic” as Luis Enrique urged the team to step out of its “comfort zone” ahead of Wednesday’s match against Slovan Bratislava, with Slovan’s Yaya Toure making history as the first African coach to lead a club into the competition’s league phase. Slovak Foreign Policy: Slovak FM Juraj Blanar said EU leaders should play a more active role in Ukraine peace efforts, arguing Europe is mainly paying costs while the US has a bigger seat at the table. Education Watch: PISA 2025 results show declines in reading, maths and science skills globally, and Slovakia is among the countries facing renewed scrutiny as results are discussed in Bratislava. Local Culture: Trnava unveiled a new Millo mural “Jupiter” on Hospodárska Street, adding another stop to the city’s growing street art scene.

Education & Skills: OECD PISA 2025 results were presented in Bratislava, with Slovakia performing above the OECD average in maths and improving in science, but still lagging in reading—officials stressed the need for more reading and stronger parental involvement. Education Policy: Slovakia’s teacher shortage remains acute: 343 vacancies are open, with the biggest gap in the Bratislava Region, and schools struggling most for maths and English teachers. Local Services: Foreign students are being warned to book residence-permit appointments early as demand rises and slots are limited at Slovakia’s Foreigners’ Police. Transport: ZSSK will replace some Bratislava–Vienna REX trains with buses for five days in mid-September, with an advised detour via Marchegg. Sports (Slovakia in focus): Slovan Bratislava face PSG in the Champions League opener, with Rahim Ibrahim among the Slovak champions’ key squad names. Archaeology: A rare Roman marching camp and military cemetery linked to fighting in 1914–1915 have been reported in the Carpathian region, including remains of Austro-Hungarian, Russian and German soldiers.

EU Pay Transparency: A new EU push to make job ads list salaries is still failing in most countries, with the European Commission warning that pay secrecy fuels discrimination and widens the gender pay gap. Slovakia Emergency Care: Slovakia’s Health Minister Kamil Sasko will set up a 22-member commission to overhaul emergency medical services, with the first meeting scheduled for Wednesday and two operating options on the table. Defence Cooperation: Slovakia and Poland signed a letter of intent under the SAFE initiative to deepen security and defence industry ties, including ammunition and anti-drone work. Diplomacy: Slovakia’s PM Robert Fico spoke by phone with Moldova’s PM Vasile Tofan, discussing bilateral cooperation and Moldova’s European path. EU-Russia Energy Row: Sergey Lavrov accused the EU of “harakiri” over plans to phase out Russian fossil fuels, arguing Europeans are paying the price. Champions League (Bratislava focus): PSG begin their 2026-27 title defence against Slovan Bratislava, while the wider league phase kicks off across the week.

Slovak Politics & Security: Slovakia’s Foreign Ministry summoned Russia’s ambassador after a drone attack hit a Ukrainian security service building near the Slovak consular area in Kyiv, with President Pellegrini calling for stronger dialogue with Russia while warning the war is spilling beyond Ukraine. Court Watch: The main hearing in the Kuciak murder case continues in Pezinok, with the court replaying a 2017 press conference involving Ján Kuciak and defendant Marian Kočner; the case is being heard for the third time after Supreme Court reversals. Budget Deadlock: Slovakia’s governing coalition still has no agreement on the 2027 state budget, as parties push their own conditions and the opposition warns debt is rising. Education & Culture: Bratislava will host the regional release of PISA 2025 results on Sept. 8, bringing representatives from 31 countries. Energy & Industry: The Vertical Corridor gas initiative expands as North Macedonia and Serbia join, boosting cross-border supply routes. EU/International Solidarity: UEFA will hold a moment of silence and display “You are not alone Nepal” before Champions League matches after Nepal’s floods. Bratislava & Travel: Wizz Air adds dozens of flights and routes, including increased service to Bratislava. Housing & Environment: A new Green Slovakia feature explores low-impact building ideas like Kerterre as prices rise.

