Latest News May 15, 2026 Become Partners of Change, the Future and Prosperity Future Slovakia Forum is entering its next phase: building expert teams, student policy talent and evidence-based reform proposals for Slovakia. We invite partners, donors and supporters to help us turn preparation into impact. Read More May 6, 2026 Wlachovský, Kollár, Mišík: how the decisions whose consequences we live with are made — what came out of the Brno discussion On Wednesday 6 May 2026, the discussion Wlachovský, Kollár, Mišík: how the decisions whose consequences we live with are made took place at Kavárna Trojka in Dům pánů z Kunštátu in Brno. Read More Apr 30, 2026 Is Slovakia heading down the Greek path? — what came out of the Prague discussion On Tuesday 21 April 2026, the discussion Is Slovakia heading down the Greek path? took place in Aula C123 of FSV UK in Jinonice. The numbers came from Radovan Ďurana (INESS); the experience from local government from Miroslav Kollár (KOM). The event was held within the POLITALENT project (Charles University) and Budúcnosť Slovenska študuje v ČR. Read More Apr 24, 2026 First FSF meetup in Olomouc — what was discussed On the evening of 14 April 2026, Future Slovakia Forum held its first meetup with Slovak students in Olomouc at Coffee Library. The guest was sociologist Michal Vašečka — member of FSF's Advisory Board and Slovakia's representative to ECRI at the Council of Europe. The meetup was attended by 19 registered students. Read More Mar 28, 2026 Healthy Future of Slovakia Launches Patient Experience Survey FSF's health expert group is collecting anonymous patient and family experiences to complement its evidence-based reform work. Share your story at healthy-future.sk. Read More Feb 12, 2026 Designate Your 2% Tax to Future Slovakia Forum Starting in 2026, Slovak taxpayers can designate 2% of their income tax to retired parents — and simultaneously 2% to a civil society organization. Together, up to 6%. No additional cost. Real impact. Read More Feb 2, 2026 Launching a New Initiative: The Future of Slovakia Studies in the Czech Republic We motivate Slovak students studying at Czech universities to actively contribute to the preparation of public policies for a modern and democratic Slovakia. Read More Jan 27, 2026 Seats Decide: January 2026 Projection Opposition 88 : 62, Two Seats Short of a Constitutional Majority Read More Jan 13, 2026 WATCH AND LEARN Slovakia's fiscal collapse: a friendly warning to our Czech neighbours Read More Nov 26, 2025 The Danube Story: Slovakia at the Crossroads of History Future Slovakia Forum presents a new moral-political analysis of Slovakia's democratic crisis — and the paths that remain open. Read More Nov 21, 2025 Future Slovakia Forum Publishes the November 21 Declaration: "Defending Ukraine Is Defending Europe" A moral and strategic declaration warning against "peace proposals" that would negotiate Ukraine's future without Ukraine's consent — and the risks to European security. Read More Sep 30, 2025 From Bureaucracy to Blueprint: Why Slovakia Needs a Systemic Approach to Healthcare (and How We Are Building It) The ongoing debate over the Ministry of Health’s proposed HTA methodological guideline perfectly illustrates why Slovakia needs a comprehensive vision, not just ad-hoc bureaucratic tweaks. Read More Sep 1, 2025 Ukraine’s War as Slovakia’s Historic Test New FSF analysis in Demokratický střed: Migration, energy shock, and defense boom are reshaping the country’s future Read More Jul 9, 2025 Closing the First Year of Future Slovakia Forum’s Activities One year of connecting experts, shaping reforms, and standing up for Slovakia’s democratic future. Read More Jul 2, 2025 PRESS RELEASE - Slovak Government Targets Political Pluralism New legislation aims to restrict funding, raise barriers, and weaken democratic competition Read More Mar 28, 2025 PRESS RELEASE – The Opposition Hesitates, but Slovakia Cannot Wait: A Call for a Realistic Defence Plan that Reflects the Will of the Voters Urgent Commentary – Slovakia’s Security at a Critical Crossroads Read More Mar 13, 2025 PRESS RELEASE - ALL THE 13 QUESTIONS - CHARTS AND DATA REVEALED AVAILABLE HERE FOR YOU - FREE FOR DOWNLOAD DATA HAS TO BE USED - MUST BE DISCUSSED! Read More Mar 12, 2025 EXPERT DISCUSSION II. - All facts (instead of guesses) REVEALED. Where does Slovakia belong? What the Data Really Says About Slovakia’s Place Between East and West – Final survey results and expert insights reveal public contradictions and strategic confusion in times of growing geopolitical pressure. Read More Mar 7, 2025 EXPERT DISCUSSION I. - Where does Slovakia belong? Facts instead of guesses - About this Project! How do experts see Slovakia's geopolitical orientation? How did we construct the survey questions and what can they tell us? Read More Sep 17, 2024 PRESS RELEASE - Future Slovakia Forum at the Forefront of Ukraine's Recovery Insights from AmCham Slovakia's High-Level Forum Read More

