AGP Executive Report

EU Pay Transparency in Slovakia: Slovakia has transposed the EU Pay Transparency Directive into national law via its Equal Pay Act, with reporting rules and deadlines that employers must map to headcount (first reports start in 2027 for the 2026 period). Slovakia–Malaysia Tech Links: The Sarawak Business Federation is exploring Slovak cooperation in waste and water tech, including deposit return scheme IT and flash-flood prediction systems. EU Russia Sanctions Update: The EU Council extended Ukraine-related Russia sanctions to 2029, while separate talks show how hard it is to renew the wider sanctions list amid disputes over delisting Russian-linked billionaires. Indo-Pacific Push: Slovak FM Juraj Blanár says Slovakia is stepping up Indo-Pacific engagement, including reopening an embassy in Australia and deeper ASEAN ties. V4+India Momentum: Visegrad countries backed India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat and agreed to annual foreign-minister meetings plus an annual business forum focused on tech, innovation, research, and defence. Košice Electric Plant: Volvo’s new EV plant near Košice hit 1,000 employees and begins testing, targeting full production in 2027. EU AI Governance Talk: EU moves to strengthen AI safety, transparency, and market checks through its AI board work.

V4+India Diplomacy: Slovakia’s FM Juraj Blanár chaired the first V4+India foreign ministers’ meeting in New York, with India’s S. Jaishankar and counterparts from Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic agreeing to deepen cooperation in defence, technology and innovation, with energy security and supply-chain risks also high on the agenda. UN Security Council Push: The same meeting delivered a clear political boost for India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat, with Blanár saying India “must be at the table” as a Global South power. Multilateralism Under Pressure: Jaishankar warned at the UN that the global order is under stress and called for stronger multilateral action to address the “4F” crisis (fuel, food, fertiliser, finance) and challenges tied to emerging technologies and development finance. EU Sanctions Deadlock: Latvia blocked an EU compromise to renew sanctions on nearly 3,000 Russia-linked people and entities, after the deal would delist billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman—raising the risk that the whole sanctions renewal fails over unanimity. Slovakia in Nuclear Governance: Nigeria was elected to the IAEA Board of Governors for 2026–2028, and Slovakia is also listed among new members—keeping nuclear safety and safeguards on the agenda. Industry & Tech Policy: Evonik announced restructuring that includes job cuts and new investment focus on healthcare and biotechnology in Slovakia, while a PPWR compliance discussion argues firms should use packaging rules to go beyond “tick-box” compliance.

Slovakia–India Tech & Defence Push: Juraj Blanár says Slovakia backs India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat, after the first V4+India foreign ministers meeting with S. Jaishankar; talks also covered technology and innovation, space, connectivity, research, education, and defence, with plans for annual minister meetings and an annual business forum. Global Order Under Stress: Jaishankar used the UNGA sidelines to argue multilateralism must “assert itself strongly” as geopolitical rivalry and conflicts strain the world order, linking cooperation to peace, climate, emerging technologies, supply chains, and pandemic preparedness. EU Sanctions Update: EU ambassadors reportedly agreed to delist two sanctioned oligarchs (Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov) while keeping restrictions on thousands of others for three years—sparking criticism from Kyiv. Slovakia Energy Policy: SIEA is restructuring the Green Households solar subsidy, moving from vouchers to direct cash, cutting PV support limits and grants, and shifting household incentives toward heat pumps. Nuclear & Research Governance: Slovakia secured a seat on the IAEA Board of Governors (2026–2028), as Nigeria also won a board role—both tied to nuclear safety and peaceful tech development. Aviation Disruption: A UK air traffic glitch left passengers stranded for hours, highlighting ongoing operational fragility in European travel systems. Green Finance Study: A Visegrad Group–Montenegro–Moldova project study says Moldova can speed its green transition by building an investment-ready pipeline and using tools like green bonds and sustainable funds. Defence Tech Procurement: The US Army awarded a $10.64M contract for Ukrainian Raybird reconnaissance drones, with Slovakia mentioned as part of component production. Renewables Snapshot: EU renewable generation stayed just above 54% in Q2 2026, with solar leading and Slovakia among the lowest performers by share.

