Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

Epizode

• Building Community, Rethinking Time. (3.6.2026 16:00) 03.06.2026 28min

  What happens when an abandoned railway station becomes a thriving cultural centre? And what does it feel like to spend almost four hours inside Philip Glass's groundbreaking opera Einstein on the Beach? In this feature, Radio Slovakia International explores two remarkable cultural stories from Slovakia - one about community, creativity and independent culture in Žilina, the other about a landmark musical event that brought one of the world's most influential contemporary works to Bratislava for the first time.
• Independent cultural centers and their summer festivals. (2.6.2026 16:00) 02.06.2026 26min

  Ben Pascoe talks with Zuzana Novotova Godalova from the antenna network of independent cultural centers about what these centers do and why it is important to Slovakia today. She also introduces us to some of the many festivals and events that these centers are organizing all across Slovakia all summer long.
• MIB’s “City for Children”: Building a Child-Friendly Bratislava. Slovak Sound Check Episode 47. (1.6.2026 16:00) 01.06.2026 27min

  Parenting counsellor Martina Vagačová says that walking to school independently helps children build self-confidence, responsibility and social skills. Yet many parents are hesitant because they do not see public spaces and traffic as safe enough for children. The Metropolitan Institute of Bratislava (MIB) is searching for solutions through its Mesto pre deti (City for Children) project. By combining urban planning, traffic solutions and community participation, the initiative aims to improve areas around schools and encourage walking and cycling instead of relying on cars. Today, MIB urbanist Sandra Štasselová and architect Marianna Páleníková explain why safe streets, accessible public spaces, greenery and active mobility are essential for a healthy and functional city — not only for children, but for everyone. In playful Children’s Day episode of Slovak Sound Check, we learn useful vocabulary connected to playground activities while keeping things fun, and beginner-friendly.
• Week in Slovakia. (30.5.2026 16:00) 30.05.2026 26min

  We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.
• Slovak Film Week consolidated into Slovak Film Day. Why we need EAFA? Culture tips. (29.5.2026 16:00) 29.05.2026 30min

  Slovak Film Day – Simona Nôtová from the Slovak Film Institute will discuss the consolidated event “Slovak Film Week”; director Katarína Kerekešová will talk about the current state of animated filmmaking while Katarína Krnáčová will present the first ever Slovak feature film in Rusyn language, "Flood". The Open Culture! international conference was discussing the European Artistic Freedom Act. Talking about safeguarding artistic freedom in Europe is Lars Ebert, Culture Action Europe Secretary General. Culture tips invite English speaking audience to BRaK and more.
• Organization Cesta Von: Fighting Generational Poverty. (28.5.2026 16:00) 28.05.2026 33min

  Today's programme talks about the organization Cesta Von, focusing on their largest project Omama, which focuses on supporting children growing up in generational poverty from their earliest years. Trained women from marginalized Roma communities (known as “omamas”) regularly visit families, helping parents develop their children’s skills and prepare them for a more successful start in school and in life. The aim is not only to support children, but also to provide employment and education for local women, who themselves become part of positive change within their communities. The guests of the programme will be the organization’s director Martin Hrica, analyst and researcher Shoshanna Chovan, and a field worker — omama Zuzka with her mentor Janka.
• Understanding Viral Threats with Dr. Boris Klempa. (27.5.2026 16:00) 27.05.2026 27min

  In Slovakia, research is underway both in laboratories and even on farms, as scientists work to better understand and combat infectious diseases. One of the most prominent figures in this effort is Dr. Boris Klempa, a virologist at the Institute of Virology within the Biomedical Research Center at the Slovak Academy of Sciences. In our conversation, we discussed his work on zoonotic viruses in Slovakia and beyond, the role of the European Virus Archive, and the ongoing challenge of combating misinformation in science and public health.
• Tips for Summer in Slovakia Today. (26.5.2026 16:00) 26.05.2026 30min

  Ben Pascoe talks with Zuzana Wienk from the Bystiny civil organization who put out the Dobru/Druh tourist guide with hundreds of tips on what to see in Slovakia while also supporting the growth of tourism and regional improvement.
• Amnesty International Slovakia: Lighting Candles in Dark Times. (25.5.2026 16:00) 25.05.2026 27min

  Amnesty International is the world’s largest human rights movement, bringing together more than 10 million people across over 150 countries and territories to defend human rights and human dignity for everyone. Ahead of Amnesty International Day, observed worldwide on 28 May, we spoke with Rado Sloboda, director of Amnesty International Slovakia, about the state of human rights in Slovakia and around the world. In the interview, we discuss the growing pressure on civil society, freedom of expression and the media, discrimination against minorities, the rights of Roma and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as Amnesty’s campaigns and educational activities.
• Week in Slovakia. (23.5.2026 16:00) 23.05.2026 28min

  From Trade unions, through nano technologies, from foreigners in Slovakia to Slovaks helping Ukrainians. This was the week on Radio Slovakia International as presented by Patrícia Lucia Balajová, Ben Pascoe, PAtrícia Polakovičová and Veronika Ščepánová..
• Janko Kráľ, the King. Invitation to 61st Bratislava Music Festival. Culture tips include BRaK. (22.5.2026 16:00) 22.05.2026 37min

