AGP Executive Report

Film & Talent Pipeline: Slovak Pop Up’s 2026 edition has revealed its selected projects and filmmakers, backing five feature-length works (three fiction, two documentaries) plus mentoring for a record 20 applications, as the Bratislava-based residency keeps building a multi-generational Slovak screen scene. Sports & Local Pride: Elena Rybakina says she trains in Bratislava for up to seven weeks a year and calls it her “second home” after winning the US Open and becoming world No. 1. Culture & Community Events: Esztergom and Párkány (Štúrovo) are gearing up for a free Bridge Festival marking 25 years since the Mária Valéria Bridge reopened, with concerts, family programs, and bridge-history activities across Sept. 26–27. Lifestyle & Money Pressures: A Focus for the Partners Foundation survey finds many Slovaks link a “decent life” to dignified housing, food, and security—and say they need about €2,720 a month, with 39% feeling they can’t reach it. Tech & Privacy Debate: Europe is escalating calls to curb “pervert” smart glasses after reports of covert filming, with a UK petition demanding a ban and new school restrictions in Oslo. International Mobility: Canada confirms 36 countries eligible for its International Experience Canada youth mobility programme, including Slovakia.

Smart Glasses Privacy Backlash: Europe is ramping up calls to curb “pervert” smart glasses after secretly filmed footage of girls and women surfaced online, with a UK petition pushing for a sales ban and Oslo banning the devices in schools while regulators weigh limits on facial-recognition features. Slovak Culture & Pop: Bratislava-born singer Adéla is spotlighted for her debut album “PRIMA,” with commentary on standout tracks and a Nicole Kidman-themed music video packed with film references. Sports Spotlight (Slovakia): Emma Zapletalová takes silver in the women’s 400m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest, finishing 0.23 seconds behind Jasmine Jones. Education & Equity: Slovakia’s education minister points to socio-economic gaps and Roma-focused changes, including earlier access to pre-primary and adjustments to school schedules in Jarovnice. International Culture: The RSI “Summer Reading” series closes with an excerpt from Eva Vozárová’s “Summer in Bratislava,” translated for English readers.

Smart Glasses Backlash: Europe is ramping up calls to curb “pervert” smart glasses after secretly filmed footage of girls and women surfaced online, with a UK petition pushing for a sales ban and Norway moving to restrict them in schools. Slovakia in the Spotlight: Slovakia’s Foreign Ministry criticised a Russian exhibition in Bratislava over disputed Crimean “treasures,” saying it promotes forced territorial claims. Pop Culture: Bratislava-born singer Adéla drops her debut album “PRIMA,” leaning into a pop-princess aesthetic and nods to her roots, including a track titled “KGB.” Education & Youth: A new PISA-focused report points to record-low reading and math performance across OECD countries, while Slovakia’s education minister says reforms will tackle socio-economic gaps via earlier pre-primary access. Sport: Dalilah Muhammad ends her 400m hurdles career after finishing fourth at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest; Qatar also swept three golds at the FISU university weightlifting event.

Smart Glasses Privacy Backlash: Europe is ramping up pressure on “pervert” smart glasses after secretly filmed footage of girls and women surfaced online, with a UK petition calling for a ban and new scrutiny over recording indicators and possible facial-recognition features. Slovakia–Russia Cultural Row: Slovakia’s Foreign Ministry criticised a Russian exhibition in Bratislava over disputed Crimean “treasures,” rejecting its annexation framing and calling the message unacceptable. Slovak Education & Inclusion: The Council of Europe’s Roma and Traveller Issues committee (ADI-ROM) met in Strasbourg on desegregation and inclusive schooling, with Slovakia sharing experience on standards and funding. Local Reading Culture: RSI’s “Summer Reading with RSI” wraps up with an English excerpt from Eva Vozárová’s “Summer in Bratislava,” continuing the anthology’s Slovak-to-English spotlight. Pilgrimage in Šaštín: Slovakia’s national pilgrimage for Our Lady of Sorrows runs Sept. 12–16 in Šaštín-Stráže, with family-focused services, prayers, concerts, and a main celebration on Sept. 13. Sports & Culture Crossover: Physicist Brian Cox brings his “Emergence” live show to Sofia, mixing science, music, and history in a major stage production.

