Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

The first Vietnamese migrants began arriving in what was then Czechoslovakia nearly seventy years ago. Today, around 10,000 Vietnamese people live in Slovakia, yet their journey toward recognition as an established and valued part of Slovak society has been a long one. One group working to strengthen that recognition is Vietnamske Korene, or Vietnamese Roots. Led largely by members of the second generation, the organization created Vietnam Day—a festival celebrating Vietnamese culture and the ties between Vietnamese and Slovak communities. In this program, we visit this year’s festival to meet organizers, participants, and attendees and explore how the event is introducing Vietnamese culture to a wider Slovak audience, building bridges between communities, and bringing together generations of Vietnamese living in Slovakia.

In September, Bratislava region will host Shalom Chaverim, the 3rd edition of the Jewish Cultural Festival. Concerts, exhibits, events and even a festival celebrating the traditional Slovak Jewish cuisine will be held from the 2nd to the 9th of September in Bratislava, Cunovo, Senec and Svaty Jur. Today we will talk to talk with one of the organizers Petra Barkanyi, Rabbi David Adri and Samo Alexander from the Pressburger Klezmer band.

The third edition of our summer series HerStories from the Capital: Remarkable Women of Bratislava shines a light on three extraordinary women whose lives were shaped by courage, creativity and a deep connection to Bratislava. Together with Bratislava tour guides Ľubomíra Černáková and Katarína Blšták Čatlošová, we meet Hana Gregorová, one of Slovakia’s earliest and most outspoken advocates of women’s rights and education; Alžbeta Güntherová-Mayerová, a pioneering art historian who helped preserve Slovakia’s cultural heritage; and Beatrix “Trixi” Čelková, an anti-fascist resistance fighter whose courageous work in Bratislava contributed to the Allied bombing of the Apollo refinery during the Second World War. In the latest colourful episode of Slovak Sound Check, we explore the names of common colours and learn how to describe different shades.

Weekly digest of the news and features aired on Radio Slovakia International. Patrícia Lucia Balajová takes listeners on a journey through the House of the Albrechts and Romer House in Bratislava, Patrícia Polakovičová explores the Slovak Central Bank's take on crypto assets and Veronika Ščepanová is introducing fruit vocabulary in another part of the Slovak Sound Check series.

In this interview, conducted on the occasion of the centenary of radio broadcasting in what is now Slovakia, former RSI English Section member Warren Turner brings to life his memories of the station. As part of our tips on Slovak culture for foreigners living in or visiting Slovakia, P. M. Bohúň Gallery director Richard Gregor invites you to a unique exhibition tracing the development of tapestry in Slovakia throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. And there are several more tips waiting for you too!

Slovakia is experiencing a continued decline in birth rates, with fewer children being born each year and noticeable changes in the country’s demographic structure. The report from the Statistical Office of Slovak Republic says, the birth rates recorded for the year 2025 were the lowest since the World War II. What is behind this trend, and how will it shape the future of Slovak society? In today’s programme, we take a closer look at the latest data and long-term projections with demographer Boris Vaňo. Secon part of the show looks at the growing popularity of crypto-assets in Slovakia and what the introduction of new regulation means for ordinary investors. As a part of the economic segment Young Money we spoke to National Bank of Slovakia about the risks of investing in crypto, Slovaks’ level of knowledge about digital assets, and what people should know before deciding to invest.

History, innovation and culture come together in this three-part feature exploring the many ways Slovakia is shaping its future while preserving its past. Step inside Bratislava's restored Albrecht House, once a unique meeting place for musicians, artists and free thinkers. Discover the hidden stories of the recently reopened Romer House, one of the city's oldest historic buildings, where centuries of history are gradually being uncovered. Finally, travel to Žilina to learn how an international research project is using smart technologies to make urban transport more sustainable, efficient and people-friendly. From cultural heritage to cutting-edge innovation, these stories reveal how places gain new purpose when passionate people bring them back to life.

The annual Slkno v Siete awards, recognizing the best in Slovak cinema were recently handed out. Ben Pascoe brings you interviews and sounds from the gala event.

According to the European Innovation Scoreboard 2025, Slovakia’s innovation performance stands at just 62.6% of the EU average. The challenge is often not a lack of ideas, but getting them to customers, investors and international markets. New incubator Halif Hatch aims to help bridge that gap by connecting startups and emerging talent with real market opportunities. Launching in Bratislava, the project is owned by UAE-based Tahaluf and led in Slovakia by Swiss company Innixus. We spoke with CEO Simon Reiniche, Head of Operations Alexandra Procházková and Head of Marketing Barbora Cisáriková about why Bratislava, and why now. In the latest episode of Slovak Sound Check, we expand our Slovak fruit vocabulary beyond the market basics.

