AGP Executive Report

EU Sanctions Deadlock: EU ambassadors failed to renew Russia’s individual sanctions scheme due to expire Sept. 15, with Slovakia pushing to delist Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman and France now backing Usmanov’s removal—leaving the bloc stuck on unanimity and even the renewal length (six vs 12 months). Ukraine Security: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned the war is entering its most decisive weeks or months, insisting military support for Kyiv is vital for Europe’s own security. Energy & Industry: ANDRITZ and Slovak partner VUJE won a contract to modernise the Gabčíkovo hydropower plant, upgrading turbines and extending equipment life by at least 30 years. AI Data Centres Debate: Prime Minister Robert Fico said Slovakia could become an AI data centre hub thanks to stable power and water, but critics warn of heavy local resource demands. Business Reshuffle: Bitcoin Suisse plans to cut up to 60 Swiss jobs and shift back-office work to Bratislava or Vietnam. Culture & Film: Slovak Pop Up announced its 2026 residency selections, and Ji.hlava’s New Visions Forum revealed 29 documentary projects. Sports: Emma Zapletalová took silver in the women’s 400m hurdles at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest.

Coalition Tensions: Prime Minister Robert Fico says the dispute between Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba (SNS) and the Slovak National Party is escalating, warning that if relations aren’t repaired by 30 September Taraba should make a political gesture and resign. EU Sanctions Deadlock: France has joined Slovakia in pushing to remove Russian-Uzbek oligarch Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list, adding fresh friction among other member states as the 15 September renewal deadline nears; Zelensky has called any easing “immoral and self-destructive.” Security Warnings: Poland’s PM Donald Tusk says Russia may intensify provocations at Ukraine-border crossings, citing briefings that include risks for the coming months. Education Reform: Slovakia’s education minister says reforms aim to offset how socio-economic background affects student results, including earlier access to pre-primary schooling. Business & Jobs: Volkswagen approved “Future Plan 2030,” cutting another 50,000 jobs and reshaping European production, with Central Europe in the spotlight. Energy & War Economy: Reports say Russia’s refining shortfall is driving imports and shifting earnings as drone attacks hit infrastructure.

EU Sanctions Deadlock: EU ambassadors failed again to renew Russia-linked sanctions before Sept. 15, with Slovakia and France pushing to delist oligarch Alisher Usmanov (and Slovakia also wants Mikhail Fridman off). Diplomats cite “huge frustration” elsewhere in the bloc as unanimity makes the talks fragile, amid rising hybrid-threat concerns. Slovak Foreign Policy: Slovakia also condemned a Russian exhibition in Bratislava over disputed Crimean “treasures,” calling the message “unacceptable” and reaffirming support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Education Reform: Slovakia’s education minister Tomáš Drucker says reforms target the impact of socio-economic background on student performance, including earlier access to pre-primary education and changes in Roma community schooling in Jarovnice. Business & Jobs: Bitcoin Suisse plans to cut up to 60 Swiss roles and shift back-office/software work to Bratislava and a new Vietnam hub. Economy & Industry: Volkswagen approved “Future Plan 2030,” warning of major European auto restructuring, including another 50,000 job cuts and a reduced model range. Sports: Slovakia’s Patrioti Levice are set for the Basketball Champions League qualification in Samokov, while the World Ultimate Championship in Budapest delivered sprint and hurdles highlights.

EU Sanctions Deadlock: Slovakia’s push to delist Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov is now backed by France, but the move is sparking “huge frustration” among other EU states as unanimity is needed before the Sept. 15 deadline. Ukraine Security Pressure: President Putin warned that any European troop deployment in Ukraine would mean war, while Zelensky slammed the EU for failing to extend sanctions on Russian oligarchs. Diplomatic Tensions in Bratislava: Slovakia’s foreign ministry criticised a Russian exhibition in Bratislava over disputed Crimean artefacts, calling the message “unacceptable.” Central Europe Border Worries: Poland’s PM Donald Tusk said recent drone and border incidents show Russia may intensify provocations at Ukraine’s crossings. Auto Industry Shockwaves: Volkswagen approved another 50,000 job cuts under its Future Plan 2030, highlighting how Central Europe’s car supply chain faces major restructuring. Diesel Relief Plan: Hungary announced monthly 5,000-forint compensation for diesel owners (under 150 hp) starting September, totaling 20,000 by December. Business & Tech: Uniksystem released an AI-assisted low-code BPM update aimed at speeding up process deployment.

