News from Slovakia

Thursday, September 28, 2017 - Wednesday, October 4, 2017

The Bratislava bus station has been unchanged in 2018.

ECONOMIC POLICIES shutdown for rebulding. The annual highway sticker for a passenger
The bus station Mlynske Nivy in the wider car costs EUR50, a 30-day sticker EUR14,
Differences in food quality persist. and a 10-day sticker EUR10. The one-year
centre of Bratislava is out of operation. The
Agriculture Minister Gabriela Matecna has
developer HB Reavis closed it last weekend sticker is valid from January 1, 2018 to
confirmed this after the second phase of tests
and will rebuild it into a new station with January 31, 2019. Thursday, Sep 28, 2017
of 33 products sold under identical names and
underground space for buses and a shopping
brands in Slovakia and Austria. Matecna said
and administrative center. A temporary bus Slovakia with moderate improvement
that double standards concern up to one-third
station has been opened across the street. in competitiveness.
of EU countries, after talks that will give
Monday, Oct 2, 2017 Reaching 59th place, Slovakia moved up six
foundation to the Coalition Against Double
positions in the latest 2017-2018 Global
Quality. Next week, a summit For Equal
The Health Ministry will receive the Competitiveness ranking, which can be
Quality of Products will take place in
most from the state budget. attributed to some steps taken by the
Bratislava. Wednesday, Oct 4, 2017 (Read
The Finance Ministry will announce the government to simplify business and reduce
more)
negotiated sum in mid-October. The red tape. Thursday, Sep 28, 2017 (Read
Association of Hospitals in Slovakia says that more)
Sugar prices to drop up to 10 cents
the increase of the EUR110 million required
per kilogram.
by Health Minister Tomas Drucker will not be
Since October, the EU quotas for sugar have
enough, though. The increase is necessary TAXES AND FEES
ceased to exist, and each country will be able
mostly due to the promised enhancement of
to produce it freely. However, smaller
salaries for medical staff. Friday, Sep 29, Names of entrepreneurs with VAT
processing plants which produce sugar at
2017 refunds will be published.
higher prices might suffer the consequences
and be forced to shut their doors. Tuesday, Starting from January 2018, the Financial
One third of companies registered as Administration will start publishing the list of
Oct 3, 2017 (Read more)
public sector partners have been entrepreneurs whom it paid VAT refunds
The European Medicines Agency has removed. exceeding EUR1. Initially, only refunds over
More than 7,000 firms were deleted from the EUR50,000 needed to be published. The
a chance in Slovakia.
register. The Justice Ministry does not ministry proposed that from 2018
The Health Ministry has announced that
consider the mass outflow of companies a entrepreneurs will compulsorilymust archive
based on the European Commission's
disinterest, as they believe that most firms their accounting for 10 years, a change from
evaluation, Slovakia has met all the required
don't meet the limit conditions. The companies the current five years. Wednesday, Oct 4,
criteria in its bid to host the headquarters of
have to be registered if one-off transactions 2017
the agency. 19 EU member state are vieing to
with the state exceed EUR100,000 or if a total
become the residing country of the EMA, and
payment within a given year is higher than Slovakia loses 1 billion on tax evasions
Bratislava has scored really well, according to
EUR250,000. Friday, Sep 29, 2017 (Read every year.
Minister Tomas Drucker. Tuesday, Oct 3,
more) The VAT gap data for 2015 published by the
2017
European Commission shows the difference
E-letterboxes are delivering messages Slovakia is ready for a potential between potential VAT collection and the sum
on time. stoppage in gas deliveries from Russia that was actually collected accounts for 30
The system that entrepreneurs and
through Ukraine. percent, which represents EUR2.256 billion.
In its report on securing energy supplies and Compared with 2014, the gap is by 1.13
companies have to use to communicate with
solutions to potential emergency situations, percentage points lower, but in absolute
public offices and courts, has been struggling
the Economy Ministry states that Slovakia numbers the country loses even more in VAT:
with several problems since July. Instead of
does not need to fear a potential gas crisis about EUR50 million. Only Romania is worse
accelerating communication, receivers had to
even in the coming months. The report states off. Friday, Sep 29, 2017
wait several days for the message to be
that the situation is better than in 2009 when
delivered. The situation has now been
gas deliveries from Russia through Ukraine Kiska concealed another non-banking
stabilized. Tuesday, Oct 3, 2017
were halted. Friday, Sep 29, 2017 business.