Ukraine War Politics: Slovak PM Robert Fico says the April 2022 chance to end the war was blocked by major Western powers, warning continued militarisation could push the conflict toward a wider global confrontation. Diplomacy & Security: Slovakia also raised the temperature on Russia after drone-related incidents, while Ukraine’s foreign minister argues Russia is already waging a hybrid war across Europe. Domestic Parliament Standoff: SNS leader Andrej Danko says the coalition may refuse to open the next parliamentary session over a dispute involving Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba. Climate & Farming: Visegrad farmers’ groups, including Slovakia, are urging the EU to act fast as drought cuts fodder and threatens livestock and food security. Local Disaster: A fire in a Roma settlement in Prešov region left 39 people homeless after six homes burned. Sports & Culture: World Curling re-elected Beau Welling in Bratislava; Slovak pop star ADÉLA’s “PRIMA” gets major coverage; and a Nigerian midfielder, Samson Tijani, joined FK Železiarne Podbrezová on loan.

Ukraine & Diplomacy: Slovak PM Robert Fico said the West keeps “fanning the flames” of war and that Ukraine has “no military solution,” while President Peter Pellegrini floated a possible Smer-PS/Progressive Slovakia grand coalition and warned politics may grow tense ahead of elections. Bratislava & Culture: A sunset photo along the Danube in Bratislava made the news feed. EU Energy & Winter: EU gas storage is uneven ahead of winter, with Slovakia at about 50.75% full—raising household and industry price worries even as officials say supply is not immediately threatened. Drought & Farming: Visegrad Four farm representatives urged the EU to act fast as drought cuts fodder and hits crops, with Slovakia’s agriculture chamber warning the situation is worsening daily. Sports (Slovakia link): Nigerian midfielder Samson Tijani joined FK Železiarne Podbrezová on loan for 2026/27, with an option to make it permanent. World Curling: Beau Welling was re-elected World Curling President for another four-year term at an AGM in Bratislava.

Diplomacy & Security: Slovakia’s FM Juraj Blanár ordered the Russian ambassador be summoned after a drone strike hit the SBU building near the Slovak embassy in Kyiv, with consular services temporarily limited for safety. Politics: President Peter Pellegrini said Slovakia could benefit from a grand coalition between Smer-PS and Progressive Slovakia, warning a pre-election stalemate could raise tensions. Ukraine Spillover: Ukraine’s Andrii Sybiha claimed Russia is already “at war with Europe,” pointing to sabotage, drone activity and cyberattacks, while the U.S. renewed a “Do Not Travel” warning for Ukraine as thousands of Americans are expected to gather around Sept. 11. Energy: EU gas storage is uneven ahead of winter, with Slovakia at about 50.75% full, and the Vertical Gas Corridor added North Macedonia and Serbia to expand cross-border gas flows. Regional Agriculture: Visegrad countries urged the EU to act together on drought relief after major crop losses and feed shortages. Sports (Slovak angle): PSG host Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League after a winless Ligue 1 start, and Dembélé is expected back after being rested by Luis Enrique.

Bratislava–Kyiv Tensions: Slovakia summoned Russia’s ambassador after a Russian drone strike hit the SBU building near the Slovak embassy in Kyiv, prompting limited consular services for security reasons and a call to avoid escalation. Regional Energy Links: The Vertical Gas Corridor added North Macedonia’s NOMAGAS and Serbia’s Transportgas Serbia, extending cross-border gas-flow cooperation with Slovakia’s Eustream among participating operators. Drought Pressure on Farmers: Visegrad agriculture officials met in Nitra and urged the EU to deliver unified drought-relief measures, citing major crop losses and looming feed shortages. Ukrainian Migration Shift: Eurostat-linked reporting says Ukrainians with temporary protection are leaving Poland, with the Czech Republic increasingly becoming a key alternative destination. Cybersecurity Watch: A Slovakia-based ESET expert warns France (and Europe generally) remains highly targeted as attacks increasingly focus on personal data and interconnected systems. Sports—Slovak Angle: PSG’s Ligue 1 slump continues as they prepare for Champions League action vs Slovan Bratislava, while Middlesbrough coach Kim Hellberg says Slovak striker David Strelec must fight for his place after staying past the deadline.