After the news frontpage - a compilation of latest headlines from Slovakia - comes a short recap of Martina Greňová Śimkovičová´s feature on 100 years of broadcasting in what is now Slovakia and one of Ben Pascoe´s interviews.

Summer Reading with RSI is a series spotlighting Slovak literature in translation. Published in 2026, The Book of Bratislava brings together ten stories by contemporary Slovak writers. Today's episode features "Obrcian and Vydarená" by Igor Hochel, translated by Charles Sabatos. Also this summer, as Pohoda—the longest-running multi-genre festival in Slovakia—celebrates its 30th anniversary, we're bringing you a series of interviews with both international and Slovak artists from the anniversary lineup. Today, KOIKOI from Serbia.

The Franciscan Church in Bratislava is the city's oldest preserved church that has remained in continuous use to this day. Its history is inseparably linked with the history of Bratislava and the former Kingdom of Hungary. In this programme, we explore its rich past, the major historical events associated with it, and the life of the Franciscan community, which has been present here for nearly eight centuries. As part of our economic series Young Money, produced in cooperation with the National Bank of Slovakia, this episode explores the future of euro banknotes. Why is the European Central Bank redesigning them after more than twenty years? What themes are being considered, how can the public take part in the selection process, and what will the new banknotes mean for Europeans? We discuss the reasons behind the redesign, the role of security features, and the future of cash in an increasingly digital world.

In this episode, we explore what drives ordinary people to step forward in extraordinary times. Social psychologist Barbara Lášticová from the Slovak Academy of Science joins us to discuss new research into the motivations of volunteers who helped refugees following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Drawing on a large study conducted across Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland, the conversation looks at the difference between personal, moral, and politicized motivations — and why some forms of solidarity last longer than others. Listeners will hear how early waves of compassion evolved into long-term engagement, what shapes our expectations of refugees, and what this research reveals about sustaining solidarity in times of crisis.

Ben Pascoe sits down with Israeli Ambassador to Slovakia, Cobi Yanovsky. In addition to discussing the state of relations between Slovakia and Israel, they also talk about opportunities for future cooperation, how Mr. Yanovsky is adapting to Slovakia and the current situation in Israel.

3 August 2026 marks a special day in the history of radio broadcasting in Slovakia. All channels of the public broadcaster are coming together for a day of special programming exploring different aspects of the country's radio history. But what exactly happened? And why is this date being marked in such a special way? For the story behind it, we turn to historian Vladimír Draxler, long-time radio producer and editor Peter Turčík and Czech radio archive expert Tomáš Pánek to find out more.

An overview of this week´s news combined with three excerpts from Monday´s, Tuesday´s and Wednesday´s magazines from RSI english section. More on Bratislava´s influential women, Bratislava´LGBTQ+ Pride march and an interview with young Slovak scientist Anna Podmanická.

First up is our Monthly Catch-Up (or Monthly Ketchup, if you prefer!) – a light-hearted roundup of the stories, events, and moments that shaped Slovakia over the past summer month. Then we head to the picturesque village of Brhlovce, home to the beloved traditional Brhlovce steamed buns, which were added to Slovakia's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage this year. This recognition is the result of years of dedicated work by the civic association Nostra Heredita. We spoke with Eva Homoľová, Adriana Sztankóova, and Monika Ježíková about the history of this cherished baking tradition, what makes it so special, and how they are working to preserve it for future generations.

Can theatre be a place where diagnoses fade into the background, giving way to talent, creativity and the joy of performance? In this programme, we'll introduce Divadlo Dúhadlo, a unique theatre company whose actors have Down syndrome. We'll explore how their productions come to life, what theatre means to the performers themselves, and how their work is helping to change public perceptions of people with disabilities. Through conversations with the company's creators and actors, we'll step into a world where art breaks down prejudice and creates space for genuine inclusion.

What if the most valuable thing science can teach us isn't a formula or a discovery - but a way of thinking? In this feature, young Slovak researcher Anna Podmanická reflects on curiosity, failure and perseverance, revealing how scientific thinking can shape not only research, but everyday life.

Ben Pascoe visited this years Duhovy, or Rainbow pride in Bratislava. He talked with organizers, volunteers, and attendees, including ambassadors there to show their support.