Dismantling of the Jaslovske President Andrej Kiska not only faces a tax
Bohunice power plant to finish by Pharmacies will take turns to stay scandal but also suspicions regarding
2018 open till late. controversial business. His KTAG company
Health Ministry wants at least one pharmacy mediated loans and trades with a non-banking
On Monday, the Nuclear and
in each district town to remain open until 11 company which his brother operates. Kiska
Decommissioning Company (JAVYS) begun
pm, in order to align with the opening hours of insisted during his presidential campaign that
dismantling the first four cooling towers of the
emergency rooms. Drucker's proposal is part he quit the non-banking business in Slovakia
V1 Nuclear Power Plant in Jaslovske
of the amendment to the law on drugs and in the past. Thursday, Sep 28, 2017 (Read
Bohunice. The remaining four towers will be
medical devices that is currently undergoing more)
dismantled by 2018. The decommissioning of
interdepartmental review. Thursday, Sep 28,
the two blocs was a condition for Slovakia in
2017
EU accession talks. Monday, Oct 2,
2017 (Read more)
Prices of highway stickers will remain
STATISTICS, POLLS AND

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News from Slovakia
PRICES
Interest in private pensions has
grown.
In the first half of this year 24,000 people
joined the second pension pillar, which is the
second best year in history, the National Bank
of Slovakia reported. Last year, it was 17,000
new savers. This increase translated as well
into a higher profit for pension management
companies that soared by 23 percent.
Wednesday, Oct 4, 2017
It takes a month to handle
bureaucracy.
The latest issue of the Bureaucratic Index for
2017 compiled by the Think tank INESS
shows that the average small entrepreneur in
Slovakia "has to spend 164 hours in order to
fulfill 78 bureaucratic duties at a cost of
EUR1,651". Martin Vlachynsky of INESS said
that compared to last year, this indicator has
only improved minimally, by 1 hour and 1
duty. Monday, Oct 2, 2017
Prices of flats in Bratislava are
peaking.
The real estate prices rose by 6 percent last
year compared with those reported during the
peak of the real estate bubble, and continued
increasing. As of February, the increase had
gradually slowed down and has stopped
completely in the spring. The prices of both
old and new flats had stagnated by the
second quarter of the year, yet the prices of
flats increased the most in the borough of
Bratislava 3. Friday, Sep 29, 2017
29 percent young Slovaks want to
settle abroad forever.
"Young Slovaks feel frustrated and excluded,"
explains Katarina Cavojska, director of the
Youth Council of Slovakia who ran the survey.
It involved 700 young Slovaks aged 15-24.
Moreover, 80 percent of young Slovaks don't
trust the government, which is the highest
figure among the V4 countries. Thursday,
Sep 28, 2017 (Read more)
LABOUR MARKET
Jaguar Land Rover launches massive
recruitment.
The Nitra factory of the British carmaker
wants to employ 1,000 new people by the end
of March including 800 workers and 200
people for other working posts. It plans to look
for them particularly in the Nitra area. The
factory offers salaries ranging from EUR900
to EUR1,800 to the newcomers plus
additional benefits. The plant now employs
500 people, of whom a portion is undergoing
training in the UK. Wednesday, Oct 4,
The Rock s.r.o., Lazaretska 12, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Tel: +421 (0)2 5923-3300, Fax: +421 (0) 5923-3319, spectator@spectator.sk, www.spectator.sk
2017 (Read more)
Entrepreneurs slam the state for
minimum wage.
They say it is scandalous that the state
increases the minimum wage in leaps in the
private sector, while it itself does not abide by
it since 144,000 state employees have lower
salaries. The General Council of the
Association of Entrepreneurs of Slovakia said
they consider it unjust when the state
increases their costs while it protects its
revenues by freezing the nontaxable portion
of the tax base. Wednesday, Oct 4, 2017
Kia chooses Slovak managers.
Zilina-based carmaker Kia moved the powers
and responsibilities from Korean management
to Slovak managers. Of the total of 26
sections in the company, up to 24 in five
divisions are now led by Slovaks. The
company has recently hired Anton Ondrej for
the new position of HR director as well as new
members for management. Tuesday, Oct 3,
2017
They have not agreed in Volkswagen.
An arbitrator will decide on new salaries for
more than two thousand DHL and Autovision
employees. The Modern Trade Unions
Volkswagen have not agreed with the
management of the company even on their
sixth attempt. Thursday, Sep 28, 2017
POLITICS & SOCIETY
The backpack case has not been
closed.
The National Criminal Agency is still working
on the case of a backpack containing
EUR300,000 that was found at a petrol station
near Tatranska Strba this summer. Police
started an investigation on the suspicion of
the legalization of income from criminal
activity. A part-time worker found the
backpack, yet the ex-boss of the railway
company ZSR Stefan Hlinka claimed the
money. He said that he had found it in the
house he inherited from his mother.
Wednesday, Oct 4, 2017
Platinum mesh case postponed.
Bratislava I District Court postponed the main
proceeding in the so-called platinum mesh
case that has been dragging on since the era
of Iveta Radicova in 2010-2012. The trial will
continue on December 10th. Wednesday,
Oct 4, 2017
Martin Klus withdraws from the
election in Banska Bystrica.