EU Sanctions Deadlock: France has joined Slovakia in pushing to delist Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov, adding fresh friction ahead of the Sept. 15 deadline to extend Russia-linked sanctions; diplomats say the move is seen by some states as driven mainly by economic motives, while Slovakia also wants Mikhail Fridman removed. Border Security Watch: Poland’s PM Donald Tusk warned that Russia may intensify provocations at European border crossings after drone incidents near Ukraine’s borders, with “various scenarios” expected. Refugee Decisions: A survey finds most Ukrainian refugees in Poland plan to return, but mainly after the war ends, with security and stability the top condition. Diesel Relief: Hungary plans monthly 5,000 forint compensation for owners of diesel cars under 150 hp, totaling 20,000 by December, with payments starting in October. V4 Energy Push: Visegrád leaders signal they will block EU climate steps that raise energy prices, arguing competitiveness is already under pressure. Slovakia-Linked Business: Scanfil expands its Polish electronics plant, while Slovakia’s foreign minister Juraj Blanár meets Malta on EU decision-making and migration. Tech Update: Uniksystem’s Low-Code BPM/AI “Touring” release targets faster process rollouts with AI-assisted development.

EU Sanctions Deadlock: EU ambassadors failed to agree on extending Russia sanctions for a second time, with France joining Slovakia in pushing to delist Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov and also targeting Mikhail Fridman. Ukraine Food Security: President Zelensky warned of a global food crisis as the Black Sea food corridor remains effectively blocked, urging faster US sanctions and step-by-step diplomacy including reopening the Black Sea and an energy truce. V4 Budget and Energy Fight: Visegrád Four leaders met in Bratislava to coordinate ahead of EU talks on the next long-term budget, cohesion and defense costs, while Poland’s Donald Tusk warned they will block EU climate policies that raise energy prices. Local Security Case: A Latvian man suspected in an attempted arson attack on a drone factory in Slovakia told investigators he was recruited via Telegram and given coordinates shortly before the planned attack. Education Links: Kyrgyzstan’s education minister met Slovakia’s Tomas Drucker in Bratislava; they signed a memorandum on cooperation, including STEM and AI in education, with about 4,000 Kyrgyz citizens working in Slovakia. Business Restructuring: Bitcoin Suisse announced cuts of up to 60 Swiss jobs and a shift of back-office work to Bratislava and Vietnam.

V4 Budget Push: Visegrad Four leaders met in Bratislava to coordinate ahead of EU Council talks, vowing to defend cohesion and the Common Agricultural Policy while arguing that high eastern-flank defence costs must be reflected in the next long-term budget. Energy Costs Clash: Polish PM Donald Tusk warned the bloc will block EU measures that raise energy prices, echoing the group’s push for lower costs. EU Procurement Fight: The European Commission proposed new public procurement rules that could let buyers exclude suppliers from countries not covered by EU procurement agreements, a move framed by critics as protectionism. Slovakia-Malta Ties: Slovak FM Juraj Blanár held talks in Malta on EU decision-making, migration and the next budget, and said an honorary consulate is planned. Security in Focus: A Latvian suspect in a Slovak drone-factory arson attempt told investigators he was recruited via Telegram, while Hungary ordered Russian diplomats to leave. Education Cooperation: Slovakia and Kyrgyzstan signed an education memorandum, with about 4,000 Kyrgyz citizens working in Slovakia and both sides focusing on STEM and AI in schools.

Visegrad Four diplomacy: V4 prime ministers, meeting in Bratislava Castle, agreed to tighten coordination ahead of EU summits, with energy prices, CAP support and eastern-flank defence costs high on the agenda. EU culture policy: The European Commission proposes a revamped “Capitals of Culture” framework beyond 2033, aiming to simplify selection, boost long-term legacy and make cities prove delivery before funding is paid. Procurement and trade: A new EU public procurement act would let buyers exclude bids from suppliers in countries not covered by EU procurement deals, with critics calling it protectionist and discriminatory. Public health in Slovakia: Slovaks spend fewer years in good health than the EU average, as experts meet in the High Tatras to push prevention and better use of data and AI. History and remembrance: Slovakia marked 85 years since the 1941 Jewish Code, a decree that stripped rights and paved the way for deportations. Regional security: Poland’s PM Donald Tusk said cooperation helped avert a threat to a Ukraine border crossing, warning Russia may target other crossings. Slovakia in the spotlight abroad: Slovakia’s FM Juraj Blanár discussed deepening cooperation with Algeria after reopening the Slovak embassy in Algiers. Sports: EuroVolley 2026 kicks off with Slovakia in Pool A, while Slovan Bratislava faces PSG in Champions League action.