In the second episode of our summer series HerStories from the Capital: Remarkable Women of Bratislava, Bratislava tour guides Ľubomíra Černáková and Katarína Blšták Čatlošová introduce three more extraordinary women whose lives were closely connected with the Slovak capital. We meet Princess Stéphanie of Belgium, the last owner of the Rusovce Manor House, pioneering photographer and anti-fascist Irena Blühová, who studied at the legendary Bauhaus in Dessau, and celebrated Slovak writer Margita Figuli. In the 50th episode of Slovak Sound Check, Veronika is joined by Lubna and Seán to reflect on their Slovak-learning journey and look back at episodes 41 to 49, revisiting topics from adjectives and summer plans to useful vocabulary and grammar tips.

This Saturday show once again brings you an overview of this week´s news from Slovakia and also pices of Jeremy Hill´s Wednesday feature and Patrícia Polakovičová´s Thursday one. Their magazines brought you closer to Trenčín´s immersive exhibition Audioswarm and to the Nota Bene magazine.

Summer Reading with RSI is a series spotlighting Slovak literature in translation. Published in 2026, The Book of Bratislava brings together ten stories by contemporary Slovak writers—five women and five men—representing different generations and literary styles. Today's episode features "The Last Days of Stoka" by Lucia Piussi, translated by Janet Livingstone. Also this summer, as Pohoda—the longest-running multi-genre festival in Slovakia—celebrates its 30th anniversary, we're bringing you a series of laid-back interviews with both international and Slovak artists from the anniversary lineup. Today, meet Muovipussi from Finland.

For 25 years, the street magazine Notabene has been helping people experiencing homelessness and those in difficult life situations in Slovakia regain independence and dignity. In this programme, we explore the story behind the magazine with Nina Beňová, director of the organisation Proti Prúdu, and Peter Kováč, social worker and distribution coordinator of the magazine. They talk about the realities behind the faces of the vendors we meet on the streets, the challenges people without stable housing face, and why ending homelessness requires more than just temporary assistance. It requires understanding, support, and access to a safe home.

In this episode, we explore two distinctive cultural events that are helping shape Trenčín’s year as a European Capital of Culture. First, we step inside the Formaat Gallery to experience the world from a completely different perspective — through the eyes and ears of an insect. Audioswarm, created by sound artist John Grzinich, transforms participants into a moving swarm, guiding them through Trenčín on an immersive sonic journey. Discover how the simple speakers in mobile phones can surprise, challenge, and connect audiences in a unique multi-sensory experience. Then, we travel to Japanese Days, a three-day celebration of Japanese culture featuring traditional tea ceremonies, cuisine, crafts, and captivating performances. From the Hviezda Cultural Centre, we hear the story of a Slovak green tea enthusiast, and meet internationally acclaimed performance artist Hiroaki Umeda, who shares how his distinctive artistic vision takes him around the world. Join us as we uncover the sounds, stories, and cultural connections that make Trenčín 2026 a year to remember.

Ben Pascoe talks with musicologist, musical journalist, musician and music lover Oliver Rehak to give you an intro to Slovak music today.

On July 21, we mark 146 years since the birth of Milan Rastislav Štefánik — a remarkable astronomer, aviator, military leader, and diplomat who played a crucial role in the founding of Czechoslovakia. Born in 1880, Štefánik lived a life that bridged science and statecraft, sky and soil, ambition and sacrifice. Today, we speak with renowned Slovak historian Michal Kšiňan, author of the first scientific monograph on Štefánik, “Milan Rastislav Štefánik: The Man Who Talked to the Stars,” to explore story, public image, and some of the myths that still surround this important figure even today. As always, the programme concludes with our language corner, Slovak Sound Check.

A look back at the past week in and on Slovakia Today.

As Pohoda celebrates its 30th edition, Slovakia’s largest summer multi-genre festival finds itself at the centre of debates about its political and socially engaged identity. For more than 25 years, it has combined music with public debate and contemporary art, reflecting the issues shaping society. From Václav Havel’s landmark visit in 2008, which reinforced Joan Baez’s decision to perform, to the 2026 edition, where Zuzana Čaputová and Petr Pavel took to the discussion stage and The Cure made their Pohoda debut, the programme traces the moments that have defined the festival. Founder Michal Kaščák, Hospitality Manager Barbora Bodnárová and Holger Jens Schmidt, Secretary General of the European Festivals Association, reflect on Pohoda’s place among Europe’s leading festivals. Meanwhile, The Prodigy return for their third Pohoda performance since 2005, and IDLES share what it means to be back in Trenčín.

