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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 Until consent is withdrawn or newsletter subscription is cancelled.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

Latest News Feb 12, 2026 Support Evidence-Based Reform: Designate Your 2% Tax to Future Slovakia Forum Slovak taxpayers can now designate 2% of their income tax to a civil society organization — and for the first time, also 2% to retired parents. No additional cost. Real impact. Read More Dec 18, 2025 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 Healthy Future of Slovakia (FSF's Health Policy Group) on HTA Guidelines: Slovakia Must Stop Falling Behind Slovakia is an outlier in CEE with the slowest access to innovative medicines – FSF calls for predictability, professionalism, and systemic reform. 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 25, 2025 PRESS RELEASE – Voter Preferences and Slovakia’s Geopolitical Outlook: What the March 2025 Data Reveals Shifts in Political Preferences and Geopolitical Attitudes Among Slovaks: March 2025 vs. December 2024 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 11, 2025 PRESS RELEASE - Slovakia at a Strategic Crossroads: New Survey Reveals Public Support for NATO, But Deep Contradictions Remain A Nation Leaning West, Thinking Neutral, and Hoping for Safety Without Sacrifice 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 30, 2024 NEWSLETTER - October 2024 Regular Update for Members and Supporters 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 Jul 28, 2024 Slovakia: A Strategic Player in Ukraine’s Reconstruction! Ukraine’s EU Future and Slovakia’s Role Read More Jul 2, 2024 PRESS RELEASE – Slovakia’s Competitiveness Ranking Signals Urgent Need for Reform Future Slovakia Forum calls for structural change as IMD data places Slovakia 59th out of 67 countries in global competitiveness Read More

October Newsletter of FSF - full of information for you!

FSF upholds democracy, social justice, and law, fostering economic growth and environmental care, while ensuring research independence and diversity, with a commitment to ethical standards and transparency. 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 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.

Join us, let's do it together! FSF shall move the right baskets to the right spot. Join the Future Slovakia Forum If you believe in facts over rhetoric and want to shape Slovakia's future – you belong here. Join a community of experts, students, and engaged citizens working on real reforms in healthcare, education, public finance, and decentralization. Have questions? EMAIL US Staňte sa členom / Become a member Pre jednotlivcov aj organizácie / For individuals and organizations Active participation Individuálny člen alebo mimovl. org. MNO € 5 5€ Every month Váš hlas. Vaše nápady. Naša spoločná budúcnosť. / Your voice. Your ideas. Our shared future. Individual membership or an NGO membership. Pridať sa / Join 1. Zúčastnite sa odborných pracovných skupín. 2. Získajte kvartálny newsletter určený výhradne členom. 3. Hlasujte na zasadnutí výkonnej rady. 4. Predčasná registrácia na všetky podujatia. 5. Spojenie s ďalšími odborníkmi na reformy. 6. Možnosť navrhovať témy pre výskum a analýzy 7. Prístup k členskej sekcii na webe s exkluzívnym obsahom 8. Zľavy na platené podujatia a konferencie 9. Uznanie na stránke FSF (voliteľné) 10. Polročný prehľad aktivít a výsledkov FSF Firemné a inštitucionálne členstvo € 50 50€ Every month Vaša podpora. Naše reformy. Spoločný dopad. / Your support. Our reforms. Shared impact. Corporate & Institutional Membership Pridať sa / Join 1. Všetko z individuálneho členstva, plus: 2. Polročné stretnutia s vedením a expertmi 3. Logo vašej organizácie na webe FSF (nie je podmienkou) 4. Spoluorganizovanie podujatí a workshopov 5. Prednostný prístup k výskumu pred zverejnením 6. Možnosť navrhnúť tému pre výskum (nezáväzne) 7. Uznanie v médiách a publikáciách FSF (voliteľné)

