AGP Executive Report

EU Defence Build-Up: NATO allies are moving toward higher defence spending, with a new push to reach 5% of GDP by 2035 and the EU rolling out an €800bn defence plan—partly driven by Ukraine and worries about long-term US support. Slovakia in EU Politics: Slovakia starts its V4 presidency, aiming to boost EU competitiveness, coordinate budget positions, and deepen practical cooperation in areas like defence, healthcare, transport, and migration control. Energy Transition Funding: The European Commission and EIB disbursed €2.5bn from ETS revenues via the Modernisation Fund for 51 energy projects across 11 countries, including Slovakia’s push for cleaner, more resilient systems. Geothermal for District Heating: Roland Karkó says CEE’s geothermal bottleneck is skilled experts and high drilling risk; he argues for subsidies to share risk and for geothermal to rank high in district heating plans. Digital Child Protection: Slovakia is drafting a law for safer minors online, with a minimum age of 15 for high-risk services, stronger parental controls, and a right to delete a digital footprint. Heatwave Reality Check: Europe’s record heat is turning deadly—Spain reported 1,028+ heat-related deaths in June, while WHO says excess deaths across Europe have topped 1,300 since late June. Local Tech & Education: Bratislava’s Angry Earth creator František Czanner is bringing science to global classrooms via an English YouTube channel with massive reach. Research Recognition: The Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra entered the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for UN SDG contributions.

Heatwave Toll in Spain: Spain reports at least 1,028 heat-related deaths in June, with the first half of 2026 the hottest on record and the European heatwave deemed “virtually impossible” without climate change. EU Energy Security: Europe has only about four months to refill gas storage before winter, as policy targets still leave filling largely to market incentives. Slovakia in Global Research: The Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra enters the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for work tied to UN Sustainable Development Goals. Slovakia Leads V4: Slovakia starts its V4 presidency, pushing EU competitiveness, defence and practical cooperation, plus efforts to reduce electricity prices. Digital Child Safety Law: Slovakia’s ministry drafts rules for minors online, including a minimum age of 15 for high-risk services, EUDI-based age checks, stronger platform duties, and a right to erase a digital footprint. Venture Debt for CEE Tech: Orbit Capital closes Growth Debt Fund II at €107M to back post-Series A tech scaleups with non-dilutive growth financing. Renewables Update: Eurostat shows EU renewables hit 45.5% of electricity generation in Q1 2026, with Denmark and Portugal leading.

Heatwave Reality Check (Slovakia & Europe): Spain says at least 1,028 people died from heat-related causes in June, and the first half of 2026 is its hottest on record—while WHO reports over 1,300 excess deaths across Europe since late June, with Slovakia among countries breaking temperature records. Energy Transition (EU renewables): Eurostat data shows the EU hit 45.5% electricity from renewables in Q1 2026 (up from 42.7% a year earlier), with Denmark leading and Slovakia lagging at 17.2%. Digital Safety (Slovakia): Slovakia’s MIRRI is drafting a law to protect minors online, including a minimum age of 15 for high-risk services, stronger parental controls, and a right for minors to erase their digital footprint. Research & Industry (V4 science links): The Slovak Academy of Sciences met Bulgaria’s academy to discuss joint European research projects and cooperation with industry. V4 Presidency (Slovakia in the driver’s seat): Slovakia takes over the Visegrad Group presidency, pushing EU competitiveness, defence cooperation, healthcare, transport, and a “V4+” outreach format. Cybersecurity (ESET on Gamaredon): Slovak firm ESET reports Russian-aligned Gamaredon escalated in 2025, including weaponizing a WinRAR flaw for destructive malware. Defence Tech (Poland–Ukraine): Poland’s PGZ is considering depot-level maintenance support for Ukraine’s F-16 and MiG-29 fleet, while Ukraine’s “fast track” would cut export review times to 30 days. Health Funding (HIV): A U.S. drawdown of PEPFAR funding in South Africa is condemned as potentially “catastrophic” for HIV control efforts.