The nominee of the Freedom and Solidarity
party stepped down in favour of Jan Lunter. In
an interview for the Sme daily he explained
that he decided to be responsible and give up
in favour of the strongest candidate and boost
the democratic camp against the incubment
governor and extremist, Marian Kotleba. In
the Focus poll ordered by Lunter, the
strongest candidate is already beating Kotleba
by more than 8 percent. Wednesday, Oct 4,
2017 (Read more)
The President says Fico is lying.
President Andrej Kiska claims PM Robert Fico
lied when he said that he heard Kiska speak
about eliminating the tax problems of his
company, which Kiska denies. Kiska also
slammed Fico for telling the media things he
has said, without his knowledge. The
President fears that the investigation launched
against the company he co-owns could be
misused to discredit him. Fico insists he told
the truth. Tuesday, Oct 3, 2017 (Read more)
Voters do not see Kotleba's failings.
Of the few things that inhabitants of the
Banska Bystrica Region credit Regional
Governor Marian Kotleba for are new roads.
His critics, on the other hand, criticize him for
draining the region of EU funds and subsidies.
Furthermore, teachers fear that saying
anything about World War II or the Slovak
National Uprising could cost them their jobs.
Despite these perceptions, Kotleba has wide
support. Tuesday, Oct 3, 2017
The draft reform of the education
system has been completed.
The 260-page material was delivered to the
Education Ministry. After it is discussed in the
parliamentary committee for education, it will
be gradually put in practice. The document
contains a vision of where the education
sector should be in 10 years. Tuesday, Oct 3,
2017
Tax controls of Kiska continue.
Tax conptrollers will come again to President
Andrej Kiska's firm KTAG to check the it's
bookkeeping for 2013. Kiska however, still
rejects the publishing of the invoices for his
presidential campaign settled by KTAG. He as
a natural entity, does not have a problem
showing his accounting, but in trade
companies that have several partners he
argued that it would not be fair. Monday, Oct
2, 2017
Priest Titus Zeman was beatified in
Bratislava.
On the Pope's behalf, Cardinal Angelo Amato,
beatified the deceased Slovak Salesian priest
and martyr. More than 500 priests took part in
the ceremony, including many monks and
nuns. Some 25,000 worshipers also attended
Zeman's beatification. This spring, The Pope
Page 2/4
News from Slovakia
approved a decree on the martyrdom of
Zeman who was persecuted by Communists
and who died from the consequences of
torture. Monday, Oct 2, 2017 (Read more)
The Government wants to send 25
soldiers to Iraq by the end of 2017
The Slovak Armed Forces want to dispatch up
to 25 soldiers to Iraq this year. They will
participate in a training mission that focuses
on advising and assisting the Iraqi
government in building its security forces. The
dispatch is still pending the approval of the
cabinet and the parliament. Monday, Oct 2,
2017
Lawyer earns millions from state
under dubious circumstances.
Radomir Bzan should receive EUR64 million
for successfully representing the state in the
arbitration concerning the Gabcikovo hydro-
power plant in an international dispute with
the Enel company. Normally, the
remuneration for such a service would be
around hundreds of thousands of euros,
lawyers say. Bzan is close to the ruling Smer
party. Also his son is connected with Smer.
Friday, Sep 29, 2017 (Read more)
The Trencin Region is the most
transparent in Slovakia.
Also because it enables its citizens to decide
on its budget and holds public sessions of
committees. The region tops the ranking,
compiled by ethics watchdog Transparency
International Slovensko (TIS), for the first
time. In previous years, it was the last on the
list. Banska Bystrica topped the list last year,
but has now dropped to fifth place. The
region, led by far-right extremist Marian
Kotleba, stopped publishing reports from
public competitions to sell and rent its
property and did not fill empty positions at the
region's office through proper selection
procedures. Friday, Sep 29, 2017
Transport bothers the richest region.
All four candidates for Bratislava regional
governor who partook in the discussion of the
Sme daily newspaper last week, Milan
Ftacnik, Pavol Freso, Rudolf Kusy, and Juraj
Droba, agreed on this. Thursday, Sep 28,
2017
CORPORATE
Banks still fail to transfer accounts.
Although automatic account transfers among
banks have been happening for several years,
difficulties often arise in practice and result in
the client being without money for several
days. A new law should change this, but
banks still complain that each of them transfer
The Rock s.r.o., Lazaretska 12, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Tel: +421 (0)2 5923-3300, Fax: +421 (0) 5923-3319, spectator@spectator.sk, www.spectator.sk
accounts differently. Monday, Oct 2, 2017 all types. Tuesday, Oct 3, 2017 (Read more)
The fight against corruption still a
MORE FROM theory.
