< 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 >

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 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 PRESS RELEASE - ALL THE 13 QUESTIONS - CHARTS AND DATA REVEALED Mar 13, 2025 AVAILABLE HERE FOR YOU - FREE FOR DOWNLOAD DATA HAS TO BE USED - MUST BE DISCUSSED! 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 >

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 PRESS RELEASE - Future Slovakia Forum at the Forefront of Ukraine's Recovery Sep 17, 2024 Insights from AmCham Slovakia's High-Level Forum On September 10 , Future Slovakia Forum (FSF) proudly joined a landmark event hosted by AmCham Slovakia , centered on “Slovakia’s Role in Ukraine’s Recovery.” The gathering brought together influential leaders from business, government, and civil society to explore how Slovakia can play a pivotal role in supporting Ukraine’s economic resilience—and why it matters for all of Europe. Strong Voices, Clear Vision Representing FSF, President Dávid Bořuta spoke on a panel dedicated to “Practical Steps and Examples of Collaboration.” His message was clear: Ukraine’s recovery is both a moral imperative and a strategic opportunity for Slovakia—especially its eastern regions. The discussion highlighted real-world examples of Slovak-Ukrainian cooperation already happening in fields like infrastructure, technology, and public safety. “The goal isn’t just to help Ukraine rebuild—but to grow together. The potential for innovation, regional development, and mutual benefit is enormous,” Bořuta said, as he presented insights from the recent CIPE–FSF report on Slovak private sector engagement in Ukraine. PRESENTATION (as presented by Dávid Bořuta) HERE: CIPE report by FSF - presentation - AMCHAM Event Key Panels & Takeaways Panel 1 – Strategic Perspectives: Moderated by Jeff Lightfoot (CIPE), this session featured: Tetyana Prokopchuk (AmCham Ukraine) Artem Gerganov (Citi Ukraine) They shared first-hand accounts from the ground—showing that despite the war, many Ukrainian businesses remain operational and eager to connect with Slovak partners. Their resilience was matched only by their determination to rebuild stronger. Panel 2 – Practical Collaboration (moderated by Dávid Bořuta): With insights from: Martin Šuster , Council for Budget Responsibility Monika Pavlík , Telegrafia – Warning Systems Mr. Buraš , Ambassador of Transcarpathia Speakers emphasized the economic momentum in regions like Uzhhorod , the importance of cross-border infrastructure , and how public-private partnerships are the key to success. Voices that Mattered Volodymyr Kuzyo , Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine, stressed the urgency of inclusive, international recovery partnerships. U.S. Ambassador Gautam Rana reaffirmed America’s support and praised Slovakia’s role as a reliable partner , noting: “Cross-border cooperation is not just beneficial—it's essential for a secure and prosperous Europe.” Zuzana Kaparová (EIB) presented infrastructure success stories like the modernization of the Čierna nad Tisou–Čop border crossing , showing how such projects drive economic development. Martin Šuster added: “Slovakia stands to gain—economically and geopolitically—if it steps up and takes part in Ukraine’s recovery. This is a long-term growth strategy.” Monika Pavlík shared how Telegrafia is thriving in Ukraine through municipal-level partnerships and adaptability in a complex regulatory space. What Comes Next Slovakia’s role in Ukraine’s recovery is more than symbolic. It’s a strategic gateway to future prosperity , regional leadership, and deeper EU integration. The CIPE–FSF report lays out how Slovak firms can get involved—especially those in East Slovakia . We thank Katarína Miňová and the AmCham Slovakia team , as well as Monika Kočiová, Jeff Lightfoot, and CIPE Europe & Eurasia , for creating space for action-oriented dialogue. Photos by AmCham Slovakia : Let’s Keep Building—Together At FSF, we believe collaboration is the fuel of change. Slovakia’s contribution to Ukraine’s recovery isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do. Join us in building a stronger, more resilient Europe. 🔗 www.future-slovakia.eu 📧 forum@future-slovakia.eu < Previous Next >

< Back Spracúvané údaje / Data Processed Meno, priezvisko, e-mailová adresa / First name, last name, email address 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 >