  Janko Kráľ, a poet, a representative of the Romanticism period in Slovak literature. "From dusk till dawn", the 22-year-old student became the most popular Slovak poet of his era. No portrait of Janko Kráľ has ever been found. On 23 May, it will be 150 years since his mysterious death. Who was Janko Kráľ, Johnny the King? Exploring this question are Ľubica Schmarcová of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Palo Bálik from AFAD and John Minahane, the translator of his poetry. On Wednesday, 20 May, advance ticket sales began for the Bratislava Music Festival. The 61st edition of the festival will take place in September and October, bringing several internationally renowned orchestras and soloists to the Slovak capital. Inviting you to the event are Izabela Pažítková, Juraj Bubnáš and Marián Turner. Culture tips invite you to BRaK, an international festival of literature.
• Mladí Ukrajine: How Young Slovaks Help in Ukraine. (21.5.2026 16:00) 21.05.2026 27min

  The programme explores the initiative Mladí Ukrajine, which brings Slovak volunteers to war-affected village Pidhajne near Kyiv. Through rebuilding homes, organising children’s camps, and supporting local residents, they offer both practical help and a sense of solidarity. Guests of this show are the co-founder of the initiative and a long-time professional in the field of education Kristína Uhlíková and one of the many young participats Martin Letko share their experiences from the ground and reflect on the impact of war on everyday life.
• From Words to Nanoworlds: Slovak Science Shaping the Future. (20.5.2026 16:00) 20.05.2026 28min

  In this episode, we’ll visit two Slovak research projects operating on completely different scales—from a social robot assisting patients with aphasia to nanotechnology being developed at the University of Žilina. Both reports offer a glimpse into how Slovak scientists are combining innovation, technology, and human-centered research to shape the future.
• Loom, Bratislava's assistance center for people of foreign origin. (19.5.2026 16:00) 19.05.2026 25min

  Ben Pascoe visited the Loom assistance center in Bratislava to find out how the first year has been and what the center is offering to foreigners living in Bratislava. Zuzana Weberova, Dominika Nagyova and Salma Al Henami from the center explain some of the problems foreigners in Bratislava face and how Loom is trying to help.
• Unions in Slovakia: Outdated Relic or Modern Force? Sound Check Episode 46. (18.5.2026 16:00) 18.05.2026 25min

  Trade unions in Slovakia have a long and complicated history — from their roots in the 19th century, through their controversial role during communism, to today’s efforts to modernise and attract younger workers. Today, we speak with Monika Uhlerová, President of the Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic, about collective bargaining, workplace rights, declining union membership, and why trade unions still matter in Slovakia’s modern economy. In the latest episode of Slovak Sound Check, Veronika and Lubna explore the lively market scene while picking up practical Slovak along the way.
• Week in Slovakia. (16.5.2026 16:00) 16.05.2026 26min

  We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.
• The Book of Bratislava is launched in London today. What is Janoshka style? (15.5.2026 16:00) 15.05.2026 30min

  On Friday, 15 May, London is hosting the launch of an anthology of short stories by Slovak authors in English translation. Introducing the concept as well as the authors are Isabella Barber of the publisher and Julia Sherwood, a promoter of Slovak literature in English translation, respectively. On 21 May, Wiener Musikverein, a legendary music hall, will host a concert by Janoshka ensemble. This acclaimed Slovak born quartet will present their take on iconic piece of classical music, Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons”. František Janoshka, a member of this music family, brings introduction to their unique style for English speakers. Culture tips invite to the international conference Open Culture! as well as to the Night of Museums and Galleries, among other events.
• 20 Years of Depaul Slovakia. (14.5.2026 16:00) 14.05.2026 24min

  In this programme, we explore homelessness through the 20-year journey of Depaul Slovakia. Experts and practitioners highlight key challenges, persistent stigmas, and emerging solutions—from Housing First to prevention and systemic change. The discussion shows and guests talk about how coordinated efforts can help people move from the streets back into stable, dignified lives.
• Alma Festival for Good Education Pt 2 (13.5.2026 16:00) 13.05.2026 28min

  In March, the education-focused NGO Živica hosted the Alma Festival for Good Education. The festival, which took place at both the inclusive Alma Primary School and the Technical University in Zvolen, brought together education experts, teachers, and families to discuss and present new ideas on how to improve education in Slovakia. In the second part of our report, we step inside interactive workshops led by inspiring educators. From the promises and pitfalls of AI in the classroom, to the transformative role of music, to the power of practical, hands-on science learning, discover how innovative approaches are shaping the future of education in Slovakia today.
• It's Hockey Time in Slovakia (12.5.2026 16:00) 12.05.2026 25min

  The IIHF world championship start in Switzerland later this week. Ben Pascoe sat down with Radio Slovakia sports reporter Martin Kaigl to find out more about this year’s Slovak team, their chances of bringing home a medal as well as hockey in Slovakia today.