Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

In honour of the special day in Slovakia, we take a look back at some interviews explaining where this tradition comes from and why it is celebrated here.

The fourth edition of our summer series HerStories from the Capital: Remarkable Women of Bratislava brings together three women whose lives took very different paths, yet each left a lasting mark in our Capital. Bratislava tour guides Ľubomíra Černáková and Katarína Blšták Čatlošová introduce us to Helena Turcerová Devečková, a pioneering scholar, author and translator; Zdenka (Cecília) Schelingová, a religious sister who became a symbol of courage and resistance under the communist regime; and Erna Masarovičová, an influential sculptor who challenged the conventions of a male-dominated art world. As always, the programme concludes with a new edition of our language corner, Slovak Sound Check.

Breaking headlines of the week and feature teasers from RSI English section editors.

Throughout the summer, RSI has been running a series of readings from Slovak literature in English translation. For our English-speaking audience, we’ve been bringing you The Book of Bratislava, an anthology published in the UK by the independent publishing house Comma Press. Now, we’re bringing the series to a close with an excerpt from Eva Vozárová’s story-essay Summer in Bratislava, translated by Paul Kaye. This reading will feature a special guest and a special audio recording. The culture tip for English speakers is the Bratislava World Music Festival. Inviting is its co-founder and programming director Vladimir Potančok.

REPRÍZA: Marking the 30th anniversary of Child Safety Helpline, this programme examines the current state of mental health among children and minors in Slovakia. Through insights from child helpline professionals, special education teacher Jana Merašická, and a researcher from The Research Institute of Child Psychology and Pathopsychology, we explore how children’s psychological needs have changed over the past decades, what challenges dominate today, and where the system still falls short.

The new school year has brought several changes to Slovakia, including the launch of the country’s biggest education reform in the past 20 years. At a press conference, Education Minister Tomáš Drucker, Petra Fridrichová, Director of the Formal Education Support Department at NIVaM and co-author of the new State Educational Programme, Chairwoman of the Association of Primary Schools of Slovakia Eva Horníková, President of the Slovak Chamber of Teachers Jarmila Javorková, and other experts discussed why the reform was needed and what it will mean for pupils, teachers and schools. Educators from the field also shared their perspectives and experiences with the changes. Octavia McKenzie premiers her new series Slovakia Through My Eyes

Ben Pascoe visits the special centenary exhibit at the Slovak Radio building with a special guest and introduces you to our newest colleague Octavia.

Why do people give? What does generosity really mean, and what shapes charitable behavior in Slovakia compared to other countries? To explore these questions, we speak with experimental and behavioral economist Matej Lorko. We discuss what behavioral economics reveals about human decision-making, how economists study altruism in laboratory settings, and whether charitable giving is driven more by empathy, moral values, or subtle forms of self-interest. We also examine how experimental research can inform public policy, support the nonprofit sector, and deepen our understanding of cooperation, trust, and prosocial behavior in modern societies. In the latest episode of Slovak Sound Check, we learn useful vocabulary for outdoor activities — from cycling and hiking to swimming, camping and outdoor grilling.

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

Roman Bomboš brings another story linked to the centenary of radio broadcasting in what is now Slovakia. This time, he focuses on the first professional symphony orchestra in the country. Culture Tips feature two invitations – one to the international film festival Cinematik, which starts in Piešťany on 8 September, and the second to LingvaFest, a festival of foreign languages that can be studied in Slovakia.

How much can a simple conversation, a cup of coffee or just a little attention mean to an older person? In this programme, we meet Kristína Holecová, the creator of the Instagram profile Senior ťa potrebuje – Senior Needs You. She shares her experiences and friendships with seniors, explains why our presence can sometimes be the most valuable thing we can offer, and tells the remarkable story of an unexpected encounter that took her all the way to India.

As housing prices continue to rise in Slovakia, finding an affordable place to live is becoming increasingly difficult. At the same time, the environmental cost of conventional construction is prompting more people to question how — and from what — we build our homes. In this edition of Green Slovakia, we explore some of the ideas behind natural, low-impact construction. Our story takes us to Zaježová in central Slovakia, where Paul, a former volunteer at the Sekier Eco-village, found himself looking for an alternative to conventional housing. His search led him to an unusual approach known as Kerterre — a small, organic form of natural building that uses materials such as earth and natural fibres. We hear how the project began, what he learned along the way, and what building a home can mean beyond simply putting a roof over your head.