Bratislava-Bulgaria Diplomacy: Slovak PM Robert Fico’s official visit to Sofia focused on energy and defence, with Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev saying energy is the “foundation” of both economies and announcing a joint nuclear-energy commission to share expertise and coordinate work with Westinghouse. Security & Defence Cooperation: Bulgarian and Slovak defence ministers discussed expanding bilateral military-technical ties, including experience with F-16 Block 70 and European SAFE projects, while Slovakia also offered cooperation in V4 formats. Ukraine Peace Line: President Iliana Iotova told Fico that Ukraine has no military solution and urged EU-wide diplomacy and negotiations. Energy Connectivity: Foreign ministers Juraj Blanar and Velislava Petrova talked energy, transport, innovation and new technologies, including closer public-private partnerships and EU cohesion and farm-policy priorities. Regional Gas Links: Bulgaria’s Bulgartransgaz says the Vertical Corridor is widening as North Macedonia and Serbia join, adding more routes and bidirectional capacity for supply security. Agriculture Under Drought Pressure: V4 farm representatives urged the EU to act urgently as extreme drought cuts fodder and damages crops, warning of knock-on risks for livestock and food security. Climate Tech Funding: A grant programme (Shine 2027) is open to early-stage climate ventures including Bratislava, offering up to €50,000 plus mentoring. Arts Funding Crunch: Slovakia’s multi-genre [fjúžn] festival faces scaling back due to an FPU funding signature delay.

Slovak-Bulgarian Energy Push: Prime Minister Robert Fico met Bulgaria’s leaders in Sofia, with both sides stressing energy security and climate-neutrality, including plans for a joint nuclear know-how commission and talks with Westinghouse on AP1000 reactors. Ukraine Diplomacy: President Iliana Iotova told Fico the Ukraine conflict has no military solution and must end through EU-wide diplomacy. Economy Watch: Slovakia’s GDP rose 0.8% year-on-year in Q2, with growth still under 1% for six quarters, while exports and imports rebounded. Education Pay Plan: The Education Ministry is preparing automatic teacher pay rises tied to the national average wage, aiming to present the proposal by year-end. EU Sanctions Clash: Slovakia blocked a one-year extension of EU sanctions on Russian individuals and companies, pushing for a shorter six-month renewal and some name removals. Industry & EVs: Hyundai Mobis started mass production of integrated EV power-electric systems in Nováky, while Dürr will deliver automated final-assembly tech for Volvo’s Košice electric plant. Science & Culture: Slovak scientists warn orbital mirrors could massively increase light pollution; Culture Minister Šimkovičová urged a fresh, more transparent selection for the Arts Council (FPU) director.

EUDEX Defence Expo: From 22–25 September, EURO DEFENCE EXPO (EUDEX) debuts at Messe Essen with 300+ exhibitors and a V4 matchmaking day linking Slovakia, Czechia, Poland and Hungary on dual-use and defence tech. State Finances: Slovakia’s state budget deficit hit €3.675bn at end of August, down year-on-year but up versus July, as revenues and spending trends shift. Security Drills: Slovakia launched “Shadows in the Clouds,” a major civil protection and crisis-management exercise in eastern Slovakia testing responses to drone attacks, mass-casualty events and airspace violations. Air Force Upgrade: The Slovak Air Force received two new UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, raising its fleet to 11. Energy Policy: Brussels is aware of Slovakia’s wind acceleration-zone change to one zone instead of eight, with local authorities still holding final building decisions. Sports & Culture: Andy Warhol Museum in Medzilaborce reopened after a €15.9m renovation; and Slovak paddler Eliška Mintálová finished second to Jess Fox in Paris canoe slalom. Justice: Four Slovak nationals accused in Sheffield of murdering a newborn “Baby S” will face trial on 12 April next year.