Slovakia Energy Policy: Slovakia is cutting its residential solar subsidy and shifting support toward heat pumps, with SIEA restructuring the “Green Households” program from vouchers to direct cash payments to household bank accounts, and reducing the max supported PV size and grant levels. EU Power Mix: EU renewable generation stayed above 54% of net electricity in Q2 2026, with solar leading (41.6%), wind second (27.7%), and hydro third (22.6%)—a sign the grid must handle stronger midday swings. Defense Tech (Ukraine): The U.S. Army awarded a $10.6M contract for Ukraine’s combat-proven Raybird reconnaissance drones, underscoring how long-endurance drone surveillance is shaping targeting in the war. Geopolitical Security: Analysis warns Russia may be escalating toward NATO via drones or missiles, but argues Putin still lacks a realistic path to major open war with the West. Food Supply Risk: A Black Sea blockade is threatening a food supply shock, adding pressure to inflation and food security beyond the usual Hormuz-focused headlines. IAEA Governance: The IAEA elected Slovakia to its Board of Governors for 2026–2028, alongside 10 other countries. Local Tech & Industry: Slovakia-based DiamondFish is scaling an African catfish recirculating aquaculture system, aiming to grow a new Central European fish staple.

Black Sea Food Shock: A blockade tied to Russia-Ukraine port attacks is threatening wheat shipments and could push inflation and worsen food security for vulnerable countries. US–India Tariff Pressure: The US Congress backed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, giving Trump power to impose up to 100% tariffs on top Russian oil and gas buyers, including Slovakia. Ukraine Drone & Missile Tech: The US Army awarded a $10.64M contract for Ukraine’s Raybird reconnaissance drones, while Zelensky approved new long-range operations and reported strikes hitting Russian oil and logistics targets. EU AI Oversight: The EU AI Board met to shift from AI rules to enforcement priorities, focusing on transparency, AI literacy, and market surveillance under the AI Act. Slovakia Nuclear Role: Slovakia was elected to the IAEA Board of Governors for 2026–2028, pledging work on nuclear safety and safeguards. Carpathian Eight Energy Push: Zelensky’s Carpathian Eight forum signed 50 deals worth over €1bn, with many focused on solar, wind, storage, and new interconnectors for energy independence. Slovakia in Defense Tech: Poland joined a European anti-ballistic missile coalition as part of the same Carpathian regional security push.

Ukraine–Russia Security: Zelensky says Ukrainian long-range strikes hit oil refining and logistics targets in Russia’s Moscow region and Voronezh, naming systems including “Pelican,” sparking debate over what exactly was used and how far it can reach. Russian Influence Watch: Ukraine urges governments to shut down “Russian Houses” (Russkiy Dom), calling the network a tool for disinformation, destabilization and espionage, after Germany moved to end its Berlin operating deal. Carpathian Tech & Energy Diplomacy: Zelensky launches the Carpathian Eight (C8) format with Slovakia, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Czechia, Romania, Serbia and the EU, citing 50 signed agreements worth over €1bn, with energy (solar, wind, storage, interconnectors) a major focus. EU AI Governance: The EU AI Board reviews how the AI Act moves from rules to oversight, focusing on transparency, AI literacy and market surveillance coordination. Slovakia in Nuclear Oversight: Slovakia wins a seat on the IAEA Board of Governors for 2026–2028, pledging work on nuclear safety and safeguards. Defense Tech Procurement: The US approves a $2.7bn air-defense sale to Ukraine and a $10.64m contract for Ukrainian Raybird reconnaissance drones. EU Border Tech: At least nine Schengen countries can pause full EES rollout into 2027, as airports report long queues and travelers miss flights. Local Tech/Industry Signal: Evonik expands biotechnology in Slovakia, including a major €80m expansion.