In honour of the anniversary of the Slovak Constitution, Ben Pascoe brings you interviews with constitutional experts Radoslav Prochazka and Vincent Bujňák.

Experts say that walking to school independently helps children develop self-confidence, responsibility and social skills. Yet many parents remain hesitant, concerned that public spaces and traffic conditions are not safe enough for their children. The Metropolitan Institute of Bratislava's Mesto pre deti (City for Children) project aims to change that by combining urban planning, traffic solutions and community participation to create safer and more accessible streets for everyone. Today, we talk with the project's lead urbanist Sandra Štasselová, MIB architect Marianna Páleníková, and parenting counsellor Martina Vagačová. In a playful Children’s Day episode of Slovak Sound Check, we learn useful vocabulary connected to playground activities while keeping things fun, and beginner-friendly.

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

Martina Greňová Šimkovičová revisits a report from Banská Bystrica, from Professor Ladislav Sára Street, home to a Slovak Radio studio. The report recalls Anton Prídavok and features an archival appeal from Slovak Radio urging listeners, in the final days of August 1944, not to tune in to broadcasts from Bratislava, but instead to listen to the Free Slovak Broadcaster.

In today’s programme, we will mark the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mohács, a turning point that profoundly reshaped Central Europe and the territory of present-day Slovakia. We will look at the battle itself, the subsequent Ottoman expansion and its lasting military and cultural impact on the region, while also exploring the Mohács 500 SK exhibition at Zvolen Castle. Our guests are historian Michal Duchoň from the Military History Institute and Denis Haberland, curator of the Mohács 500 SK exhibition.

The Pohoda Festival is known not only for its music, but also for its atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and a willingness to help. What creates this exceptional atmosphere? Is it the result of the festival’s organization or the visitors themselves? And what does this tell us about the kind of community people long for today? Together with sociologist Dr. Zuzana Kusá, we seek answers to the question of why the crowd at Pohoda becomes a community.

Nova Trznica, the new market hall, is the futuristic looking building at Bratislava’s Trnavské mýto. In the past, it was a bustling market hall, an architectural wonder, the place to be in Bratislava. Recently it had fallen on hard times. Those times are past. Ben Pascoe visited the market hall and met with vendors, and organizers Peter Briatka and Illah Van Oijen, who are working hard to rebuild the nova trznica community and breathe new life into the new market hall.

Slovakia’s labour market is entering a period of profound change. An ageing population, labour shortages, migration, new technologies and artificial intelligence are reshaping the way we work, while the country’s traditional economic model is coming under increasing pressure. In this interview, Monika Uhlerová, President of the Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic, discusses some of the biggest challenges facing Slovakia’s workforce — from demographic change and the future of pensions to skills, labour migration and the changing expectations of younger workers. She also explores how workplaces, employers and social-security systems will need to adapt to a rapidly evolving world of work. In the latest episode of Slovak Sound Check, we cool down with one of summer’s greatest pleasures: ice cream! Learn useful Slovak phrases for ordering at an ice-cream shop, from choosing a cone or a cup to asking for scoops and your favourite flavours.

Saturday´s frontpage once again brings you an overview of what made headlines this week in Slovakia. Later in the programme, we´ll hear excerpts from this week´ features produced by our English section.

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 "A Fee from Britain" by Rudolf Sloboda, translated by David Short. 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, INSO-Lviv Symphony Orchestra from Ukraine. As part of Culture tips for the upcoming weekend and next week, curator Gabriela Garlatyová invites you to see Maria Bartuszová in Olomouc.

What does humanitarian aid really mean, and who are the people behind it? On World Humanitarian Day, we look at the different forms humanitarian work can take – from helping people affected by war and natural disasters to supporting children and vulnerable communities. The programme features among others Stanislav Bielik, Director of ADRA Slovakia; Dominika Gablíková, Head of International Humanitarian and Development Programmes at Caritas Slovakia; Zuzana Chudobová, Chair of the Board of the Slovak Foundation for UNICEF; and Katarína Barošová, Communications Manager at People in Need Slovakia.

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.