It is a paradox that ultimately hurts the customer. Although the value-added tax (VAT) on food served in restaurants fell to a historically low 5%, prices not only failed to drop but were now rising by almost 10%. A new analysis by the Institute for Financial Policy at the Finance Ministry (IFP) suggests that the…
German companies in Slovakia are facing growing cost pressures and heightened uncertainty about the country’s economic direction, according to the latest AHK World Business Outlook published by the German-Slovak Chamber of Commerce (AHK Slowakei). The survey of 85 German firms shows that while many remain stable and operationally resilient, confidence in Slovakia’s broader economic environment…
Slovakia is on the verge of becoming a net exporter of electricity, yet its businesses continue to pay among the highest prices in Europe. The launch of a third reactor at the Mochovce nuclear power plant has made the country almost self-sufficient, with a fourth unit due online next year. Last year, nearly 61% of…
German discount retailer Woolworth has opened its first store in Slovakia, marking the start of an ambitious push into central Europe’s budget retail market. The chain’s debut outlet – in Bory Mall, a major shopping centre in Bratislava – spans 1,100 square metres across two floors. It sells a broad range of non-food products, from…
This summer, Norwegian Air revived a long-dormant route that once connected Bratislava with Copenhagen after more than a decade. From late June to mid-August, the low-cost airline operated two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays during the peak summer season, using Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737-800 MAX aircraft with capacities of 186 and 189 passengers,…
Bratislava is launching a major modernisation of its tramline in Ruzinov, one of the city’s busiest districts, after its first tender collapsed. The 1970s-era route is to be rebuilt at a cost of EUR 102 million, mainly funded by EU money, following completion of the Petrzalka extension. The city says the new line will cut…
Slovakia’s new energy aid law, rushed through parliament on October 1, is facing criticism over the government’s plan to fund it. Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer) announced that the EUR 435-million scheme would be financed with European Union funds, rather than from Slovakia’s state budget. Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Hlas) backed the claim, saying Brussels…