The Prime Minister promises a fight against
SPECTATOR.SK corruption, but the public would rather
welcome concrete measures. Monday, Oct
European award-winning physics 2, 2017 (Read more)
teacher: Let students experiment
Author of several physics course books and
It would be artificial to look for
co-founder of the Centre for the
differences.
Popularisation of Physics says nature
Carmakers are aware they are being closely
sciences open many doors for those who
watched after Dieselgate, says German
study them. Wednesday, Oct 4, 2017 (Read Ambassador Joachim Bleicker in an interview
more)
with The Slovak Spectator. Monday, Oct 2,
2017 (Read more)
Slovak jobseekers have better English
than Czechs and Hungarians. Stupava manufactures the first
A study by a job-procuring website found that
sauerkraut with a protection label
Slovaks beat their neighbours in knowledge of
Stupavske zele is, after paprika from the
English. Wednesday, Oct 4, 2017 (Read
Zitava area, and is the second Slovak food
more)
that has been added to the PDO category.
Monday, Oct 2, 2017 (Read more)
Paper, paper, everywhere!
There are many points of contention I have
with the state regarding regulations. But the
Head of White Night: We had to
most egregious is the paper burden placed on
explain we are not racists
For the third time, there will be the annual
companies, writes the Accidental Hotelier.
festival of visual art in Bratislava. Monday,
Wednesday, Oct 4, 2017 (Read more)
Oct 2, 2017 (Read more)
Athletes in Monaco will be taxed too
The Amendment to the Income Tax Act Wooden houses have stories to tell
Orava's open-air museum celebrates its 50th
applicable from January 1, 2018 will introduce
anniversary, and is the story of how it was
far-reaching changes. Wednesday, Oct 4,
brought to life. Sunday, Oct 1, 2017 (Read
2017 (Read more)
more)
Minister Kazimir presents a new
Photo exhibition shows Roma in a
budget
The Slovak government is planning a deficit of
different light.
A young photographer ventures into Roma
0.83 percent. Wednesday, Oct 4,
settlements to tell their story. Saturday, Sep
2017 (Read more)
30, 2017 (Read more)
Everything you need to know in order
The situation at Foreigners' Police
not to get lost during White Night
should improve
festival Several changes are expected to come.
'A manual' for the festival taking place this
Sometime. Friday, Sep 29, 2017 (Read
weekend in Bratislava; organisers have
more)
prepared a map, routes and a mobile app to
guide visitors and help them get oriented.
Blog: How to get the best out of the
Wednesday, Oct 4, 2017 (Read more)
High Tatras.
A local guide shares his tips and
Top 10 events in Bratislava recommendations about the Tatra hiking trails
Tips for the top 10 events in the capital
- including his tips on the best hikes. Friday,
between October 6 and October 15, plus
Sep 29, 2017 (Read more)
regular services in different languages,
training, temporary exhibitions and highlights
Ryanair cancelling winter lines
of the year. Tuesday, Oct 3, 2017 (Read Also on the Bratislava-Thessaloniki route. The
more)
low-cost airliner estimates that the step will
impact about 400,000 passengers.
Who will fill the void after Merkel is Thursday, Sep 28, 2017 (Read more)
gone?
The story in Germany, according to Benjamin
Cunningham, as it is in most places including
Slovakia, is that voters are increasingly
shunning traditional mass political parties of
Page 3/4
 News from Slovakia
SLOVAK ECONOMY IN NUMBERS
GDP* 2Q_2017 1Q_2016 2016 2015
y/y in % 3.3 3.1 3.3 3.8
Unemployment* 2Q_2017 1Q_2017 2016 2015
in % 8.1 8.7 9.7 11.5
Unemployment (registered)** 08_2017 07_2017 2016 2015
in % 6.5 6.7 9.48 11.50
Inflation (consumer prices)* 08_2017 07_2017 2016 2015
Total inflation (y/y in %) 1.5 1.4 -0.5 -0.3
Core inflation (y/y in %) 2.2 2.1 0.1 0.2
Net inflation (y/y in %) 1.6 1.4 0.3 0.4
Industrial producers prices* 08_2017 07_2017 2016 2015
Domestic (y/y in %) 2.1 0.7 -4.3 -4.2
Foreign trade* 07_2017 06_2017 2016 2015
Balance (EUR mil.) 135.3 366.8 3 646 3,303
Industry* 07_2017 06_2017 2016 2015
Industrial production (y/y in %) 9.2 1.8 3.3 5.9
New orders (y/y in %) 14.5 -3.5 6.1 7
Economic sentiment indicator* 09_2017 08_2017 12_2016 12_2013
Three-month moving average in % 104.8 102.4 102.7 95.4
* Source: Statistical Office of the SR; ** Source: Central Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family

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