< Back First FSF meetup in Olomouc — what was discussed Apr 24, 2026 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. When and where Tuesday 14 April 2026 · 17:00 · Coffee Library · Biskupské nám. 1 · Olomouc Speakers Michal Vašečka — sociologist, Slovakia's representative to the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) at the Council of Europe. Visiting professor at Georgetown University, Oxford, and the University of Michigan. Co-author of the essay Dunajský príbeh (The Danube Story), published by FSF in November 2025. Member of FSF's Advisory Board. Dávid Bořuta — founder and director of Future Slovakia Forum, coordinator of the Budúcnosť Slovenska študuje v ČR project, and co-author of the Danube Story. Who attended Of the 22 registered participants, 12 came from the Medical Faculty of UP (general medicine), 6 from the Faculty of Arts (journalism, international relations, European studies), and 1 from economics. What was discussed In November 2025, Slovakia lost nearly 20 points on the liberal democracy index — the steepest fall in the EU since 1989. The discussion focused on why this is happening, why it matters, and what students can actually do about it. Not in the abstract, but through analytical work, public policy, and direct contact with experts in healthcare, education, public finance, and decentralization. With this meetup, Olomouc became the third city — after Prague and Brno — in which FSF is building a student presence. Sli.do questions Students submitted nine questions via sli.do : about FSF's motivation, funding, healthcare reform, the think-tank's relationship with the political scene, the context of the Ódor government's Ukraine reconstruction programme, and the further direction of the healthcare reform. We have published the answers in a separate document. How to get involved Olomouc coordinator: Laura Kvašňovská — laura.kvasnovska@future-slovakia.eu . Registration at https://healthy-future.sk/studenti/ Event page → https://healthy-future.sk/olomouc/ MOJO RECAP: https://video.wixstatic.com/video/80496f_8dd4c74139d34f558830a8e5ab9335aa/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 < Previous Next >

Future Slovakia Forum experts preparing evidence-based proposals for decentralization, public administration reform and stronger local self-government. Decentralization & Public Administration Miloslav Olejár Member of FSF - Decentralization Group Coordinator Architect specializing in urban planning, municipal governance, and decentralization as tools to strengthen democratic participation at the local level. Advocates for bringing public administration closer to citizens and rebuilding the personal connection between voters and their elected representatives. After graduating from Slovak Technical University in Bratislava (Ing. arch.), he spent 20 years in Canada leading OLEJAR Architect Inc. During his Canadian tenure, he served as Chairman of the Board of Slovak Village Non-Profit Housing Corporation, managing 150 units of affordable housing — gaining hands-on experience in community-based governance and non-profit administration. Earlier in his career, he worked at the Bardejov Municipal Office in urban planning and served as city councilor (1998–2001), chairing the Committee for Environment and Territorial Planning. Founder of civic association Bardejovízie, developing urban visions for Bardejov, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Author of comprehensive municipal reform proposals addressing local governance, housing, and city administration.