< Back PRESS RELEASE - Slovak Government Targets Political Pluralism Jul 2, 2025 New legislation aims to restrict funding, raise barriers, and weaken democratic competition The Slovak government has proposed a legislative package that poses a serious threat to the country's democratic pluralism. Under the draft law, smaller and opposition political parties would face steep financial and administrative obstacles that threaten their ability to participate meaningfully in elections. Key measures include: Tripling election deposits for parliamentary elections (from €17,000 to €50,000) and increasing the minimum vote share required to reclaim the deposit from 2% to 5%. Raising the threshold for public funding — only parties exceeding 5% of the national vote would qualify for state contributions, effectively cutting off resources for smaller movements. Reducing existing funding by 30% whenever the public deficit exceeds 3% of GDP. Restricting donations by banning cash contributions and requiring full identification of all donors. Limiting parties' ability to change their names , making internal renewal and adaptation more difficult. These changes are being advanced at a time when the ruling coalition is consolidating control over the prosecution service, the police, and public service media. Article 31 of the Constitution of the Slovak Republic clearly states: "The legal regulation of all political rights and freedoms, and their interpretation and application, must enable and protect the free competition of political forces in a democratic society." This legislation does the opposite. The civic association Future Slovakia Forum calls for open public debate on alternative reforms that strengthen citizens' sovereignty and ensure fair political competition — including its own proposal, Systém 2027 , which introduces a bicameral parliament with 45 local single-member districts, a national compensatory tier, and a 45-seat Senate. THE PRESS RELEASE (in SLOVAK) web - Systém 2027 - web < Previous Next >

< Back Kontakt na Úrad na ochranu osobných údajov SR Hraničná 12, 820 07 Bratislava www.dataprotection.gov.sk Previous Next

< Back Launching a New Initiative: The Future of Slovakia Studies in the Czech Republic Feb 2, 2026 We motivate Slovak students studying at Czech universities to actively contribute to the preparation of public policies for a modern and democratic Slovakia. Starting February 2026 Future Slovakia Forum is launching a new civic and educational initiative connecting Slovak students and young professionals studying at universities in Prague, Brno, Olomouc, and other Czech cities with FSF expert teams working on public policy reforms . Get Involved — Register Here The goal of the project is to develop new talent, build professional networks, and enable meaningful civic engagement through practical involvement in policy preparation and reform-oriented work, under the guidance of experienced experts. In some cases, long-term and active collaboration may be individually financially compensated , depending on project capacity and available resources. Main project activities: Community events and expert discussions held directly at university dormitories in Prague (Jarov, Sinkuleho, Trója, Chodov, Na Větrníku, etc.) and in Brno (MUNI, VUT, MENDELU) Opportunities for volunteering, mentoring, and collaboration on concrete reform-oriented projects and policy work Thematic focus areas: healthcare, education and skills, public finance, decentralization and public administration (additional areas may be monitored or discussed depending on capacity) Support for academic development , including consultation and thematic inspiration for bachelor’s and master’s theses Open to Slovak, Czech, and international students , including students with disabilities; activities will be organized with respect to accessibility and individual needs Basic information 👇 - 2-pager in English (PDF) : Click for 2-pager in English (PDF) Get involved: Get Involved — Register Here Email : forum@future-slovakia.eu Partners : Pražská kaviaren , Brnenská kaviareň , INESS , Krajan.sk , and others. < Previous Next >