Slovak Science Diplomacy: The Slovak Academy of Sciences’ president, Dr. Martin Venhart, met the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in Sofia to discuss joint European research projects, doctoral training, funding, and closer industry links—plus a possible “Science for Business” event in Slovakia. V4 Tech & Policy Push: Slovakia starts its V4 presidency, with priorities including EU competitiveness, a common stance on the EU budget, and practical cooperation in defence, healthcare, transport, and migration—backed by a proposed “V4+” summit format. Digital Child Safety Law: Slovakia’s ministry is drafting a law to protect minors online, aiming for clear rules (including a minimum age of 15 for high-risk services), stronger parental controls, platform accountability, and a new right for minors to erase their digital footprint. Heatwave Reality Check: Spain reported at least 1,028 heat-related deaths in June, with the first half of 2026 the hottest on record; the extreme European heatwave is linked to climate change and has also broken temperature records across Central Europe, including Slovakia. Cybersecurity Watch (ESET): Slovak firm ESET says Russian-aligned Gamaredon escalated in 2025, weaponizing a WinRAR flaw for a first confirmed destructive strike. Nuclear Progress in Slovakia: Slovenské elektrárne began loading nuclear fuel into Mochovce 4, starting active commissioning steps after regulatory approvals.

Heat Crisis in Europe: Spain confirmed at least 1,028 heat-related deaths during the late-June wave, as the first half of 2026 became the warmest on record; the WHO links the broader European event to 1,300+ excess deaths and warns the toll may rise. Slovakia in the Spotlight: The heatwave also shattered local records, with Slovakia hitting new highs around 41°C, while neighboring countries reported similar extremes and issued stay-indoors alerts. Cybersecurity from Slovakia: ESET, the Slovak security firm, says Russian-linked Gamaredon escalated in 2025 from spying to destructive attacks, including weaponizing a WinRAR flaw to deploy wiper malware. Energy & Industry Watch: Fuel loading has started at Slovakia’s Mochovce 4 nuclear plant, marking the beginning of active commissioning after regulator approvals. Regional Tech & Security: NATO parliamentary leaders urged stronger defense cooperation and unity, as Europe faces hybrid threats and rapid tech change.

Heatwave Watch (Slovakia & Central Europe): Europe’s record-breaking early-summer heat is still brutal. AFP calculations say 95+ million people face 35C+ on Tuesday, with Slovakia among the hardest hit as temperatures climb again after national records earlier in the week. Public Health & Energy Strain: The heat has already been linked to 1,300+ excess deaths across Europe, while Ukraine ordered emergency power cuts as demand spikes and the grid struggles. Nuclear Progress (Mochovce): Slovenské elektrárne has started loading nuclear fuel into Mochovce Unit 4, kicking off active commissioning after regulatory approvals. Cybersecurity (ESET on Gamaredon): Slovak firm ESET reports Gamaredon ran 35 spear-phishing campaigns targeting Ukraine in 2025, using malicious downloaders and persistence tricks. Energy Storage (EU): The EU backed a deal to scale energy storage deployment sharply, aiming for 45 GW by 2026–2028. Defense Tech (Regional): Poland says it won’t transfer MiG-29s to Ukraine unless drone tech is shared; separately, Romania signed for Rafael SPYDER air-defense systems.

Heatwave Crisis: Europe’s most severe late-June heatwave is pushing east again, with Slovakia hitting a new record 41°C (Turna nad Bodvou) and Czechia reaching 41.9°C (Doksany), while Ukraine orders emergency power cuts as demand spikes. Public Health Impact: The WHO says the heat has already been linked to 1,300+ excess deaths since June 21, warning that extreme heat is becoming a “silent killer” as homes, schools and workplaces aren’t built for these temperatures. Next-Week Forecast: Western Europe is bracing for another round early next week (July 5–6), even as some areas briefly ease. Cybersecurity (Slovakia-linked): Slovak firm ESET reports the Gamaredon group ran 35 spear-phishing campaigns targeting Ukraine, using archive tricks and startup-folder persistence. Energy Transition: The EU approved a major energy storage deployment target (ramping from ~12 GW in 2025 toward ~45 GW by 2026–2028) to cut gas exposure and boost renewables. Local Tech & Policy: Slovakia’s Vision 2040 highlights energy strengths (clean electricity generation, nuclear-led power) but flags demographic and public finance challenges.

