Slovakia is experiencing a troubling period marked by authoritarian actions, censorship, and political intimidation under Robert Fico's nationalist-populist government. Key developments include the government's takeover of the public broadcaster, the release of a convicted former prosecutor, and the dismissal of cultural institution directors. Legislative proposals aim to limit freedom of speech, expression, and public access to information. Experts warn of deeper systemic changes, including government control over law enforcement and judicial institutions. Public protests have erupted, but the government is pushing for new regulations to limit public gatherings. The situation is compared to the 'normalisation' period following the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion, characterized by persecution, censorship, and intimidation.

Slovak wine, with a history dating back to the 6th-7th century BCE, is gaining international recognition. Despite most of its production being consumed domestically, recent years have seen a rise in its reputation, evidenced by successes in global competitions. Slovakia, identified as an emerging wine producer alongside countries like Chile and New Zealand, boasts six main wine regions. The country is known for its high-quality white wines, with unique varieties such as Devín, Dunaj, and Milia, which are not produced elsewhere. The article highlights the efforts of Slovak winemakers to cultivate new varieties suited to the local climate and soil, and the increasing trend of planting these unique grapes. The piece also emphasizes the blend of traditional and modern elements in Slovak winemaking, the significance of regional specialties, and the cultural importance of wine tasting and wine-related events in Slovakia.

Bohus Garbar, a Slovak man with no clear income, donated thousands of euros to far-right political parties and contributed to a website spreading Russian propaganda. His activities were part of a broader Russian effort to influence politics in Eastern Europe. Garbar was arrested and charged with espionage and bribe-taking, and is cooperating with investigators. The Russian spy he worked with, Sergei Solomasov, was expelled from Slovakia. The case highlights the extensive clandestine network Russia has developed to sway political dynamics in the region.

Far-right extremism in Slovakia is characterized by the activities of groups like LSNS, Slovak Revival Movement, and Slovak Conscripts. These groups, often supported by disinformation networks and pro-Russian narratives, work to destabilize public trust in liberal democracy and human rights. LSNS, led by Marian Kotleba, has faced legal challenges for promoting neo-Nazi ideology, while the Slovak Revival Movement and Slovak Conscripts engage in nationalist and paramilitary activities. The Supreme Court and other state institutions have struggled to effectively counter these groups, leading to ongoing political and social tensions.

Maros Zilinka, Slovakia's new prosecutor general, aims to restore public trust in the justice system by tackling corruption and ensuring equality before the law. His appointment follows a series of scandals involving high-profile figures like Marian Kocner, who was linked to the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak. Zilinka, known for his work on financial fraud cases, has vowed to act decisively against criminals while protecting honest prosecutors. The Slovak government has implemented public hearings to increase transparency in the selection process, reflecting a broader effort to reform the prosecution service and combat entrenched corruption.

The article discusses the challenges and plans for COVID-19 vaccination in Central European countries, including the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. It highlights logistical issues, public skepticism, and government responses to the pandemic. The Czech Republic faces criticism for low public willingness to vaccinate, while Slovakia struggles with rising cases and ineffective measures. Poland is preparing mass vaccination points, and Hungary is negotiating vaccine supplies with Russia and China, sparking controversy. The article underscores the urgency of vaccination amid rising infection rates and fatalities.

The European Council reached a compromise on the EU budget and recovery package, delaying the implementation of the rule-of-law mechanism until Hungary and Poland can challenge its legality. This deal is seen as a victory by the Polish and Hungarian governments, while opposition figures criticize it as a means to preserve power. The article also covers reactions from other EU member states, including the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and highlights ongoing judicial reforms in Slovakia aimed at combating corruption and increasing transparency.

The V4 Institute of Comparative Law, proposed by Hungarian Justice Minister Judit Varga and Polish counterpart Zbigniew Ziobro, aims to support nationalist-populist governments in Central Europe by providing legal arguments for their policies. Critics argue it will serve as a propaganda tool rather than fostering genuine professional debate. The initiative has faced regional opposition, particularly from Slovakia, and lukewarm support from Poland. The Hungarian government plans to proceed with the project, including establishing a V4+ Professors Network and a PhD program, despite criticism and limited regional backing.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted labour flows in Southeast Europe, affecting both the import and export of workers. Countries like the Czech Republic and Hungary, which rely on foreign labour, have seen a decline in migrant workers, while nations such as Croatia and Bulgaria have experienced a return of their citizens from Western Europe. The pandemic has led to increased unemployment and reduced remittances, impacting local economies. Experts predict that the situation will continue to evolve, with potential long-term consequences for labour mobility and economic stability in the region.

Slovakia is undergoing a significant anti-corruption drive, arresting top police officials and a special prosecutor linked to organized crime and political corruption. The crackdown follows the 2018 murder of journalist Jan Kuciak, which exposed deep ties between law enforcement and criminal networks. The new government, led by Prime Minister Igor Matovic, is committed to judicial reforms and transparency, aiming to restore public trust in the justice system. The efforts have led to the detention of numerous high-ranking officials and the dismantling of a widespread criminal network allegedly controlled by oligarch Norbert Bodor.