< 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 >

< 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 >

We connect experts and communities to design evidence-based reforms in health, education, public finance, and decentralization — anchored in European values. Support our cause - join us! Future Slovakia Forum Facts into action. Reforms for Slovakia. We connect experts, students, and communities to design practical, evidence-based reforms in health, education, public finance, and decentralization — anchored in European values. Get Involved Our Priorities Our Team Donate Strategic Focus Areas HEALTH SYSTEM REFORM Healthy Future of Slovakia brings together experts working to reshape Slovakia's health care system so it provides high-quality, accessible, and sustainable care for everyone. Our group produces evidence-based recommendations across pharmaceutical reform, ambulatory care, hospital care, long-term care, and health care financing. Lead : Prof. R. Babeľa Contributors : M. Mišík, P. Polák, Ľ. Petrík, and others Advisory Board: Dr. Nick Guldemond, Marcin Zieliński, and others EDUCATION & SKILLS Reforming Slovakia's education system to prepare citizens for 21st-century challenges through curriculum modernization, teacher development, and critical thinking skills. We combat disinformation, develop evidence-based policies for skills aligned with labor market needs, and champion innovation and entrepreneurship in high-value sectors — empowering Slovakia to seize the transformative opportunities of this millennium . PUBLIC FINANCE REFORM Implementing fiscal reforms to stabilize public finances, reduce deficits, and create a favorable environment for investment and economic growth. We focus on evidence-based budget analysis, redefining public services for efficiency, and strategically allocating funds across state, regional, and municipal levels. By streamlining service delivery costs, reassessing spending priorities, and managing budget chapters with fiscal discipline, we work to enhance Slovakia's economic competitiveness while preventing the fiscal crises that have challenged nations like Greece or France. DECENTRALIZATION & PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Strengthening democratic governance through administrative reform, decentralization , and empowering local communities. We promote efficient public service delivery, transparent decision-making processes, and balanced regional development to reduce disparities and foster local innovation. ADDITIONAL AREAS (Monitoring & Commentary) International Relations & Security - EU/NATO alignment, Ukraine support, hybrid threats Judiciary & Anti-Corruption - Rule of law, judicial independence, democratic safeguards Note : These areas currently operate in "watchlist mode" - we monitor developments and provide expert commentary on significant issues, but do not maintain regular programmatic activity. Our Vision A confident, democratic Slovakia where trusted institutions and empowered communities deliver quality public services and long-term, inclusive growth. Our Mission We turn facts into action. FSF convenes experts and citizens to craft and advance realistic policy solutions, rebuild trust, and strengthen Slovakia's resilience and prosperity. Get Involved Our Partners PAST EVENTS We discussed the future of Slovakia Get the FSF Newsletter First name Last name Email ZÁSADY OCHRANY OSOBNÝCH ÚDAJOV / PRIVACY POLICY Prevádzkovateľ / Data Controller: Fórum Budúcnosti Slovenska, o.z. 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< Back From Bureaucracy to Blueprint: Why Slovakia Needs a Systemic Approach to Healthcare (and How We Are Building It) Sep 30, 2025 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. Today, the Future Slovakia Forum (FSF), through its expert platform Healthy Future of Slovakia (HFS), released its official position on these proposed changes—warning that they risk worsening access to treatment without improving fiscal stability. Slovakia’s current reality is stark: Extreme delays: Patients wait an average of 797 days for new medicines (vs. ~356 days CEE average), with only 27% of innovations available. Failed implementation: The 2022 reform framework is functional, but practical access to innovation remains blocked by unprofessional processes. The Financial Paradox: Medicines account for less than 20% of healthcare spending, yet overall costs keep rising due to system-wide inefficiencies and delayed prevention. A Broader Vision: State Capacity Across the Board At the Future Slovakia Forum (FSF), we believe systemic problems are not solved by isolated political decisions. While our scope covers multiple focus areas crucial for state governance—including Education, Public Finance, and Decentralization —healthcare is currently our most advanced flagship initiative under the Healthy Future of Slovakia (HFS) banner. 