EU AI Oversight: The EU AI Board met under Ireland’s presidency to shift the AI Act from paper to practice, focusing on enforcement priorities, transparency, AI literacy, and market surveillance cooperation. Slovakia Nuclear Role: Slovakia was elected to the IAEA Board of Governors for 2026–2028, with priorities on nuclear safety and safeguards, plus sharing know-how. Ukraine Air Defence Supply: The US approved a $2.7B arms sale to Ukraine, including air-defense and counter-drone systems, as Russian strikes killed 11 and wounded at least 64. Drones for the Front: The US Army awarded a $10.64M contract for Ukrainian Raybird reconnaissance drones and services. Regional Security Tech: Ukraine launched the Carpathian Eight cooperation format, while Poland joined an anti-ballistic missile coalition. EU Border Tech Friction: Nine EU countries can pause the EES rollout until tech for facial and fingerprint scans is ready, after long queues and missed flights. Slovak Tech Event: DRONTEX 2026 in Piešťany (Oct 14–15) will bring together drone and counter-drone experts for V4 and beyond. Biotech in Slovakia: IntraBio’s AQNEURSA (levacetylleucine) got FDA approval for ataxia in ataxia-telangiectasia patients.

EU Tech & Policy: The EU AI Board met to shift the AI Act from paper to practice, focusing on enforcement priorities, AI literacy, transparency rules, and market surveillance cooperation. Schengen Tech: Nine EU countries, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy, can pause full EES rollout until end-2026 due to remaining operational issues with facial and fingerprint checks. Nuclear & Slovakia: Slovakia won a seat on the IAEA Board of Governors for 2026–2028, with priorities on nuclear safety and safeguards. AI Infrastructure (EU): 19 member states entered the pre-notification phase for IPCEI-AI, aiming to fund a European AI stack and reduce dependence on US hyperscalers. Defense & Drones: DRONTEX 2026 returns to Piešťany (Oct 14–15) to connect V4 and European drone and counter-drone tech communities. Health Tech: IntraBio got FDA approval for AQNEURSA (levacetylleucine) for ataxia in ataxia-telangiectasia. Slovakia Business: FiberNet named an international sales head; the firm runs an open fibre backbone from Bratislava to Košice and onward to Uzhhorod.

IAEA & Nuclear Policy: Slovakia won a seat on the IAEA Board of Governors for 2026–2028, with priorities on nuclear safety, safeguards, and sharing know-how. EU Tech Funding: 19 EU states moved into the pre-notification phase for IPCEI-AI, a major push for “European AI sovereignty,” with an Oct 31, 2026 application deadline. Defense & Regional Security: Ukraine launched the Carpathian Eight format, while Poland joined a European anti-ballistic missile coalition; meanwhile, Russia stepped up pressure on allies over arms shipments and hybrid threats. Slovakia in the Energy Mix: A new D1 motorway bypass around Ruzomberok is set to open Oct 5, and drought hit parts of Central Europe hard, with Slovakia among the driest August countries. Biotech Breakthrough: IntraBio said the U.S. FDA approved AQNEURSA (levacetylleucine) for ataxia-telangiectasia. Cyber/Trust: Russia’s remote e-voting system saw more severe attacks, alongside reports of fake voting channels. Industry & Infrastructure: FiberNet appointed an international sales head as it runs an open fibre backbone from Bratislava to Košice and onward to Uzhhorod.

IAEA & Nuclear Oversight: Slovakia was elected to the IAEA Board of Governors for 2026–2028, with priorities on nuclear safety and stronger safeguards, represented by Nuclear Regulatory Authority chair Marta Žiaková. Regional Security Cooperation: Ukraine launched the Carpathian Eight (C8) format, bringing together Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary for talks on security, energy resilience, industry and transport. Sanctions & Energy Risks: After a new US Russia sanctions bill, Ukraine’s sanctions commissioner says tariffs up to 100% could target major Russian oil and gas buyers, with Slovakia flagged as a possible update target. EU Budget Clash: Germany and Spain are at odds over the size of the EU’s next €2 trillion budget, fueling a wider fight between net contributors and higher-spending states. Cyber & Elections: Russia reports attacks on remote e-voting systems and rising fake-news activity during elections, while Chainalysis links a big onchain malware surge to state-linked hackers. Tech & Infrastructure: Slovakia’s FiberNet hires an international sales lead for its 640 km fibre backbone, and the Ruzomberok D1 bypass is set to open on 5 October. Privacy Backlash: “Smart glasses” privacy concerns keep growing in Europe, with Slovak lawmakers asking for clearer EU rules.