Smart Glasses Privacy Backlash: Europe is facing a fresh wave of outrage over AI-powered smart glasses after secretly recorded footage of girls and women surfaced online, sparking a UK petition calling for a ban on sales and renewed scrutiny of facial-recognition risks. Slovakia–Russia Cultural Row: Slovakia’s Foreign Ministry criticised a Russian exhibition in Bratislava that frames annexed Crimea as Russian territory and accuses Ukraine and allies of looting Crimean treasures, calling the message “unacceptable.” Slovak Literature in English: RSI’s “Summer Reading with RSI” series wraps with an excerpt from Eva Vozárová’s “Summer in Bratislava,” translated for English readers via the UK anthology The Book of Bratislava. Women in Sports Media: FIBA’s “She Calls Game 2026” names four young media talents from New Zealand, South Africa, Germany and Slovakia, highlighting hands-on sports storytelling during the Women’s World Cup in Berlin. Education & Reading Crisis: New OECD/PISA reporting says reading and maths performance has fallen to record lows across wealthy countries, with more students landing in low-performing bands. Pilgrimage in Šaštín: Slovakia’s national pilgrimage for Our Lady of Sorrows runs Sept 12–16 in Šaštín-Stráže, with family-focused services, prayers and concerts.

Smart Glass Backlash: Europe is ramping up calls to curb “pervert” smart glasses after secretly filmed footage of girls and women surfaced online, with a UK petition pushing for a ban on sales and new scrutiny over AI features. Pop Culture Spotlight: Slovak singer Adéla is riding a wave of global attention with her debut album “PRIMA” and a Nicole Kidman-themed music video packed with film references, from “Eyes Wide Shut” to “Babygirl.” Streaming & Local Culture: A coalition of screen organisations across Europe and beyond is urging governments to tighten rules so streaming services fund local productions, warning that current SVoD regulation leaves domestic stories at risk. Education & Inclusion: Slovakia is involved in Council of Europe work on Roma desegregation and inclusive schooling, while separate education cooperation talks with Kyrgyzstan focus on STEM access and AI in classrooms. Religion & Memory: Slovakia’s Šaštín pilgrimage for Our Lady of Sorrows runs Sept 12–16, blending family events, concerts, and a major anniversary linked to Pope Francis’s 2019 visit. Regional Diplomacy: V4 leaders in Bratislava, including Péter Magyar, traded views on EU accession clusters and rights for minorities, keeping culture and language policy firmly in the political spotlight.

Roma Education: The Council of Europe’s ADI-ROM met in Strasbourg to push desegregation and inclusive education for Roma children, with Slovakia helping shape common standards and stressing sustainable funding. Holocaust Memory: Slovakia marked 85 years since the 1941 “Jewish Code” that stripped Jews of rights and paved the way for deportations, with a ceremony in Bratislava and testimonies from survivors. Pilgrimage & Faith: Šaštín-Stráže hosts Slovakia’s National Pilgrimage for Our Lady of Sorrows from Sept. 12–16, with the main day on Sept. 13 and a family-focused programme. Documentary & Film: The Ji.hlava New Visions Forum unveiled 13 European documentary projects, centring memory, identity, and political divides. Music Review: Reviews and coverage keep spotlighting ADÉLA’s debut album “PRIMA,” including the breakout “Ain’t in LA.” Culture Policy: The EU Commission renewed the “European Capitals of Culture” framework beyond 2033, aiming to simplify selection and strengthen long-term legacy and youth participation. Education Cooperation: Kyrgyzstan and Slovakia signed a memorandum on education cooperation, including STEM access and AI in schools, with about 4,000 Kyrgyz citizens working in Slovakia. Security & Allegations: A Slovak news report says a suspect in an attempted arson at a drone-related site claimed he was recruited via Telegram and given coordinates shortly before the attack.

Education & Culture Diplomacy: Kyrgyzstan and Slovakia signed a memorandum of cooperation in education after talks in Bratislava, focusing on Kyrgyzstan’s shift to a 12-year school model, AI in classrooms, equal access to STEM, and technical-vocational training—especially relevant as about 4,000 Kyrgyz citizens work in Slovakia. Language & Community Life: LingvaFest 2026 returns to Bratislava at the University of Economics with free demo lessons, workshops, crash courses, quizzes and cultural performances aimed at students and anyone interested in languages and tolerance. Holocaust Memory in Slovakia: Slovakia marked 85 years since the “Jewish Code” decree adopted on Sept. 9, 1941, with a ceremony in Bratislava and testimonies from Holocaust survivor Denisa about persecution and deportation. EU Culture Policy: The European Commission renews the European Capitals of Culture framework beyond 2033, simplifying selection, strengthening long-term legacy planning, and boosting youth and citizen participation. Politics & National Identity: A Slovak poll shows Progressive Slovakia leading, while Smer edges ahead of Republika amid a surge of nationalist support. Heritage & Arts: French director Tony Gatlif, known for films celebrating Roma culture, has died at 77.