Heat Crisis in Central Europe: Europe’s record-breaking late-June heatwave has already killed over 1,300 people, with the WHO calling extreme heat a “silent killer” and warning that Europe is warming about twice as fast as the global average; Slovakia also hit a new record of 41°C in Turna nad Bodvou as the heat dome shifts east, forcing power cuts and straining hospitals. Slovakia’s Climate Reality Check: SHMU reports the new Slovak high as Hungary and neighbors prepare for more 40°C+ days, while officials expand cooling centres and adjust energy operations. Energy Transition Push: The EU approved a tripartite energy storage target, aiming to raise annual deployment from about 12 GW (2025) to roughly 45 GW (2026–2028) to cut gas exposure and boost renewables. Cybersecurity (Ukraine Focus): ESET says the Russian Gamaredon group ran 35 spear-phishing campaigns in 2025, targeting Ukrainian government and military orgs with malware delivered via archive and HTML smuggling tricks. NATO & Regional Readiness: NATO parliamentary leaders in Istanbul urged stronger defense capabilities and unity, while Latvia and Estonia are set to come under a new NATO command structure on the eastern flank. Auto Safety (Slovak-built vehicles): Land Rover/Jaguar North America issued a U.S. recall for about 250,857 SUVs over a driver airbag connector issue affecting models built in Nitra, Slovakia.

Climate & Health Crisis: Europe’s record-breaking heatwave has killed 1,300+ people, with the WHO warning that extreme heat is becoming more frequent and deadly as the continent warms faster than the global average; France reported about 1,000 excess deaths since June 24, with most fatalities among people 65+, and hospitals seeing sharp surges in emergency visits. Central Europe Heat Records: The Czech Republic hit a new all-time high of 41.9°C in Doksany, while Germany logged record highs around 41.7°C and warnings that temperatures could approach 42°C again. Slovakia in the Mix: Forecasts put Slovakia among countries facing dangerous heat, with 191 million Europeans expected to endure 35°C+ conditions. Science Policy Spotlight (Slovakia): Slovakia’s Vision 2040—drafted under the Slovak Academy of Sciences—flags demographic and public-finance challenges while pointing to strengths like low-carbon electricity generation and the need to modernize heating and transport. Defense Tech (Regional): Romania finalized a major deal with Rafael for SPYDER short- and very-short-range air defense, supporting its SHORAD/VSHORAD modernization.

Climate & Health Crisis: Europe’s deadly heatwave keeps pushing east, with WHO reporting 1,300+ excess deaths since June 21 and AFP estimating 191 million people facing 35°C+ on Sunday; France alone logged about 1,000 additional deaths, mostly among people 65+, while storms offer only brief relief. Local Impact in Slovakia: Slovakia is also in the heat mix, with reports of Bratislava’s hottest night on record and temperatures staying extreme across the region. Energy & Infrastructure Stress: The heat is disrupting daily life and straining systems, including event cancellations and power and cooling challenges as rivers warm. Tech Policy & Cars: Polestar says the US will block its sales from 2027 under connected-vehicle rules targeting China-linked tech. Slovakia’s Strategy 2040: Slovak Academy of Sciences president Martin Venhart says the Vision 2040 plan flags demographics and public finances as major challenges, while highlighting strengths in energy and industrial modernization. NATO Command Shift: Latvia and Estonia will move under a new NATO operational command from July 1, part of restructuring on the eastern flank. EU Admin Controversy: Politico reports the European Commission shut AC on lower floors during the heatwave, triggering staff anger over “feudalism.” Agritech for Climate Resilience: Slovakia-backed Moldova project BERRIES funds weather stations and farm tech for berry growers to handle drought and heat.