🌍 Explore all FSF Focus Areas: https://www.future-slovakia.eu/sk From Criticism to Systemic Solutions: Building REFORMA Reacting to flawed guidelines is necessary, but it isn't enough. That is why our core HFS Team of Experts is actively drafting REFORMA 3.3 —a strategic, data-driven blueprint for the future of Slovak healthcare (2027–2035). We are calling for measurable goals by 2029 (time-to-access ≤ 530 days, availability ≥ 40%) driven by professionalization, modern HTA methods, multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA), and real-world evidence (RWE). ⚙️ Meet the Core HFS Expert Team building the blueprint: https://www.future-slovakia.eu/team-healthcare Backed by the Best: The Independent Advisory Board To ensure our reform proposals meet the highest standards of evidence-based policymaking, we operate with a strict separation of drafting and validation. The strategic output of the core team is independently reviewed by our Advisory Board . Comprising top-tier experts like Prof. Róbert Babeľa, Dr. Vladimír Dvorový, Martin Vlachynský, and doc. Matej Mišík, the Board acts as the ultimate guarantor of quality, relevance, and independence for all our outputs. 🛡️ Meet the Advisory Board validating our work: https://healthy-future.sk/advisory-board/ “Every Slovak citizen may tomorrow need treatment that, under current rules, won’t be available. Pharmaceutical policy is not a technocratic exercise – it is an investment in healthier ageing, fiscal sustainability, and economic growth.” Dive into the HTA policy discussion: Read👇 the full position paper here : 📄 Download: HTA Position Paper (PDF) Reaction 👇 of NIHO to our position paper is here : 📄 Download: NIHO Reaction to HFS (PDF) 👇 Our (HFS) reaction to NIHO - incl. co-operation proposal - is here: 📄 Download: HFS Response to NIHO (PDF) 👇 Our reaction to MEDICINA.SK article of 6th October: " New drugs. The question is whether we can afford them and whether we need them all "- is here: 📄 Download: HFS Reaction to Medicina.sk (PDF) Expert group shaping Slovakia’s path to sustainable, patient-focused healthcare: < Previous Next >

< Back Účel spracovania / Purpose Zasielanie newslettera s informáciami o aktivitách, publikáciách a podujatiach FSF. Sending newsletters about FSF activities, publications, and events. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next

< Back EXPERT DISCUSSION II. - All facts (instead of guesses) REVEALED. Where does Slovakia belong? Mar 12, 2025 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. This follow-up expert discussion, organized by the Future Slovakia Forum, took place on March 12, 2025, and presented the final findings from a public opinion survey conducted in cooperation with the FOCUS agency. It explored how Slovak citizens perceive their country’s place in the world, particularly in relation to NATO, the EU, neutrality, and support for Ukraine. The debate featured sharp commentary from experts including sociologist Michal Vašečka, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Miroslav Wlachovský, and moderator Juraj Petrovič. They addressed the growing gap between Slovakia’s declared pro-Western orientation and the public’s reluctance to support the responsibilities that come with it. Survey results revealed several key paradoxes: While 70.6% of Slovaks support NATO membership, nearly 50% simultaneously favor neutrality. A majority support humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but military aid remains unpopular. Over half of respondents would accept a peace deal allowing Russia to keep part of Ukrainian territory. A substantial share of voters sees the U.S. as a threat, reflecting the impact of disinformation. The event concluded with a strong call for political leadership, civic education, and strategic communication to ensure Slovakia remains a confident, democratic member of the West. This panel builds on the first discussion (March 6, 2025) and completes the publication of all key data from the March survey, revealing 13 questions in total. WRAP-UP OF THE EXPERT PANEL AND OF THE SURVEY RESULTS HERE: Slovakia's Security and Alliances – Public Opinion Report (March 2025) Experts in the panel discussion, March 12, 2025: Miroslav Wlachovský - former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, diplomat and foreign policy expert, Globsec Distinguished Fellow Martin Slosiarik - public opinion expert, director of the FOCUS agency, which conducted the survey for o.z. Forum for the Future of Slovakia, a consultant for the FOCUS Michal Vašečka - sociologist, expert on social trends and public opinion, member of the Board of Directors of Aspen Institute CE and Director of Bratislava Policy Institute Moderator: Juraj Petrovič EXPERT PANEL DISCUSSION II. VIDEO HERE: https://video.wixstatic.com/video/80496f_f04ac9ae173c48b6b785348e22dc0624/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 WATCH ON YOUTUBE (in Slovak) OF FSF < Previous Next >