Slovak Politics: Prime Minister Robert Fico escalated pressure on Prosecutor-General Maroš Žilinka, calling for his resignation and arguing the prosecution service needs reform; Žilinka says he will stay until the end of his term. Defense Procurement: Opposition KDH and Progressive Slovakia demanded clearer explanations before Slovakia signs contracts to buy four more F-16 jets, questioning the €390 million price tag and whether other capability gaps are being neglected. Foreign Affairs: Juraj Blanár marked a diplomatic reset with Algeria after a 22-year gap, inaugurating Slovakia’s new embassy in Algiers and highlighting signed economic cooperation documents. EU Role in Ukraine: Blanár urged a more active EU role in Ukraine peace efforts, saying Europe is paying most of the bill while lacking a seat at the table. Digital Services: Slovakia announced improved e-government services for nine life events under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, with final EU confirmation due after audits. Education: OECD officials said Slovakia’s PISA 2025 results are not a shame, with maths above the OECD average, while reading needs improvement. International Law: Blanár signed a host-country agreement with the Permanent Court of Arbitration to allow PCA proceedings on Slovak soil. Energy & Industry: China and CEEC countries, with Slovakia’s economy ministry involved, unveiled a 2030 vision for innovation cooperation spanning AI, biotech and green energy. Culture & Memory: Slovakia marked Holocaust Remembrance Day, with church leaders calling for vigilance against intolerance and anti-Semitism. Sports: Slovan Bratislava began Champions League group play at PSG with Ghanaian midfielder Rahim Ibrahim making his debut.

Innovation Diplomacy: China and Central and Eastern European countries, with Slovakia’s Economy Ministry, unveiled a 2030 vision for innovation cooperation in Ningbo, focusing on AI, biotech and green energy. Air Force Politics: Opposition KDH is demanding clarity from Defence Minister Robert Kalinák over the government’s plan to buy four more F-16s, questioning priorities and the €390 million price tag. Prosecutor-General Clash: PM Robert Fico called on Prosecutor-General Maroš Žilinka to resign, escalating a fight over trust and control of the prosecution service. E-Government Upgrade: Labour and Health ministers say Slovakia has improved online state services for nine key life events under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, with final EU checks due. Education Results: Slovakia’s PISA 2025 reading scores remain a concern, even as officials stress maths strengths and urge stronger parental involvement. Ukraine Security Context: A new analysis argues four years of war are reshaping Europe’s long-term deterrence and defence planning. Slovan in Europe: Slovan Bratislava begin their Champions League campaign with Ghanaian midfielder Rahim Ibrahim making his debut against PSG under coach Yaya Touré. Energy & Industry: Slovakia’s industrial output rose 2.4% year-on-year in July, led by motor vehicles, while chemicals also jumped. Holocaust Remembrance: Slovakia marked 9 September as the Day of Victims of the Holocaust and of Racial Violence, with church leaders calling for memory and intolerance-free society.

Diplomacy & Europe’s Ukraine Role: Slovakia’s FM Juraj Blanár says the EU should be more active in Ukraine peace efforts, arguing Europe is paying costs without having a “seat at the table,” while Slovakia and V4 partners differ on guarantees for a €90bn Ukraine loan. Digital State Services: Labour and Health ministers announced improved e-government services for nine major life events under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, with EC checks and an October audit ahead. Education Results: OECD’s PISA 2025 message for Slovakia: no need to be ashamed—math is above the OECD average and science improved—but reading needs urgent work, including stronger parental involvement. International Law: Blanár signed a host-country agreement with the Permanent Court of Arbitration to allow PCA proceedings on Slovak soil, now heading to Parliament for approval. Economy & Strategy: Government backed “Vision Slovakia 2040,” a long-term framework drafted with nearly 400 experts, with a strategy due by early 2027. Business & Industry: GE Aerospace agreed to buy CPP for $11.75bn, while Slovakia’s economy also faces a July trade-balance shift to deficit. Sports: Slovan Bratislava’s Yaya Touré makes Champions League history as an African-born coach, with PSG the first test.

Ukraine Diplomacy: Slovak FM Juraj Blanár says the EU lacks a “seat at the table” in Ukraine peace efforts, arguing Europe mainly pays while the US drives talks. EU Sanctions Politics: Brussels faces delays as a Slovak veto blocks renewing Russia-related restrictions, with new measures tied to Leipzig drone fallout likely pushed back. Security & Spying: Romania arrested a Russian man for spying on Nato military bases, highlighting ongoing hybrid threats across the region. Education & Skills: OECD says Slovakia’s PISA 2025 results are not a cause for shame—math and science are up, but reading needs work; police also warn foreign students to book residence appointments early. Energy & Industry: ANDRITZ won a contract to modernise Slovakia’s Gabcíkovo hydro plant, aiming to extend equipment life by decades. Economy Watch: Slovakia’s trade balance swung to a small July deficit as imports grew faster than exports. Sports (Bratislava): Nepela Memorial in Bratislava will feature five Russian figure skaters under current ISU rules.