Bratislava & Mobility: FlixBus launched a year-round direct bus link between Vienna and Bratislava Airport, running four times a day in both directions, with tickets sold online. Local Life & Culture: Bratislava’s historic Apollon gay club closed after 31 years, blaming tighter opening-hour rules, rising rent and energy costs. Economy & Jobs: Slovakia’s average nominal salary rose to €1,707 in 2Q26 (+3.2% y/y), while unemployment climbed to 152,800 (+5.8% y/y) and the jobless rate reached 5.6%. Public Finance: The state budget deficit hit €3.675bn at end of August 2026, down year-on-year but up versus July. Energy & Policy: Education Minister Tomas Drucker told the EU Slovakia has complied on wind “acceleration zones” under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, while local authorities keep the final say. Security & Preparedness: Eastern Slovakia hosted a major civil protection exercise, “Shadows in the Clouds,” testing state response to scenarios including drone attacks and mass-casualty events. Business & Industry: Siemens Healthineers opened its SHIFT Innovation Center in Bratislava, focusing on AI in healthcare, cybersecurity, and quantum technologies. Environment: Firefighters continued battling a forest blaze at the Pukanec saddle in Slovensky raj, with helicopters deployed.

EV Industry in Slovakia: Hyundai Mobis has started production at its new PE System plant in Novaky (Trenčín region), its first such power-electric production base in Europe, with capacity for 280,000 units a year and a ceremony attended by PM Robert Fico. Auto Restructuring: Volkswagen management is pushing ahead with plans to close four German plants (Emden, Hanover, Zwickau, Neckarsulm) and shift some production to places including Slovakia and Poland, despite union and local opposition. EU Sanctions: EU ambassadors postponed a decision on extending individual Russia sanctions until Sept. 9; Slovakia reportedly backed the usual six-month renewal and suggested removing some names. Slovak Economy: Slovakia’s unemployment rose in Q2 to 5.6% (up 0.3 points), with 152,800 people out of work. Public Policy: The government approved a new phase to monitor and evaluate Roma-related public policies, funded by the EU and Slovakia with a budget over €5.68m. Justice Case: A court in the UK heard charges against four Slovak nationals over the murder of newborn “Baby S” found with 33 stab wounds in an outhouse in Sheffield.

EU-GMO Legal Fight: Slovakia’s PM Robert Fico says the country will sue the European Commission at the EU’s top court over deregulated “new genomic techniques” GMOs, arguing there’s no proof they’re safe and warning about impacts on people. Russia Hybrid Pressure: Germany says it has evidence linking Russia to the explosive drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, prompting EU-level anger and talk of deeper sanctions. Security on NATO’s Eastern Flank: Slovakia has approved sending radar devices and up to 101 troops to Romania under the Eastern Sentry mission, boosting low-altitude surveillance and early warning. Ukraine Compensation Mechanism: The Slovak government approved signing a convention creating an International Claims Commission for Ukraine, based in The Hague, to decide compensation claims for damage from Russia’s invasion. Constitution Day in Slovakia: The US president sent congratulations to Slovakia for Constitution Day, while former parliamentary leaders gathered at Bratislava Castle for a ceremonial lunch. Bratislava Regional Diplomacy: V4 foreign ministers plus Japan agreed to expand cooperation in science, research, AI and advanced tech, and to strengthen EU-Japan ties. Local TV Deal: Skylink will offer Viasat Epic Drama and Sport1 free to customers in September. Court Case in the UK: Four Slovak nationals appeared in court in Sheffield charged with murder after a newborn baby was found dead with 33 wounds from 15 stabbings.