Meet the experts behind Future Slovakia Forum — healthcare specialists, educators, and policy professionals working on evidence-based reform for Slovakia. Advisory Board Michal Vašečka Advisory Board Member Miroslav Kollár Advisory Board Member Dávid Bořuta Founder & Managing Lead Experts of Róbert Babeľa Leader of Healthy Future of Slovakia Group Ľuboš Petrík Healthy Future of Slovakia Expert Daniel Ornyi Healthy Future of Slovakia Expert Vladimír Dvorový Healthy Future of Slovakia Expert Stanislava Mattová Healthy Future of Slovakia Expert Peter Polák Healthy Future of Slovakia Expert Matej Mišík Healthy Future of Slovakia Expert Advisory board to the HFS - reform QA Education & Skills Elena Fischerová Member of FSF - Education Group Coordinator Juraj Sarkisjan Member of FSF - Education Group Marek Polonec Member of FSF - Education Group Decentralization & Public Administration Miloslav Olejár Member of FSF - Decentralization Group Coordinator Join us. Shape Slovakia's future.

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Explore FSF projects: healthcare reform, electoral system modernization, geopolitical research, student engagement, and Slovakia's competitiveness. Our Projects Healthy Future of Slovakia An expert platform for realistic healthcare reform based on data, megatrends, and collaboration ACTIVE The Healthy Future of Slovakia platform brings together leading experts in health policy, public finance, and patient care to design a realistic reform blueprint for Slovakia's healthcare system. Through expert dialogue, megatrend analysis, and pilot projects, the team develops implementable solutions focused on accessibility, sustainability, and quality of care. We are now collecting real patient experiences to complement our expert analysis. Your story helps us understand what the system gets right — and where it fails. FIND OUT MORE The Future of Slovakia Studies in the Czech Republic An educational and civic platform connecting Slovak youth at Czech universities with expert networks advancing public policy reforms in Slovakia. ACTIVE This project connects Slovak students and young professionals studying in Prague, Brno, Olomouc, and other cities with expert working groups at the Future Slovakia Forum. Through community discussions, research collaboration, and mentoring, participants can actively contribute to reform proposals for Slovakia. Active collaboration may be rewarded by an internship compensation of Kč 200-300/hour. FIND OUT MORE Electoral System Reform – System 2027 A democratic alternative to concentrated power ACTIVE A comprehensive proposal for democratic reform of Slovakia's electoral system. Systém 2027 introduces a bicameral parliament combining majoritarian and proportional elements, with 45 local single-member districts, a national compensatory tier, and a 45-seat Senate. The reform offers a constitutionally sound alternative to the current government's measures that restrict political competition and undermine pluralism. FIND OUT MORE Where Does Slovakia Belong? Facts Over Impressions Geopolitical dilemmas, security paradoxes, and public opinion on our future COMPLETED A large-scale representative survey of Slovakia's geopolitical orientation, security preferences, and attitudes toward Ukraine, NATO, and defense spending. The research reveals profound contradictions in Slovak society—strong pro-Western orientation (63.5%) combined with reluctance to invest in defense or actively support Ukraine militarily. The findings suggest the current government is pursuing a foreign policy contrary to the will of most Slovak citizens. FIND OUT MORE Competitive Future of Slovakia: Addressing Key Challenges COMPLETED A cross-sector collaboration bringing together experts from NGOs, academia, and political movements to develop and implement essential policy reforms across Slovakia. The project focuses on fiscal management, government efficiency, labor regulations, infrastructure, and aligning education with economic needs. The goal is to transform Slovakia into a competitive, transparent, and innovation-driven country that attracts investment and secures a better future for its citizens. FIND OUT MORE Strategic