< Back Ukraine’s War as Slovakia’s Historic Test Sep 1, 2025 New FSF analysis in Demokratický střed: Migration, energy shock, and defense boom are reshaping the country’s future The Future Slovakia Forum has published an in-depth analysis in cooperation with the Czech outlet Demokratický střed . The article by Dávid Bořuta examines how Russia’s war against Ukraine has exposed Slovakia’s economic vulnerabilities - cheap energy, weak infrastructure, demographic decline - while at the same time creating unprecedented opportunities. Key themes include: The migration wave as both a strain and a structural chance to stabilize the labor market. The energy shock that ended dependency on Russian gas but forced industry onto a new trajectory. The defense sector’s tenfold export growth, emerging as a possible “second pillar” of Slovak exports. Risks of political isolation if Bratislava undermines Western unity while partners move ahead. The piece concludes that the decade 2025 - 2034 will be decisive in determining whether Slovakia uses Ukraine’s reconstruction and EU opportunities to transform its economy - or drifts to the periphery of Central Europe. This article was produced as part of the project Reflections of the War in Ukraine in Visegrad Countries . The project is co-financed by the governments of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from the International Visegrad Fund. The Fund’s mission is to support ideas of sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe. Read the full article in English here ⬇️ 📄 Download: FSF Analysis – Ukraine and Slovak Economy (PDF) < Previous Next >

< Back PRESS RELEASE – The Opposition Hesitates, but Slovakia Cannot Wait: A Call for a Realistic Defence Plan that Reflects the Will of the Voters Mar 28, 2025 Urgent Commentary – Slovakia’s Security at a Critical Crossroads The latest commentary from the Future Slovakia Forum titled “Security Cannot Wait: Slovakia’s Defence Strategy in the Face of Opposition Hesitation.” This commentary presents a proposal for a realistic security strategy for Slovakia. It combines an increase in defence spending with deep fiscal and administrative reform – without the need to raise taxes. Based on data from our own survey as well as the broader international context, the text highlights the urgent need to act responsibly and effectively. We specifically respond to the recent, for many observers incomprehensible, statement by the parties PS, KDH, and SaS following their meeting with the President of the Republic, in which they refused to support an immediate increase in defence spending and the deployment of Slovak troops as part of a peacekeeping contingent of allied forces in Ukraine – despite the fact that, according to our survey, a significant majority of their own voters support these steps. At a time when countries in the region are taking decisive action, it is crucial not to ignore the voice of the public or the strategic challenges we face. The commentary’s key recommendations include: Increasing defence spending to 3.6% of GDP by 2028, Doubling support for Ukraine, Reforming public finances and decentralizing governance, Reviving regional cooperation through the V4-UA format. This commentary is suitable as an opinion piece, a basis for expert discussion, or for media citation. ENGLISH VERSION HERE - COMMENTARY FULL TEXT: Security Cannot WAIT - full article TABLES – HOW DO VOTERS SEE IT? < Previous Next >

< Back Become Partners of Change, the Future and Prosperity May 15, 2026 Future Slovakia Forum is entering its next phase: building expert teams, student policy talent and evidence-based reform proposals for Slovakia. We invite partners, donors and supporters to help us turn preparation into impact. Slovakia will not change by itself. It will change when people who still have the capacity, responsibility and courage to act decide to invest in its future — not only emotionally, but also financially. At Future Slovakia Forum, we are not waiting for the perfect political moment. We are preparing for it. Become a partner of change In recent weeks, FSF has been moving on several fronts at once. We have applied to Nadácia Pontis (Pontis Foundation) through the Impact Lab process to strengthen our internal systems, fundraising capacity and impact measurement. We have submitted POLITALENT, our Erasmus+ project with Charles University (FSV UK + I. LF UK), to connect Slovak students in Czechia with real policy research. And we are preparing a revised Visegrad Fund application with partners from Slovakia, Czechia and Poland to build a practical health policy learning network for Central Europe. These are not isolated grants. They are parts of one larger mission: to build a