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'.

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 Future Slovakia Forum Publishes the November 21 Declaration: "Defending Ukraine Is Defending Europe" Nov 21, 2025 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. Future Slovakia Forum today released the Declaration of November 21 — a moral and strategic analysis responding to Ukraine's fourth wartime winter and to reported "peace proposals" that would negotiate Ukraine's future without Ukraine's consent. Why this Declaration matters Reported diplomatic initiatives from Washington risk imposing territorial concessions, military restrictions, and amnesty for war criminals — without Ukraine's full consent. The Declaration states: "This is not a peace plan. It is a capitulation document." Slovakia: A strategic contradiction Although 63.5% of Slovaks support a pro-Western orientation (FSF survey, March 2025), current government policy aligns with Russian interests. Slovak private defense companies exported $1.25 billion in weapons to Ukraine in 2024, yet PM Fico declares: "Not one cent for military aid." The Declaration concludes: "Slovakia has not become neutral. It has become complicit." FSF's position We stand unequivocally for Ukraine's right to determine its own fate. We reject all "peace plans" that emerge without its consent. "Freedom begins with truth. And truth begins with the courage to reject a lie — no matter who speaks it." Read the full Declaration 👇 DECLARATION OF 21 NOVEMBER Press Release for Media 👇 PRESS RELEASE - DECLARATION OF 21 NOV Sources: "Peace Plan" of the USA for Russia and Ukraine here 👇 https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/draft-us-backed-peace-proposal-ukraine-2025-11-21/ Podcast Paměti národa (Post Bellum) — Dobrovský & Šídlo is here 👇 https://herohero.co/dobrovskysidlo/post/egnjmmrferwhidhgnreiuvjrtasowzblw Survey “Where Does Slovakia Belong?” (March 2025) https://www.future-slovakia.eu/news/expert-discussion-ii.---all-facts-(instead-of-guesses)-revealed.-where-does-slovakia-belong%3F Contact: media@future-slovakia.eu | www.future-slovakia.eu < Previous Next >

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.