Engagement and Economic Reconstruction Opportunities for Slovak Private Sector Involvement in Ukraine’s Recovery COMPLETED We have been tasked by CIPE, a renowned global institution dedicated to supporting democracy and strengthening the private sector, to conduct a comprehensive analysis aimed at fostering collaborative growth between Ukraine and Slovakia by involving Slovak entities in Ukraine's recovery efforts. The joint goal of CIPE and FSF is to continuously contribute to intensifying the engagement of Slovak entities in the reconstruction of Ukraine. FIND OUT MORE Support for Ukraine Stabilization and Development EU Enlargement Within Reach ACTIVE Our goal is to gather and propose positive engagement from domestic and international democratic players to strengthen the efforts of the international community in helping Ukraine overcome the critical situation caused by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, ongoing since 2014 and escalated into a full-scale invasion in February 2022. FIND OUT MORE

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Ethical standards, transparency, and independence principles guiding Future Slovakia Forum's research, policy work, and civic engagement. Code of Conduct The Future Slovakia Forum (FSF) is dedicated to shaping a cohesive and integrated Europe, advocating for peace, freedom, and prosperity. As an independent, non-profit think tank, FSF upholds the highest ethical standards, ensuring integrity in research and providing informed policy recommendations. Focused on Slovakia's role within the broader European and international context, FSF is committed to promoting sustainable development and the common good, underpinned by a profound sense of historical responsibility. Values and Mission The FSF champions a democratic, inclusive Europe, respecting human dignity, solidarity, and the rule of law. It's committed to fostering economic prosperity, social justice, environmental responsibility, and the rule of law, promoting private enterprise and sustainable development. Independence and Nonpartisanship The FSF ensures independence in its research and advice, embracing diverse perspectives and maintaining freedom from external political influences. Inclusivity and Diversity The FSF fully supports inclusiveness in public discussions and policy formulation, respects all individuals, and guarantees a non-discriminatory approach in all its activities. Ethical and Scientific Standards The FSF adheres to examples of good scientific practice in its work, guarantees the integrity of research, honesty, and critical self-reflection, respecting its commitment to human rights, individual freedoms, and democracy. Transparency and Funding Ethics The FSF guarantees the transparency of funding for its activities in accordance with the vision of a united and prosperous Europe, contributing globally to peace, security, and sustainable development. Privacy policy Data Controller: Fórum budúcnosti Slovenska, o.z. IČO: 56046260 Ľubinská 1631/8, 811 03 Bratislava, Slovakia ... click for more information Volunteers Volunteers adhere to this code of conduct - CODE OF CONDUCT FOR VOLUNTEERS Responsibility and Accountability All FSF members uphold these standards, fostering a society guided by principles of openness, integrity, and ethical responsibility, aligning with the historical context, democratic values, and environmental responsibilities. COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES OF FUTURE SLOVAKIA FORUM Membership and Donations The outcomes of the Executive Board meeting of the Future Slovakia Forum held on June 15th, 2024, include the approval of various membership levels and the setting of corresponding fees. Additionally, the board established a policy for accepting donations, outlining specific conditions for amounts exceeding €1,000, and clarified the procedures for payment of membership fees and donations. Here are the FSF EB MEETING MINUTES Bank and Account FSF (Fórum Budúcnosti Slovenska, o.z.) holds a bank account at VÚB banka, a.s. SWIFT code: SUBASKBX IBAN: SK58 0200 0000 0050 0871 1758 In the information for the recipient, always indicate either "donation" or "membership fee." If it is a donation for a specific project or focus area, please include the title of it. Thank you. Articles of Association Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic confirmed the Articles of Association of the civil association on February 8, 2024, by registering the Future Slovakia Forum. Here is their full text: ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION FSF ABOUT FSF Advancing policies that bolster democratic principles and economic freedom.