Language & Youth Culture: LingvaFest 2026 returns to Bratislava (Sept 10–11) with free demo lessons, workshops, crash courses and cultural performances aimed at primary and secondary students and anyone curious about languages and tolerance. Holocaust Memory in Slovakia: Bratislava marked 85 years since the 1941 “Jewish Code” decree that stripped Jews of rights and paved the way for deportations, with a symbolic stone-laying ceremony and survivor recollections. Roma Arts Legacy: French director Tony Gatlif, celebrated for films centered on Roma communities and music, has died at 77; his work included the influential Latcho Drom. Education Pressure: OECD PISA 2025 results point to record-low reading and maths performance across countries, feeding renewed debate on how schools and teachers can respond. Culture Policy & Institutions: A Slovak National Theatre “Hamlet” production was halted amid claims of missing approvals, reigniting concerns about political influence and censorship in cultural management. Sports & Identity: Slovan Bratislava opened their Champions League league phase with a 6-1 loss to PSG, while the week also highlighted major para-archery success tied to Slovakia’s athletes. Community & Belonging: A new EU plan would reshape the European Capital of Culture prize from a one-year event into a longer-term legacy model with stronger checks and youth involvement.

Education Reform & Reading Crisis: Slovakia’s PISA 2025 results are mixed but worrying: students read worse than before, and OECD data shows a global slide to record lows in reading and maths, with one in five 15-year-olds now a low performer across core subjects. Local Governance & Culture: The Culture Ministry’s “power duo” shake-up is making headlines, while the Holocaust Remembrance Day message from Slovakia’s bishops urges people to resist intolerance and anti-Semitism. Arts & Institutions: The Slovak National Theatre’s Hamlet controversy—reportedly stopped at the last moment over approval and preparation—puts politics and censorship claims front and centre. Sports & Identity: Champions League night delivered big results, including PSG’s 6-1 win over Slovan Bratislava, and Arsenal’s late Ødegaard strike in Naples. International Spotlight: Para archer Sheetal Devi won gold in Ahmedabad, capping India’s 15-medal haul and spotlighting disability sport on a global stage. Future Planning: The government approved “Vision Slovakia 2040,” setting a long-term framework for reforms and quality of life.

Culture Ministry Shake-up: Slovakia’s National Theatre “Hamlet” is reportedly halted at the last moment, with accusations of political interference and censorship after the Culture Ministry’s leadership changed the project’s fate. Education Reform & PISA Fallout: As the new school year begins, officials frame the latest PISA 2025 results as a mixed picture—Slovakia above the OECD in maths and improving in science, but with a clear reading gap—while the OECD warns reading and maths keep sliding globally. Holocaust Memory Day: Slovakia marks 9 September with church leaders calling on people to keep Holocaust and racial violence remembrance alive amid today’s intolerance and anti-Semitism. Long-term Planning: The government approved “Vision Slovakia 2040,” setting the direction for a development strategy to be turned into an implementation framework by 2027. Arts & Pop Culture: Bratislava-born Adéla drops her debut album “PRIMA,” leaning into sharp pop self-mythology after her rise from “Dream Academy.” Sports & Disability Spotlight: Para archer Sheetal Devi wins gold in Ahmedabad in a dramatic shoot-off as India closes Stage 3 with 15 medals, including wins over Slovakia. EU Culture Exchange: “Chinese Bridge” finals bring young Slovak learners to Beijing, mixing language competition with hands-on cultural experiences.

Street Art & Urban Life: Italian artist Millo has unveiled “Jupiter,” a new black-and-white mural on Hospodárska Street in Trnava, turning a local “planet” apartment block into a cosmic scene that links everyday windows to a wider imagination. Music & Pop Culture: Slovak-born ADÉLA released her debut album “PRIMA,” three years after “Dream Academy,” with standout singles like “KGB” and “Red Bottoms” fueling debate over whether she’s the next big breakthrough. Education & Reading Culture: OECD’s PISA 2025 results show a global slide in reading, maths and science, with Slovakia above the OECD average in maths and improving in science, but still needing better reading habits and stronger parental engagement. Local Education Reality: Slovakia’s teacher shortage persists: vacancies fell year-on-year but schools still seek 343 teachers, with the biggest gaps in the Bratislava Region. Arts Abroad (Slovak interest): The 10th Slovenian Film Days will screen three award-winning contemporary Slovenian films in Budapest (Oct 8–10), including “Whites Wash at Ninety.” Sports (Slovak tie-in): In World Archery Para Series Stage III, Slovakia’s Ivan David and Ivan Denis won silver in men’s recurve doubles, while other events featured Slovak athletes in medal contention.