Step back in time as we explore the rich history of Bratislava’s Coronation Days. Learn about the traditions behind the coronation of Hungarian monarchs, discover how these spectacular ceremonies are recreated today, and hear from historians and organizers who bring this remarkable chapter of Slovak history to life. Artificial intelligence is transforming the labour market at an unprecedented pace. In this interview, AI expert Tomáš Gál discusses how these changes are already affecting Slovakia, which professions are most at risk, and what skills people will need to succeed in an AI-driven economy.

What do a bakery and a textile laboratory have in common? More than it might seem. In this programme, we explore two places where experience, precision and innovation play a crucial role – from the production of bread and pastries in Bratislava to advanced textile research in Žilina.

Former Slovak living abroad, current Slovak citizen, Gregory Fabian sits down with Ben Pascoe to discuss the state of Slovakia today. How Mr. Fabian came to be here, what it was like in Meciar times, how learning Slovak is going as well as the changes that have happened over the years he has been here.

Economist and historian Andrej Svorenčík of the University of Mannheim once pointed out that in Bratislava, for every street named after a woman, there are roughly twenty-five named after men. The new summer monthly series HerStories from the Capital: Remarkable Women of Bratislava explores the lives of women whose names are far less visible on the city's streets despite their remarkable contributions to society. In the first edition, our guides Ľubomíra Černáková and Katarína Blšták Čatlošová will introduce us to the founder of the first kindergarten in the Habsburg Monarchy, the first professional Slovak actress, and an internationally renowned microbiologist nicknamed the “Queen of Yeasts.” As always, the programme concludes with a new edition of our language corner, Slovak Sound Check.

Pohoda, Slovakia’s largest multi-genre festival, reached new heights in 2025, with director Mišo Kaščák calling it the best edition yet. Iggy Pop delivered an unforgettable show, while Africa Express took the stage not only in solidarity with their fellow musicians from Massive Attack—who couldn’t attend this year—but also as a gesture of deep respect for the audience. The legendary Queens of the Stone Age from the U.S. ignited a wild mosh pit, as did local punk powerhouse Fvck_Kvlt from Trnava. Renowned American jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington and Slovakia’s own jazz icon Peter Lipa each received standing ovations for their sets. Other standout live performances included female performers Skye from Morcheeba, Anoushka Shankar as well as Slovak musicians Jana Kirschner, and Katarzia, all of whom captivated the crowd. The Czech band Dukla surprised fans with a duet alongside Ela Tolstova, lead singer of the Slovak band Tolstoys, who recently performed at Glastonbury for the second year in a row. The festival’s atmosphere and unforgettable moments were captured over four days in a special report and series of interviews by Martina Greňová Šimkovičová.

Summer Reading with RSI is a new series featuring Slovak literature in translation. This summer, we're bringing you stories from The Book of Bratislava, an anthology of contemporary Slovak fiction published by Comma Press, a not-for-profit publisher based in the UK. Every other Friday, you'll hear an excerpt from a different story in the collection. We will also talk to representatives of Slovak journals united in PUČ.

Slovakia is considering a potential ban on social media use for children under the age of 15, citing concerns about mental health and online safety. The proposal has sparked debate about whether stricter regulation can truly protect young people in the digital age or whether education and smarter platform rules would be more effective than prohibition. In this programme, we explore the risks children face online, the psychological impact of social media, and whether a legislative ban is a realistic and enforceable solution in Slovakia with IT and cyber security expert Jozef Filko and child psychologist and director of the Private Centre for Counceling and Prevention in Topoľčany Jana Merašickár.

In this episode, we reflect on the opening ceremony of Trenčín's European Capital of Culture year and explore its impact on the city with a team of independent researchers. We also speak with Stanislav Krajči, CEO of Trenčín 2026, about how the programme has unfolded so far and what exciting performances, exhibitions, and events are still to come in the second half of the year. Finally, we visit one of those events—Garáž—to see how the city is supporting emerging musicians through a vibrant weekend of live performances.

Ben Pascoe talks with security expert Brano Tichy about how to prepare your own 72 survival kit in Slovakia today as well as gets some helpful hints on how to best enjoy summer festivals.