< Back WATCH AND LEARN Jan 13, 2026 Slovakia's fiscal collapse: a friendly warning to our Czech neighbours To our Czech friends, As the Czech Republic begins a new chapter with the Babiš administration taking office in late 2025, we publish this analysis not as political criticism, but as an honest warning about the temptation of debt-fueled populism. We write as neighbours who share 70 years of common history, a language, and a lesson learned the hard way. Slovakia was once called the 'Tatra Tiger'—the fastest-growing economy in Central Europe. Today, analysts call it the 'Lame Raccoon' —an opportunist scavenging for survival rather than building for the future. WATCH AND LEARN - click to read / download Why now? Why you? We have watched with admiration how the Czech Republic has developed since the Velvet Revolution and the peaceful separation of Czechoslovakia. Your institutions work. Your fiscal framework holds. Your investment climate remains attractive. But no country can afford to simply "consume" power. Every administration must actively work to keep pace with more dynamic neighbours—particularly Poland, which invests in productive capacity even while running high deficits. Slovakia is proof of what happens when citizens and institutions stop watching. PRESS RELEASE 👇 Watch and Learn - PRESS RELEASE The numbers speak for themselves: Public debt: 48% of GDP (2019) → 64% (2026) GDP growth 2026: 1.0% (lowest in V4; Czech Republic: 1.9%) Inflation 2026: 4.1% (Czech Republic: 2.1%) Deficit 2026: -4.6% of GDP (Czech Republic: -2.2%) Interest costs: €2 billion annually. In the Czech context, this fiscal burden is equivalent to 125 billion CZK—an amount exceeding the entire annual budget of your Ministry of the Interior. Slovakia now operates under the EU's Excessive Deficit Procedure—a formal warning that public finances are in dangerous disarray. WATCH AND LEARN - click to read / download What went wrong? Two decades of systematic institutional erosion. Since Robert Fico's rise to power in 2006, Slovakia has been shaped by structures that prioritise short-term political gains over long-term prosperity. Instead of investing in infrastructure and education—universal handouts. Instead of a professional state apparatus—36 state secretaries (vs. 15 under the Radičová government). Independent analysts point to significant overstaffing, though no comprehensive personnel audit has ever been conducted — itself an indictment of governance. The flagship transaction tax, introduced in April 2025, collected 40% less than expected. "The transaction tax triggers negative responses and motivates avoidance, while threatening the collection of other taxes," warns Martin Hudcovský from the Economic Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Businesses adapted instantly—netting payments, shifting liquidity abroad, consolidating transactions. The consolidation strategy rests on shaky foundations. Borrowing for consumption, not investment The contrast with Poland is telling: both countries run high deficits, but Poland borrows for investment—defence spending (over 4% of GDP), infrastructure (the CPK airport and rail hub), nuclear energy. Markets tolerate such borrowing because it builds productive capacity. Slovakia borrows for consumption. The 13th pension payment alone costs over €800 million annually. Energy subsidies covering 90% of households are politically popular but delay efficiency investments and deepen the deficit. An ever-growing share of spending goes to servicing past debts. Our wish for the Czech Republic We do not claim the Czech Republic is heading down the same path. Quite the opposite. But as Slovakia's neighbours—bound by history, language, and friendship—we feel a legitimate duty to share what we've learned: ✅ Institutions that check power ✅ Fiscal responsibility that doesn't burden future generations ✅ Investment in productive capacity, not universal handouts ✅ Vigilance—because democracy works only when you guard it We wish the new Czech administration a successful four years (2026–2029) and the Czech people good governance for decades to come. Guard your institutions. They work only as long as you watch them. Why we have standing to say this Future Slovakia Forum is an independent think tank established not merely to diagnose Slovakia's challenges, but to develop policy foundations for reform. Our members and experts are actively working to initiate expert dialogue and prepare concrete reforms for implementation. We don't only describe problems—we are committed to helping Slovakia reverse course. After nearly two decades of misgovernance, we believe its potential remains real. Read / Download the full analysis (PDF): 👇 WATCH AND LEARN - click to read / download WATCH AND LEARN A Warning from Slovakia: From Tatras Tiger to Europe's Lame Raccoon 10 cards - a PPT Presentation - download here 👇 Contact: Dávid Bořuta, Managing Lead Future Slovakia Forum forum@future-slovakia.eu PRESS RELEASE 👇 Watch and Learn - PRESS RELEASE Future Slovakia Forum is an independent think tank focused on strategic challenges and evidence-based solutions for Slovakia. Learn more at www.future-slovakia.eu . < Previous Next >