Education & Culture Policy: Slovakia’s PISA 2025 results are being framed as “no reason to be ashamed,” with OECD Deputy Secretary-General František Ruzicka saying Slovak students are above the OECD average in math and improving in science, but still need to read more—while the wider OECD picture shows 15-year-olds hitting the weakest levels in reading, math and reasoning since testing began. Local Education Reality: Teacher shortages remain stubborn: Slovakia still has 343 open teaching posts, with the biggest gap in the Bratislava Region, and schools competing with better-paid jobs; at the same time, a Slovak critical-thinking and reading programme (Akadémia veľkých diel) is expanding to Poland. Sports & Disability Inclusion: Slovakia’s presence shows up in para archery as India’s medal run at the World Archery Para Series Stage III includes a gold for India’s men’s recurve team over Slovakia, plus multiple finals and medals across recurve, compound and W1. Culture & Public Life: A Slovak Constitutional Court decision lets former Slovak National Theatre director Matej Drlička comment publicly again on Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová, after earlier restrictions were annulled. International Lens on Everyday Life: A Slovak goalkeeper in Norway says the system there feels more equal—“the same rules apply to everyone”—even as costs are higher.

Slovak Culture & Courts: The Constitutional Court has lifted a restriction on former Slovak National Theatre director Matej Drlička, allowing him to comment publicly again on Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová after the court found his rights were violated. Fashion & Lifestyle: Hong Kong’s CENTRESTAGE wrapped up with a new record—over 12,000 trade buyers from 93 countries—while the event was also fully open to the public for free. Education & Youth: Bratislava will host the regional release of PISA 2025 results on September 8, bringing representatives from 31 countries across Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Community & Identity: A Vietnam Day 2026 festival in Slovakia spotlights Vietnamese Roots and the growing push to share Vietnamese culture and strengthen ties between communities. Sports (Para Archery): India’s Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar set a world record in Ahmedabad, with Slovakia named as a key opponent in the para recurve team gold clash. EU Work Life: The EU Pay Transparency Directive is still unevenly implemented, with job ads and pay disclosure lagging behind the law’s goals.

Culture & Education: Bratislava hosts the regional release of OECD PISA 2025 results on Sept. 8, bringing representatives from 31 countries to spotlight Slovakia’s education reforms. Arts & Rights: The Constitutional Court lifted a restriction on former Slovak National Theatre director Matej Drlička, allowing him to speak publicly again about Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová after the court said his freedom of expression was violated. Community & Inclusion: A fire in a Roma settlement in Mirkovce (Prešov region) destroyed six homes and left 39 people homeless, including 24 children. Music: Adéla drops her debut album “Prima,” with reviews framing it as a self-acceptance pop statement and a new chapter in her rise. Lifestyle & Travel: New ETIAS entry rules are set to add a 20-euro fee for some UK and non-EU travellers heading to Spain and other Schengen countries, with families facing higher totals. Sports (Slovak link): The Champions League returns with Slovan Bratislava set to play PSG on Sept. 9.

EU Pay Transparency Directive: The new EU rules are starting to bite, but many multinationals are struggling because payroll systems are too fragmented to prove compliance as national laws roll out unevenly. Travel Costs & Rules: UK passport holders face a new ETIAS charge for Schengen entry, now reported at 20 euros per person (40 for a family of four with two kids), with travellers urged to double-check both passport issue and expiry dates. Teacher Pay: A new Eurydice report spotlights a huge pay gap, with Luxembourg far ahead for teacher salaries while Eastern and Central Europe lag. Arts Funding Crunch: Slovakia’s biggest multicultural festival, [fjúžn], is scaling back due to missing Arts Support Fund (FPU) backing—an inclusion-focused programme now under pressure. Theatre in Wartime: Kherson’s Melpomena Tavrii theatre festival returns next week as an act of resistance, bringing performances across Ukraine despite the risks. Roma Community Fire: A fire in a Roma settlement in Mirkovce (Prešov region) destroyed six homes and left 39 people homeless, including 24 children. Sports & Disability Spotlight: India’s para archers dominated at the World Archery Para Series in Ahmedabad, with Slovak competitors involved and medals assured in VI1. Cybersecurity: A Slovakia-based expert warns that France is among the most targeted countries in Europe as attacks increasingly target personal data and interconnected systems.