Heatwave Crisis in Europe: France reported about 1,000 excess deaths as a record-breaking heatwave sweeps the continent, with scientists warning extreme night-time heat is now far more likely due to climate change. Central Europe Hit Hard: Temperatures above 40°C were recorded in places including Germany (41.5°C), the Czech Republic (around 40.9°C) and Slovakia’s capital Bratislava, while forecasts suggest nearly 200 million Europeans could face 35°C+ conditions. Health & Infrastructure Strain: Hospitals reported surges in emergency visits, events were cancelled, and power and transport systems were disrupted; in some areas, nuclear reactors were shut over cooling-water risks. US Tech Policy Shock: Polestar says it will stop selling cars in the US from 2027 after rules targeting China-linked connected-vehicle tech were not authorized. Cybersecurity Watch: A Jaguar Land Rover hack tied to a major UK economic hit is reported to have been carried out by Russian hackers. Regional Politics: Slovak PM Robert Fico criticized Western advanced military technology transfers to Ukraine, warning about escalation risks. Business in the Region: Poland’s Maspex bought an 80% stake in Ukraine’s Karpatski Mineralni Vody to expand production in Lviv.

Cybersecurity: A New York Times report says Russian hackers were behind the Jaguar Land Rover breach that shut down production for five weeks and hit the UK economy with a record $2.5B cost—raising questions about whether the attackers acted with Kremlin approval. Climate & Health: A Europe-wide heatwave is smashing records and straining hospitals, with Germany, Denmark and the Czech Republic posting new all-time highs and Slovakia reporting its warmest night on record; authorities are cancelling events, restricting alcohol, and even shutting nuclear reactors in some places as temperatures push toward 42°C. EU Tech Policy Trade War: Trump threatens 100% tariffs on any country imposing a digital services tax on US tech firms, while the EU warns it will respond to defend regulatory autonomy. Slovakia/Region Business: Maspex buys an 80% stake in Ukraine’s Karpatski Mineralni Vody, aiming to produce Tymbark and Tarczyn in Lviv from August. Local Tech/Research: ESET reports on Russian-aligned Gamaredon activity and new toolsets as cyber incidents rise in Slovakia. Energy Infrastructure: EU energy ministers agreed a negotiating position for faster permitting and upgrades to cross-border grids to speed electrification and decarbonisation.

US–China Auto Tech Crackdown: Polestar says the Trump administration is forcing it to stop selling cars in the US starting with the 2027 model year after the Commerce Department denied authorization under the Connected Vehicles Rule, which targets connected tech (Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, cellular and some satellite links) tied to China over national security concerns; Polestar will keep selling existing Polestar 3 and 4 stock and support current owners. EU Energy Policy: EU energy ministers agreed the Council’s negotiating position for the “European grids package,” aiming to modernize and expand cross-border electricity infrastructure by speeding up permitting and strengthening interconnections, alongside discussions on post-2030 decarbonisation and Middle East energy impacts. Cybersecurity: A new investigation links Russian hackers to a major Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack in late August 2025 that shut down production for five weeks and hit the UK economy with a reported $2.5B cost. Climate & Health: A record-breaking heatwave across Europe has triggered hospital strain, event cancellations, and alcohol-sale restrictions, with temperatures above 35°C affecting around 150 million people. Slovakia/Region Talent & Economy: An OECD survey urges Slovakia to improve public finances and boost employment/productivity via reforms, while a separate talent tracker finds Central and Eastern Europe struggling to attract and retain highly skilled workers, with Romania among the weakest performers.