Biotech in Slovakia: Evonik broke ground on an ~€80M biotechnology expansion at its Fermas site in Slovenská Ľupča, adding downstream fermentation tech and about 50 jobs, with completion expected in early 2028. AI for Europe: The European Commission welcomed an AI IPCEI coordinated by Germany and designed by 19 member states (including Slovakia) to build decentralised, commonly accessible AI services across the AI stack. Cybersecurity: ESET reports China-aligned FamousSparrow deploying a new modular C++ backdoor, SparroWocky, targeting Latin American government orgs since at least Aug 2025. Drought pressure: An AFP analysis using the European Drought Observatory says nine European countries, including Slovakia, had their driest August on record, with central Europe hit hardest. Local infrastructure: Slovakia’s D1 Hubova–Ivachnova bypass around Ruzomberok is set to open to drivers on 5 October. Smart glasses privacy: A Slovak lawmaker says she’s still awaiting answers on whether “pervert glasses” comply with EU data protection and AI rules as sales surge. Business/IT: FiberNet appointed an international sales head for its 640+ km open fibre backbone from Bratislava to Košice and into Ukraine. Defense tech: Reports say the US Air Force is considering a new F-16G variant based on Block 70, with added sensors and range.

Slovakia Infrastructure: The D1 Hubova–Ivachnova bypass around Ruzomberok is set to open for drivers on 5 October, with the Transport Ministry and NDS saying final works and inspections are wrapping up. AI Policy in Europe: The European Commission backed the first AI IPCEI designed by 19 Member States, aiming to fund decentralised AI services across the stack and boost Europe’s digital sovereignty. Cybersecurity: ESET reports the China-aligned FamousSparrow has expanded in Latin America with a new modular C++ backdoor, SparroWocky, replacing an earlier tool. Biotech in Slovakia: Evonik broke ground on an about €80m biotechnology expansion at its Fermas site in Slovenská Ľupča, adding downstream fermentation tech and about 50 jobs by early 2028. Privacy & Smart Glasses: France’s “pervert glasses” debate heats up as the EU considers rules after cases of covert filming, with Slovak lawmaker Veronika Cifrova Ostrihonova still awaiting answers. Energy Security: Germany’s push to reduce Russian nuclear fuel dependence is hitting a legal fight, as a court challenge targets a plant expansion that would use Rosatom-linked licensing to make Russian-designed fuel. Business & Mobility: Land Rover and Stellantis are reportedly exploring a Defender pickup for the US, potentially produced locally to dodge import tariffs. EU–Russia Sanctions Spillover: A US sanctions and tariff bill cleared the House, with up to 100% tariffs potentially affecting buyers including Slovakia.

AI Industrial Push: The European Commission backed the first AI Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) designed by 19 Member States, including Slovakia, aiming to build decentralised AI services across the full stack and strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty. Local Industry & Jobs: Evonik broke ground on an ~€80M biotechnology expansion in Slovenská Ľupča to boost contract manufacturing capacity, add fermentation tech, and create about 50 jobs. Defense Readiness (EU): The European Parliament adopted a Defense Readiness Omnibus to speed permits, intra-EU transfers, procurement and investment—targeting drones, sensors and ammunition needs shaped by the Ukraine war. Energy Storage Supply Chain: InoBat and Palmer Energy Technology agreed a European battery energy storage partnership, with reciprocal BESS supply and Brill Power management software integrated into InoBat’s BESSMONT platform. Tech & Manufacturing Risk (Slovakia): A fire at ZVS Holding’s Snina production hall likely started during renovation work; production in the affected area was temporarily suspended. Mobility & Policy: Greenpeace research says public transport ticket prices rose in 14 European capitals over three years, pushing calls for affordable “climate tickets.”