A tribute to Slovakia’s golden voice — in life, in legend, and now on the big screen. As excitement builds around the new film about Karol Duchoň, we bring you the story of one of Slovakia’s most beloved singers — a powerful voice and gentle soul who touched generations. Through rare archival recordings, new film interviews, and heartfelt memories from those who knew him best, this special traces Duchoň’s meteoric rise, his private struggles, and the timeless legacy now revived for a new generation. Featuring voices from film director Peter Bebjak, actor Vladimír Plevčík, lyricist Ľuboš Zeman, longtime collaborators Marcela Laiferová and Pavol Hammel, his first wife Elena Duchoňová, Karol Duchoň himself – and more. In the latest episode of Slovak Soundcheck, we head to the theatre with a special vocabulary toolkit for performance enthusiasts.

Where we look back at the most important headlines from the past week and reports from RSI English section.

In today's programme, you'll hear from the newly elected Vice-President of the Federation of European Film Academies, Katarína Krnáčová, speaking about the current state of the Slovak film industry. Later, writer Peter Getting and translator Igor Otčenáš will discuss the power of language — and how it can be misused.At the end of the show, we'll also bring you cultural tips from Trnava, Nitra, Trenčín, Prešov and Bratislava. Stay tuned.

In this week’s programme, we speak with American author, journalist, and disability rights advocate Elizabeth Sammons about accessibility, inclusion, and her recent visit to Slovakia as part of the Fulbright Specialist Program. In the second half, we turn to our economics segment with Peter Majer, spokesperson for the National Bank of Slovakia, who looks back at the institution’s history, its role in shaping modern Slovakia, and some of the country’s key economic milestones.

What do probation work and theoretical chemistry have in common? More than you might think. In this edition of RSI, we meet two remarkable Slovak women whose careers may seem worlds apart, yet both are driven by the same goal – helping people. Probation officer and author Alena Gulánová explains why justice should never lose its human face, while young chemist Viktória Pohorelská shows how curiosity, science and lifelong learning can improve lives and bring complex knowledge closer to everyone.

In honour of Canada and the founding of the Canadian-Slovak Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Slovakia, Karen Mollica, visits the RSI studio. On this special occasion Ben Pascoe and Jacques Hoflack, from the French section of RSI, talk Canada and Slovakia in English and French.

RERUN: On the occasion of International Women in Diplomacy Day (June 24), a public discussion was held at the European Parliament Liaison Office in Bratislava. In this follow-up, we bring you highlights from the event and conversations with both the organizers and guests about the importance of women's representation in diplomacy and other high-level leadership positions. Among the speakers are former Slovak ambassador, former State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and two-time Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the OECD in Paris, Ingrid Brocková; former ambassador, chief of protocol, and director of the Press Department at the Office of President Michal Kováč in the 1990s, Anna Tureničová; and Zuzana Maďarová, a researcher at the Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences at Comenius University. Together with the event organizers, they share personal stories from their diplomatic careers, reflect on how the profession has evolved over the years, and speak candidly about the challenges and progress in achieving gender equality in diplomacy and society at large. The latest episode of the Slovak Sound Check introduce the conjugation of the verb mať – to have.

We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.

Artists in residence. Scientists coming and going. Plenty of children. Two dogs. Caravans lined along the edge of the woods surrounding the meadows. That was Kvantum festival in 2026. Tips for other cultural events suitable for English speakers living in or visiting Slovakia included too.

More than three decades after the fall of communism, the stories of those who suffered under the regime continue to shape Slovakia’s understanding of freedom and democracy. In this programme, we mark the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Communist Regime, which falls on June 24, by exploring how political repression affected ordinary lives and why these memories still matter today. This programme looks back at the lives affected by political repression and asks why these stories still matter today. You will hear from Radoslav Ragač of the Nation’s Memory Institute, as well as Pavol Hric and Martin Klimza from the Museum of Victims of Communism in Košice, who discuss persecution, resistance, and the importance of preserving the memory of those who suffered under the communist regime.

In this episode of our Green Slovakia series, we explore how the Technical University in Zvolen (TUZVO) is helping to educate the next generation of Slovak conservationists. We speak with Vice-Dean for International Relations Tomáš Lepeška about the university’s history, its environmental science programmes, and the opportunities available to students. We then head into the Tatra Mountains for a field excursion, where we meet students and Professor Michal Wiezik, environmental scientist and Member of the European Parliament. Together, they discuss the value of hands-on learning, the realities of conservation work in the field, and the challenges facing the environmental movement across Europe.

Ben Pascoe visits Banská Štiavnica and meets the director of the Kosmopol Theatre Mila Dromovich and talks Tajchs with the director of the Štiavnický tajch civic organization, Michal Červeň.