reform infrastructure for Slovakia. Because windows of opportunity open suddenly. When they do, the country cannot afford to start from scratch. It needs prepared reform proposals, verified data, expert teams, young analysts and institutions capable of turning ideas into legislation, implementation plans and public accountability. This is what FSF is building. See partnership options We currently work with 20+ experts and policy researchers across four working groups — healthcare governance, education, public finance and decentralization — including 15+ senior experts in the healthcare group , supported by a growing network of talented Slovak students and young analysts. Our flagship healthcare initiative, Healthy Future of Slovakia, is completing the analytical phase of an evidence-based reform roadmap for the 2027–2035 period and will enter implementation preparation in the coming weeks . But independent reform work requires more than goodwill. It requires time, coordination, mentoring, research, communication, quality control and stable operations. Institutional grants are important, and we are applying for them. But grant decisions take time. Reform capacity must be built before the window opens — not after it. That is why we are launching this partnership appeal. We are not asking for charity. We are offering a partnership to build the future reform capacity of this country. Your support can help us finance student analytical work, expert coordination, policy briefs, roundtables, public communication, impact measurement and the operational backbone that keeps the work moving. Become a partner If you are an individual donor, company, foundation, civic partner or member of the Slovak diaspora who believes that Slovakia needs facts, competence and implementable reforms, we would like to talk to you. Become a partner of change, the future and prosperity. Support Future Slovakia Forum. Start the conversation Facts into action. Reforms for Slovakia. — Contact Dávid Bořuta Founder & President, Future Slovakia Forum david.boruta@future-slovakia.eu www.future-slovakia.eu < Previous Next >

Education & Skills Elena Fischerová Member of FSF - Education Group Coordinator Mediator in training and Director of the Edulienka Youth Center. Combines expertise in neuroscience and alternative conflict resolution in education with a mission to develop autonomous, empathetic, and resilient young people prepared for a rapidly changing world. With a background in the private sector—including legal practice and property management—she transitioned to civic engagement in 2021, joining Slovak Global Network where she managed the community platform and later coordinated the "Vision for Slovakia" (Vízia pre Slovensko) working group alongside leading experts in public policy. For three years, she has co-facilitated the award-winning educational program "V hľadáčiku" (In the Viewfinder), created by Lucia Šícková. Together with coach Michal Pažitka, she guides 7th-grade students through a year-long journey of autonomous decision-making, team collaboration, and project-based learning—grounded in modern neuroscience and growth mindset principles. Currently expanding Edulienka's programming for older youth, including the "InTyMyTa – Healthy Relationships Day" initiative focused on emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. Student of mediation at ASAS (Austrian School of Applied Studies) in Vienna. Juraj Sarkisjan Member of FSF - Education Group Data engineer and classical archaeologist (Charles University). Former spreader of conspiracy theories, now an advocate against disinformation and a promoter of critical thinking. Juraj completed his PhD in Classical Archaeology in 2022, pioneering the use of social network analysis to study Roman administrative groups. His research on 126 epigraphic monuments was presented at two world congresses and published in Open Archaeology (2024). He currently works as a data engineer at IBM. His personal journey from conspiracy thinking to critical awareness began around 2014–2015, when he noticed that "alternative" sources never criticized the Kremlin. The bubble burst. During COVID, he volunteered on a hospital ward. After Russia's invasion, he went to Ukraine. Today, he visits schools across Slovakia, openly sharing his story. His motto: "Peace is death." His approach: "You can't mow a stone with a scythe—let it weather." Marek Polonec Member of FSF - Education Group Psychologist and entrepreneur in the tourism sector, member of the leadership of the Demokrati party. Organizer of the discussion series 'Dialogue for Democracy'.