Education & Skills: OECD’s PISA 2025 message for Slovakia: no shame, but reading habits need work—Slovak 15-year-olds scored 448 in reading (below the OECD average), with calls for stronger parent involvement from early years. Immigration & Student Life: Slovakia’s Foreigners’ Police warns incoming students to sort residence paperwork early; appointments are limited and must be booked via the Interior Ministry’s online system. Public Services: Health Minister Kamil Sasko moves to overhaul emergency medical services via a new 22-member commission meeting Wednesday, with opposition raising concerns about financial groups’ influence. Politics & Security: Europe watches rising tensions after drone incidents tied to Russia—debate grows over escalation risk as Moscow warns Berlin about long-range strike sites. EU Policy & Economy: EU “Right to Repair” aims to cut appliance repair costs for consumers, while EU pay transparency rules still lag in implementation across member states. Archaeology: A rare late Roman marching camp has been uncovered near Šurany, with defensive features and many soldier remains. Sports & Culture: Slovan Bratislava faces PSG in Champions League action, while a Slovak-linked education programme expanding to Poland highlights cross-border learning.

Pay Transparency Push: The EU Pay Transparency Directive is meant to force clearer salary info in job ads, but most countries missed the June deadline and only Italy shows a big jump in pay-listed postings, raising pressure on employers across Europe. Emergency Care Overhaul: Slovakia’s Health Minister Kamil Sasko will chair a new 22-member commission to fix the emergency medical services (ZZS) system, with the first meeting set for Wednesday amid opposition concerns about the commission’s balance. V4 Industry + AI: Czech, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia are calling for tighter integration of industry, energy and AI to boost regional competitiveness, with a focus on safe, transparent and human-centred AI. Ukraine War Spillover: Slovakia summoned Russia’s ambassador after a drone attack near a Ukrainian security building by the Slovak consular area in Kyiv, while President Pellegrini urged stronger dialogue with Russia and warned hybrid threats are spreading. Business + Jobs: Jaguar Land Rover plans to cut about 4,000 jobs in the UK over two years as it battles tariffs, China competition and the shift to electric vehicles. Slovan in UCL: PSG begin Champions League Group play at home against Slovan Bratislava, with the Slovak side aiming to make a mark after a tough prior run. EV Warranty Expansion: AVILOO extends its battery warranty to more European markets including Slovakia, aiming to boost used EV buyer confidence.

Slovak-Russian Tensions: Slovakia summoned Russia’s ambassador after a drone attack near a Ukrainian security building close to the Slovak consular area in Kyiv, with President Peter Pellegrini urging stronger dialogue while warning the war is spilling beyond Ukraine. Security & Defence Industry: Germany is moving toward acquiring Israel’s Iron Dome, with Lower Saxony and Rafael planning a “center of excellence” at a Volkswagen site; meanwhile, the Czech Air Force is overhauling its air defence approach and Aveo Engineering will showcase drone and rocket-assisted interceptors in Prague. Politics at Home: SNS leader Andrej Danko says the coalition may block the next parliamentary session over a dispute involving Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba. Economy & Jobs: Jaguar Land Rover plans to cut about 4,000 jobs in the UK as tariffs and China competition bite—another sign of pressure on Europe’s auto sector. Energy & Infrastructure: EU gas storage remains uneven, with Slovakia at about 50.75% as the heating season approaches. EU Rules & Work: The EU Pay Transparency Directive is exposing weak payroll systems across multinationals, including uneven national rollout. Regional Cooperation: Bulgaria and Slovakia are set to deepen energy and defence cooperation, including nuclear plans.

Ukraine War & Europe Security: Ukrainian FM Andrii Sybiha says Russia is already “at war with Europe,” pointing to sabotage, drone and missile incidents near NATO airspace, GPS jamming, Baltic cable damage and cyberattacks. EU Energy Watch: Gas reserves are uneven ahead of autumn, with Slovakia at about 50.75% full while Germany and the Netherlands sit far lower than southern and eastern peers—raising household and industry price nerves. Politics at Home: SNS leader Andrej Danko says the coalition may not back opening the next parliamentary session on 15 September due to the dispute with Environment Minister Tomas Taraba. Slovakia-Bulgaria Ties: PM Robert Fico’s visit to Bulgaria spotlights energy and defence cooperation, including plans for a joint nuclear-energy commission and closer V4-level coordination. Business & Jobs: Volkswagen’s board approved its Future Plan 2030, adding 50,000 more job cuts globally by 2030 while German plant futures remain unresolved. Migration Pressure: Eurostat shows more Ukrainians with temporary protection are leaving Poland, with the Czech Republic increasingly a destination. Tech & Cyber: A Slovakia-based ESET expert warns France (and Europe) is a top target as digitalisation grows, with data theft rising.