EU Energy Policy: EU energy ministers agreed the Council’s negotiating position for the European grids package, aiming to modernize cross-border power infrastructure and speed up permitting to support electrification and decarbonisation. US–China Tech Curbs: Polestar says the Trump administration is forcing it to stop selling cars in the US from the 2027 model year under the Connected Vehicles Rule, which targets connected-vehicle tech linked to China over national security concerns. Cybersecurity: ESET Research details how the Russia-aligned Gamaredon group used new PowerShell tools and cloud-based exfiltration methods while focusing on Ukrainian government and military targets. Climate & Health: A Europe-wide heatwave is straining hospitals and power systems, with bans and event cancellations reported as temperatures push into dangerous territory. Slovakia Tech & Research: Comenius University researchers are exploring cold plasma for practical uses from water and air purification to future medical treatments, while the Slovak University of Technology highlights sustainability gains in a global ranking. Local Innovation: Studio Egret West won a Bratislava urban district contest for a large mixed-use redevelopment that preserves industrial heritage and adds housing, offices, student beds, and green space.

CEE Office Market: Colliers says new office completions across Prague, Warsaw, Budapest, Bucharest, Bratislava and Sofia collapsed to just over 200,000 sqm in 2025, with only ~300,000 sqm expected in 2026—developers are holding back without pre-leasing and are favoring modern, sustainable mixed-use projects. Media & Trust: The 2026 Digital News Report finds trust in news falling in 29 of 48 markets, driven by “platformisation” and rising AI use in news production and consumption. Slovakia Economy: The OECD urges Slovakia to strengthen public finances and boost employment and productivity via pro-competitive reforms, reskilling and longer working lives. Cybersecurity: ESET details how the Russia-aligned Gamaredon group used new PowerShell tools and increasingly relied on legitimate cloud and messaging services to hide command-and-control and stolen data. Quantum Security (Slovakia): The President’s Office joined Slovakia’s quantum-secured communications testing under the skQCI project, aiming to build a quantum-secured layer across the country. Health Tech (Slovakia): TUZVO-backed research highlights intelligent rehabilitation tools using sensors, AI and real-time feedback to support recovery outside clinics. AI in Politics (US): A Michigan case questions whether state rules on AI-made political ads apply to federal races after a manipulated video appeared in a congressional attack ad. Heatwave Watch (Central Europe): Western Europe is bracing for extreme heat that’s already causing power outages and health risks, with forecasts warning the hottest conditions may shift east toward cities like Prague and Budapest. EV Trade: Polestar says the US Connected Vehicles Rule will force it to stop selling in the US from the 2027 model year due to connected-vehicle tech linked to China.

Quantum-Secured Comms: Slovakia’s President’s Office joined the skQCI quantum communications infrastructure tests, aiming to build a quantum-secured layer across the country and strengthen cyber resilience. Cybersecurity: ESET helped disrupt the Russia-aligned Amadey botnet and Stealc infostealer in a coordinated global operation, targeting known command-and-control infrastructure. Sustainability Research: The Slovak University of Technology topped Slovakia in the Sustainability Impact Ranking 2026, scoring strongly in clean energy, water management, innovation, and UN-linked research. Health Tech: TU Žilina’s MAPREHAB project is developing intelligent rehabilitation tools using sensors, AI, and real-time feedback to support recovery outside clinics. Environment & Resources: Slovakia’s Environment Ministry is pushing closer scientific cooperation with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on critical minerals to support EU supply chains. Urban Tech & Infrastructure: Studio Egret West won a Bratislava district design contest for a large mixed-use redevelopment that preserves industrial heritage and adds housing, offices, student beds, and green space. Policy & Economy: An OECD survey urges Slovakia to improve public finances and boost employment via pro-competitive reforms, reskilling, and longer working lives. Connected Vehicles: Polestar says a US connected-vehicle rule blocks its 2027 model-year sales in the US, citing restrictions tied to Chinese-linked connectivity. Extreme Heat: Europe’s unusually early heatwave is straining power grids and health systems, with record temperatures reported across multiple countries.