Slovakia is one of the EU’s most vulnerable countries to disinformation, much of which is now being amplified even by its own government. Experts warn that instead of countering Russian propaganda, Slovakia’s leadership is using it as a political tool to gain and maintain power.
Written by Natália Silenská | EURACTIV.sk
With shifting geopolitical tides and figures like Donald Trump advocating for a swift end to the war, the future of Ukrainian refugees remains unclear. Many continue to reside in Poland, Slovakia, and Czechia, and Kyiv will face a hard challenge of facilitating their return — an issue crucial for the country’s post-war recovery.
By Natália Silenská | Euractiv.sk, Nazar Hlamazda | gwaramedia.com, Aleksandra Krzysztoszek | Euractiv.pl, Ondřej Plevák | Euractiv.cz
Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Czechia since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Today, they are not just receiving protection – they’re paying back more in taxes than they cost the state. Employers say many sectors would struggle without them.
Written by Barbora Pištorová | EURACTIV.cz
After Russian airstrikes devastated Kharkiv's power infrastructure in spring 2024, restoring electricity became a national priority for Ukraine and a key focus of international aid.
Written by Olena Klymenko | Gwara Media
Ukraine is striving for European Union membership, aiming to open additional negotiation clusters this year. Experts argue that its accession could not only strengthen Central and Eastern Europe but also drive reforms within the EU itself.
By Aleksandra Krzysztoszek, Euractiv.pl
Government officials talk about the possible deployment of Slovak troops to Ukraine as a diversion from national interests, but opinions in the opposition differ. The Democrats are strongly in favour of a potential peacekeeping mission, while the PS also favours the idea. However, they stress that they do not support sending troops into combat.
Written by Natalia Silenská | EURACTIV.sk
Russia committed the first crime of aggression against Ukraine back in 2014 by occupying Crimea, but holding Russia’s high-ranking officials accountable became one of the major priorities for Ukraine’s international policy after Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Written by Yana Sliemzina| Gwara Media
Last year, the Czech Republic donated to Ukraine over 1.5 million rounds of ammunition, Czechs contributed millions to humanitarian collections, and approximately €5.9 million from the state budget went to support Ukrainian refugees. But this level of aid may come to an end in the autumn as the country heads into elections, with polls predicting a victory for the opposition, which is less inclined to continue assistance to Ukraine.
Written by Dávid Pásztor | EURACTIV.cz
Poland, Slovakia, and Czechia are generally supportive of EU enlargement, both eastward and southward toward the Western Balkans. However, politicians emphasise the importance of candidate countries meeting the necessary criteria. Ukraine acknowledges the long road ahead but asserts that every step toward EU membership is a step further from Russia’s sphere of influence.
By Aleksandra Krzysztoszek (EURACTIV.pl), Ondřej Plevák (EURACTIV.cz), Natália Silenská (EURACTIV.sk) and Yana Sliemzina (Gwara Media)
Written by Aleksandra Krzysztoszek | EURACTIV.pl
The Czechs are working to ensure that Ukraine can become a member of the European Union as soon as possible. They are sending money, weapons and providing know-how. However, the question mark hangs over whether they can persuade other countries to do the same, or at least not to throw sticks under Kyiv's feet.
Written by Ondřej Plevák | Euractiv.cz
No representatives of the Visegrad Group were assigned for the EU top jobs for the next term. The situation looks a bit better with regards to the European Parliament posts.
Written by Krzysztof Ryncarz | Euractiv.pl