Healthy Future of Slovakia: Future Slovakia Forum experts preparing preparing REFORMA 3.3 — evidence-based proposals for Slovakia's health system. Healthy Future of Slovakia prof. Róbert Babeľa Leader of Healthy Future of Slovakia Group Health economist specializing in health technology assessment (HTA), pharmaceutical policy, and healthcare economics. Vice-Rector for Research, Development and International Relations at the Slovak Medical University in Bratislava and Professor of Public Health. As State Secretary at the Ministry of Health (2021–2023), he led the team responsible for a major drug policy reform aimed at improving access to innovative medicines for Slovak patients. Author of over 180 publications with 682 academic citations. Graduate of University of Sheffield (MSc in HTA) and Open University Business School London (MBA). Fellow of the International Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (FISAC) and co-chair of its pharmacoeconomics working group. Currently focuses on the economic burden of chronic diseases and cost-effectiveness evaluation of oncology screenings for the National Cancer Institute. Vladimír Dvorový Healthy Future of Slovakia Expert Medical director and healthcare executive specializing in hospital network management, operational transformation, and telemedicine integration. Currently serves as Medical Director at AGEL Slovakia, Central Europe's largest private healthcare provider, overseeing 18 hospitals and strategic network reform. As General Director of ProCare and Svet zdravia (2018–2022), he led Slovakia's largest private hospital network serving one million patients and spearheaded the €240M Bory Hospital project. Previously opened Slovakia's first new hospital in 30 years in Michalovce (2017), introducing robotic pharmacy systems and advanced patient safety protocols unprecedented in Central Europe. President of the Slovak Society for Telemedicine and Digital Health and government-appointed Chairman of the expert working group for telemedicine medical services. Board-certified cardiologist and internist with 30 years of clinical and leadership experience. Graduate of Charles University Faculty of Medicine (Hradec Králové) with a Master of Public Health (MPH). Peter Polák Healthy Future of Slovakia Expert Strategic healthcare consultant and public policy expert specializing in pharmaceutical policy, HTA, pricing, reimbursement, and market access. As Director General of the Section of Pharmacy and Drug Policy at the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic (2021–2023), he led the preparation of a landmark amendment to the pharmaceutical law that linked the QALY parameter to GDP and enabled Slovak patients to access 57 new innovative medicines in the first year of implementation. Previously, he headed the National Cancer Registry at the National Health Information Center (2021). He spent over 18 years in the pharmaceutical industry – at Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (12 years), Roche Slovakia, and Novartis Oncology – in roles ranging from product manager to medical director and health economics lead for the Central European region. Currently Senior Partner at PHC Project HealthCare. Graduate of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Comenius University in Bratislava (biochemistry) with a PhD from the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Ľuboš Petrík Healthy Future of Slovakia Expert Expert in healthcare digitalization and telemedicine with more than 25 years of experience in IT. He serves as Vice President of the Slovak Society for Telemedicine and Digital Health. Chairman of the Board and CEO of Goldmann Systems, associated with the development and rollout of the telemedicine solution telemon®, including its MDR certification (May 2024). Introducing real-world deployment of remote monitoring supported by Goldmann’s technology at scale (e.g., 400,000+ measurements for 2,000+ patients). Stanislava Mattová Healthy Future of Slovakia Expert Private nursing care manager and advocate for patient-centered long-term care reform. Leading operations at MEDI ADOS in Bratislava, she has pioneered CASE management approaches that coordinate clinical care with social and psychological support for patients with serious diagnoses. Her work demonstrates how private-sector innovation can complement public healthcare infrastructure, offering practical models for integrated community care. She contributes to FSF's healthcare reform agenda with direct operational experience in home-based nursing, care quality standards, and the professional development of nurses as care coordinators. Matej Mišík Healthy Future of Slovakia Expert Health economist specializing in healthcare data analytics and health policy. Currently a PhD researcher at the Health Economics, Policy and Innovation Institute (HEPII) at Masaryk University. Consultant for health policy at the WHO in the area of capital investments in Ukraine's healthcare system. As Director General of the Institute for Health Analyses at the Slovak Ministry of Health (2020–2024), he led the design and implementation of Slovakia's COVID Automat pandemic response framework. Former member of the supervisory boards of NÚSCH and VÚSCH. Author of peer-reviewed publications in Scientific Reports (Nature) and International Journal of Public Health. Graduate of Tilburg University (MSc, Health Economics) and Vienna University of Economics and Business. Daniel Ornyi Healthy Future of Slovakia Expert Healthcare manager specializing in integrated long-term and community care. As Director of MEDI ADOS s.r.o. and Nursing Manager at Rudi Senior Home in Bratislava, he designs quality and safety systems and leads multidisciplinary nursing teams. He champions digital transformation, data-driven management, and the empowerment of frontline nurses through his CareQualSystem+ model. With 21 years of clinical experience and recognized expertise in decubitus treatment, he lectures at St. Elizabeth University and advocates for preventive home-based elder care. Currently advancing his education in healthcare law (LL.M.) and community nursing specialization, bridging clinical practice with systemic reform.

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