< Back Closing the First Year of Future Slovakia Forum’s Activities Jul 9, 2025 One year of connecting experts, shaping reforms, and standing up for Slovakia’s democratic future. Closing the First Year of Future Slovakia Forum Future Slovakia Forum (FSF) has published its Annual Report for the period July 2024 – June 2025 — our first full year of operation as an independent, pro-European civic think tank. In twelve months, FSF grew from an idea into a working organisation with 8 members, 10 cooperating healthcare experts, and 9 published analytical outputs. Our flagship project — the representative survey Kam patrí Slovensko? , conducted with FOCUS agency and crowdfunded by 170+ donors — was covered by Denník N, SME, ta3, Postoj, and .týždeň, and generated over 60,000 views across two expert video discussions. We also launched REFORMA 3.3, a multi-sector healthcare reform initiative with a formal governance protocol and six expert working groups, and published Security Can't Wait — a comprehensive defence strategy proposal. Looking ahead, FSF has set concrete targets for 2026: 30 members, 20 expert publications, and an annual budget of €60,000 to support at least four thematic expert forums and the activation of new working groups in education and public administration reform. 👇 Read the full public report here: 📄 Download: FSF Annual Report (PDF) FSF remains committed to evidence-based policy, civic resilience, and concrete reform proposals for Slovakia. #FutureSlovakiaForum #AnnualReport #CivicSociety #Reforms #Slovakia #Democracy #ThinkTank < Previous Next >

ZÁSADY OCHRANY OSOBNÝCH ÚDAJOV / PRIVACY POLICY Prevádzkovateľ / Data Controller Fórum budúcnosti Slovenska, o.z. IČO: 56046260 Ľubinská 8, 811 03 Bratislava, Slovakia Email: forum@future-slovakia.eu Účel spracovania / Purpose Zasielanie newslettera s informáciami o aktivitách, publikáciách a podujatiach FSF. Sending newsletters about FSF activities, publications, and events. Právny základ / Legal Basis Súhlas dotknutej osoby podľa čl. 6 ods. 1 písm. a) Nariadenia GDPR a § 13 ods. 1 písm. a) zákona č. 18/2018 Z.z. Consent pursuant to Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR and § 13(1)(a) of Slovak Act No. 18/2018 Coll. Spracúvané údaje / Data Processed Meno, priezvisko, e-mailová adresa / First name, last name, email address Doba uchovávania / Retention Period Do odvolania súhlasu alebo do zrušenia odberu newslettera. Until consent is withdrawn or newsletter subscription is cancelled. Vaše práva / Your Rights Právo na prístup k údajom / Right to access Právo na opravu / Right to rectification Právo na vymazanie / Right to erasure Právo na obmedzenie spracovania / Right to restrict processing Právo namietať / Right to object Právo odvolať súhlas kedykoľvek / Right to withdraw consent at any time Právo podať sťažnosť na Úrad na ochranu osobných údajov SR / Right to lodge complaint with Slovak DPA Odvolanie súhlasu / Withdrawing Consent Súhlas môžete kedykoľvek odvolať kliknutím na odkaz "odhlásiť sa" v každom newsletteri alebo zaslaním e-mailu na forum@future-slovakia.eu . You may withdraw consent anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" in any newsletter or emailing forum@future-slovakia.eu . Kontakt na Úrad na ochranu osobných údajov SR Hraničná 12, 820 07 Bratislava www.dataprotection.gov.sk

< Back Is Slovakia heading down the Greek path? — what came out of the Prague discussion Apr 30, 2026 On Tuesday 21 April 2026, the discussion Is Slovakia heading down the Greek path? took place in Aula C123 of FSV UK in Jinonice. The numbers came from Radovan Ďurana (INESS); the experience from local government from Miroslav Kollár (KOM). The event was held within the POLITALENT project (Charles University) and Budúcnosť Slovenska študuje v ČR. When and where Tuesday 21 April 2026 · 17:30 · Aula C123 · FSV UK · Jinonice, Prague Speakers Radovan Ďurana — partner at INESS, author of Cena štátu (Cost of the State), internationally recognised by Stockholm Network and Atlas Network. He argues Slovakia has seven years to change direction. Miroslav Kollár — director of KOM. Former head of IVO, former chair of the RTVS Council, eight-year mayor of Hlohovec, later MP. He left politics in 2023. What was discussed Ďurana showed that Slovakia's problem is not on the revenue side — the tax-and-contribution burden is already at a historic high (~36.7% of GDP). The problem is the trajectory of expenditure, now hitting 48.5% of GDP. Add the highest inflation in the eurozone, stalled growth, and an anti-growth tax structure. One in every six euros the state spends ends up in a pensioner's pocket; 140,000 pensioners receive over €1,000 a month. His punchline: "cancel the summer holiday in Greece — we can't afford it." Kollár added that at the local government level, the Greek scenario is not on the table — Slovak municipalities are among the least indebted in the EU (~1.7–2% of GDP) and operate under strict debt limits (60% of current income / 25% annual instalments). The fiscal risk sits at the central level, not in towns and regions. Without structural change in the division of competencies, any cuts will remain cosmetic. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/80496f_44b0ab38208149f99dc43706dd073328/720p/mp4/file.mp4 Sli.do — what the audience thought Question 1 (during the event · 21 votes): "Is Slovakia on the Greek path?" The risk is real but still manageable: 57% (12) Yes — debt is heading out of control: 33% (7) I don't know / can't say: 10% (2) The problem is more media-driven than fiscal: 0% Question 2 (after the event · 9 votes): "After this discussion — where should Slovakia's fiscal priority lie?" Spending cuts (social, public administration): 44% (4) Economic growth (investment, productivity): 33% (3) Structural reforms (pensions, healthcare): 22% (2) Tax increase: 0% 100% of votes going to "non-tax" answers aligns fully with the position of both speakers: if state revenue is already at a historic high, further tax hikes in an already heavily taxed environment will not delay the Greek scenario — they will accelerate it. Event page → https://healthy-future.sk/diskusia/ Acknowledgments Thanks to Dr. Zuzana Kotherová (FSV UK) and Barbora Musilová (FSV UK) for the venue and collaboration. Thanks to Pražská kaviareň and INESS for the partnership. How to get involved Prague coordinators: Ladislav Antoži — ladislav.antozi@future-slovakia.eu — and Daniel Veselič. Registration at https://healthy-future.sk/studenti/ < Previous Next >

< Back Wlachovský, Kollár, Mišík: how the decisions whose consequences we live with are made — what came out of the Brno discussion May 6, 2026 On Wednesday 6 May 2026, the discussion Wlachovský, Kollár, Mišík: how the decisions whose consequences we live with are made took place at Kavárna Trojka in Dům pánů z Kunštátu in Brno. Three first-hand perspectives came from Miroslav Wlachovský (GLOBSEC, former Minister of Foreign and European Affairs), Miroslav Kollár (KOM, former mayor of Hlohovec) and Matej Mišík (HEPII MUNI, former Director General of the Health Analysis Institute at the Slovak Ministry of Health) — diplomacy and security, local government, healthcare. What the three share: each stood inside the decision-making process and now speaks about it as an outside expert. The event was held within the Budúcnosť Slovenska študuje v ČR project. When and where Wednesday 6 May 2026 · 17:00 – 19:00 · Kavárna Trojka · Dům pánů z Kunštátu · Dominikánská 9 · Brno Speakers Miroslav Wlachovský — Distinguished Fellow at GLOBSEC. Former Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic (2023, Ódor government). Career diplomat with more than 25 years in public service — Ambassador in London (2011 – 2015) and Copenhagen (2018 – 2022), advisor to Prime Ministers Dzurinda, Heger, and Ódor. Since 2024 at GLOBSEC, working on hybrid threats, strategic communication, and Slovakia's position in a shifting international environment. Miroslav Kollár — Director of the Local Government Research and Consulting Centre (KOM), member of the FSF Advisory Board. Former mayor of Hlohovec (2014 – 2022), Member of the National Council (2020 – 2023), former Chair of the RTVS Council, Vice President of the Union of Slovak Cities. He left politics in 2023, saying local government had been the most productive period of his life. Matej Mišík — health economist, PhD researcher at the Health Economics, Policy and Innovation Institute (HEPII), Masaryk University. WHO consultant on capital investments in Ukrainian healthcare. From 2020 – 2024 Director General of the Health Analysis Institute at the Slovak Ministry of Health — led the design and implementation of the COVID Automat. Graduate of Tilburg University (MSc, Health Economics). What was discussed Miroslav Wlachovský opened the discussion by framing the shifted international situation. He started with an aphoristic observation that Prime Minister Fico is again heading to Moscow — and while that might suggest little has changed, in reality much has changed fundamentally. On the 22nd anniversary of Slovakia's EU accession, he argued that EU membership today may be even more important for us than at the time when we worked so hard to join — precisely because of the deteriorated international situation. He reminded the audience that Russia is the only country in the 21st century to have expanded its territory, that the largest war on the European continent since World War II is now in its fifth year, and that the Putin regime makes no secret of its ambition to restore at least the Soviet Union. According to him, Slovakia is among the countries most vulnerable to Russian hybrid operations — precisely because we have long neglected building overall resilience, not just the army. He