Slovak Politics: Parliament opened its first session after the summer break, with nearly 300 items including a new Civil Code, tighter social media rules for under-16s, changes to voting from abroad, and constitutional amendments. EU AI Funding: The European Commission backed an AI-focused Important Project of Common European Interest, coordinated by Germany and designed by 19 member states including Slovakia, aiming to build decentralised, widely accessible AI services across the full stack. Slovakia’s Biotech Push: Evonik broke ground on an ~€80M biotechnology expansion at its Fermas site in Slovenská Ľupča, adding downstream fermentation tech for pharmaceutical intermediates, targeting completion in early 2028. Energy Storage Deal (Local angle): InoBat and Palmer agreed a European battery energy storage partnership, with Palmer supplying BESS units in 2026 and potentially sourcing InoBat’s BESSMONT from Slovak production from 2027, plus Brill Power controls integration. Digital Identity: The EU Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet) is set to launch by year-end, letting people store documents and access services via member-state apps using shared standards. Tech & Work: A Catalan court heard a challenge to Meta’s mass dismissal of over 2,000 content moderators in Barcelona, with unions arguing the jobs were effectively shifted to eliminate the local workforce. Security Trends: Eurostat data shows EU break-ins down 35% over a decade, with Lithuania lowest and Austria highest; Slovakia remains under 100 burglaries per 100,000 people.

Biotech in Slovakia: Evonik broke ground on an ~€80M biotechnology expansion at its Fermas site in Slovenská Ľupča, adding downstream fermentation tech for complex pharma intermediates, targeting early 2028 completion and ~50 new jobs. EU Digital Services: The EU Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet) is set to launch by year-end, letting people store and share documents and sign digitally via member-state apps built on shared standards. AI Infrastructure Debate in Slovakia: Slovakia’s government is floating data centers for AI, citing stable power and water for cooling, while critics warn about heavy resource demands and question cybersecurity readiness. Energy & Heating Trend: Switzerland hit a major milestone: one in four residential buildings now has a heat pump, but many households still rely on oil or gas. Transport Electrification: MAN unveiled the next-gen eTGX at IAA Transportation 2026, targeting up to 720 km range on a charge with improved batteries and efficiency. EU Sanctions Gridlock: EU sanctions tied to Russia’s war were extended for just seven days after France and Slovakia pushed to delist Alisher Usmanov, forcing a short-term reprieve. Tech & Work Market: Eurostat reports the euro area job vacancy rate at 2.1% in Q2 2026, with Slovakia among the lowest at 0.9%. Roman Archaeology: Archaeologists uncovered a Roman military camp near Šurany linked to Marcus Aurelius, found ahead of an industrial park.

EU Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet): The EU is set to launch a free Digital Identity Wallet app by year-end, letting people store and share documents, access services, and sign digitally across member states using shared standards (no single EU app—each country builds its own). EU Sanctions Deadlock: EU ambassadors extended Russia-linked individual sanctions for just seven days to 22 September after France and Slovakia pushed different outcomes over delisting Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov, keeping the wider sanctions fight unresolved. Slovakia Biotech Boost: Evonik broke ground on an ~€80M biotechnology expansion at its Fermas site in Slovenská Ľupča, adding downstream fermentation tech and ~50 jobs, targeting completion in early 2028. Local Energy Tech: ANDRITZ and VUJE won a contract to modernise Slovakia’s Gabčíkovo hydropower plant, upgrading electromechanical equipment to improve efficiency and extend service life by at least 30 years. Roman Archaeology in Slovakia: Archaeologists uncovered a second-century Roman military camp near Šurany tied to Marcus Aurelius’ era, with soldiers’ remains, weapons, and armor, ahead of an industrial park. AI Data Centres Debate: Slovakia’s government floated data centres as an AI opportunity thanks to water and stable power, while critics warn about heavy local resource demands and cybersecurity readiness. Battery Industry Watch: Clarios, Altris and InoBat reported progress in sodium-ion batteries, including improved cold performance down to -40°C for low-voltage, high-power use.