identified a second vector of pressure on the EU paradoxically from the West: the second Trump administration with its transactional something for something approach, the demand for Greenland to leave the Kingdom of Denmark as an episode previously unthinkable among allies, and Vance's Munich speech, whose main message according to Wlachovský was don't touch our tech giants . As the most effective model of a middle power response he pointed to Mark Carney's Canada — including his Davos speech citing Václav Havel and Canada's reorientation of trade away from the US. He also mentioned the recent European Political Community meeting in Yerevan as a significant diplomatic signal vis-à-vis Russia. His closing warning targeted the EU has failed narrative — he explicitly mentioned Tibor Gašpar's statements after returning from Moscow that we should be ready for a possible end of the Union. Wlachovský wrapped it in an image: we must not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Miroslav Kollár addressed the myth of indebted Slovak local governments under the title A debt brake for local governments — decisions about us without us . The data showed the opposite picture: total municipal debt is around 2.0 – 2.5 bn € (≈ 1.7 – 2.0% of GDP), while Slovak public debt stands at roughly 84 bn €. Municipalities therefore represent a marginal share. Local government — cities and towns — carry debt of 1.3 – 1.7 bn € (1.1 – 1.4% of GDP), average debt around 20 – 25% of current income, with financial health that is stable rather than critical. Regional government (VÚC) is even lower — 0.6 – 0.9 bn €. By international comparison, Slovak municipalities are among the least indebted in the EU: Czechia 3 – 4% of GDP, Poland 6 – 8%, Germany 7 – 9%, EU average around 6%. Slovak debt limits (max. 60% of current income, repayment limit 25%) are among the strictest in the EU and effectively prevent debt from spiralling. Kollár's conclusion was counter-intuitive but data-grounded: lower debt does not mean a better state. Countries like Germany show higher municipal debt but also higher revenues, broader competences, and larger investment. Slovakia has low debt — and a low investment capacity to match. The key problem today, he argued, is not the level of debt but the mismatch between rising expenditure and insufficient revenue. And when a debt brake is decided without municipalities, those are decisions about us without us . Matej Mišík presented Slovak healthcare through three numbers that, in his view, define the coming decade: roughly 8% of GDP goes into healthcare annually (about 9 bn € — roughly equal to defence, police, digitization, culture, sport and foreign affairs combined); by 2036 the number of people over 65 will grow by 23%, while the working-age population will fall by 6% (–200 thousand); life expectancy is 3.1 years shorter than the EU average and avoidable mortality is 40 – 60% higher. He named three traps the system keeps cycling through: political instability (25 ministers in 36 years, median tenure 353 days — about 11.6 months; for comparison, the Czech median since 2000 is 481 days), fragmentation (health, social affairs and finance don't talk to each other — a long-term care patient falls through ministerial cracks), and short-term thinking (no multi-year budget — we plan for 12 months for a system with a 30-year horizon). From personal experience he added his own statistic: in six years leading the Health Analysis Institute he served under seven ministers of health. The core argument: reform is not about a better minister — reform is the intersection of problem , policy , and political willingness to take a risk , and systemic problems require infrastructure that outlives the minister. And the most important thesis: "reform doesn't fail on technique, it fails on communication". Estonians don't have eHealth because they have better code — they have it because they understand it and trust the institutions. Mišík also presented the strategic framework for healthcare reform that FSF is developing, and closed with three calls to the audience: be informed clients (ask which specific hospital? what data? ), help FSF think through the future, and seriously consider a career in public administration and analytical units. "Reform doesn't begin at the ministry. It begins the moment enough people stop accepting that's just how things are here ." The three perspectives converged on a single motif: decisions whose consequences we later live with are made without us — without the public, without the expert community, without local governments. And without the continuity that would outlast one minister and create space for the next. A full recording of the discussion is available on our YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@FutureSlovakiaForum Event page → https://healthy-future.sk/brno/ < Previous Next >