Explore the innovative projects of the Future Slovakia Forum aimed at promoting sustainable development and economic growth in Slovakia. Learn about our initiatives in infrastructure, education, and cultural exchange, and see how we are driving regional and European integration. Visit to discover how we are shaping Slovakia's future through strategic partnerships and impactful programs. Our Projects 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. Starting February 2026. PREPARED 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 a scholarship of €400-600/month. FIND OUT MORE Healthy Future of Slovakia An expert roadmap for 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. Currently preparing 5–6 priority reforms for implementation within 1–3 years. 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 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, strengthening regional representation through 8 electoral districts 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 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 imperial terrorist operation, ongoing since 2014 and brutally intensified since February 2022. FIND OUT MORE Slovakia's Path to a Stronger Future Upholding EU Core Values ACTIVE This project aims to mobilize collaboration among experts from renowned NGOs, academia, and political parties/movements to develop, address, and implement necessary changes in Slovak policy across all areas and topics. The goal is to ensure a better future for the country by upholding core values such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and respect for human rights, which are the foundation of the EU.

2 % z dane Ako na to? Ako poukázať 2 % z dane pre Future Slovakia Forum Názov: Fórum Budúcnosti Slovenska, o.z. Právna forma: Občianske združenie IČO: 56046260 Sídlo: Ľubinská 1631/8, 811 03 Bratislava Novinky v roku 2026 Od roku 2026 môžete prvýkrát poukázať 2 % z dane rodičom na dôchodku a zároveň 2 % neziskovej organizácii. Spolu až 6 % vašich daní ide tam, kde to sami určíte — bez akýchkoľvek nákladov navyše. Poukázanie 2 % pre neziskovú organizáciu funguje rovnako ako doteraz. Postup pre zamestnancov Termín: do 30. apríla 2026 Krok 1: Do 15. februára 2026 požiadajte zamestnávateľa o vykonanie ročného zúčtovania preddavkov na daň za rok 2025. V žiadosti zaškrtnite, že žiadate o vystavenie Potvrdenia o zaplatení dane. Krok 2: Zamestnávateľ vám vystaví Potvrdenie o zaplatení dane. Z neho zistíte dátum zaplatenia dane a výšku zaplatenej dane. Krok 3: Vypočítajte si 2 % zo zaplatenej dane. Táto suma musí byť minimálne 3 €. Krok 4: Vyplňte Vyhlásenie o poukázaní podielu zaplatenej dane. Uveďte svoje údaje (meno, rodné číslo, bydlisko), vypočítanú sumu a údaje prijímateľa: Názov: Fórum Budúcnosti Slovenska, o.z. IČO: 56046260 Právna forma: Občianske združenie Krok 5: Vyhlásenie spolu s Potvrdením o zaplatení dane doručte na ktorýkoľvek daňový úrad najneskôr do 30. apríla 2026. Tlačivo Vyhlásenia si môžete stiahnuť na rozhodni.sk. Postup pre SZČO a fyzické osoby podávajúce daňové priznanie Termín: do 31. marca 2026 Krok 1: Vyplňte daňové priznanie k dani z príjmov za rok 2025. Krok 2: V daňovom priznaní nájdite oddiel Vyhlásenie o poukázaní podielu zaplatenej dane. Vyhlásenie je už súčasťou tlačiva daňového priznania — nepodávate ho samostatne. Krok 3: Do vyhlásenia vpíšte údaje prijímateľa: Názov: Fórum Budúcnosti Slovenska, o.z. IČO: 56046260 Právna forma: Občianske združenie Krok 4: Vypočítajte 2 % zo zaplatenej dane a vpíšte sumu. Minimálna suma je 3 €. Krok 5: Daňové priznanie podajte v lehote do 31. marca 2026 (alebo v predĺženej lehote, ak ste si ju uplatnili). Postup pre právnické osoby Termín: do 31. marca 2026 Právnická osoba môže poukázať 2 % zaplatenej dane, ak v roku 2025 alebo najneskôr v lehote na podanie daňového priznania darovala finančné prostriedky vo výške minimálne 0,5 % zaplatenej dane na verejnoprospešné účely. Ak takýto dar neposkytla, môže poukázať 1 %. Minimálna suma je 8 €. Vyhlásenie je súčasťou daňového priznania právnickej osoby. Údaje prijímateľa: Názov: Fórum Budúcnosti Slovenska, o.z. IČO: 56046260 Právna forma: Občianske združenie Sídlo: Ľubinská 1631/8, 811 03 Bratislava Dobrovoľníci: môžete poukázať 3 % Ak ste v roku 2025 odpracovali minimálne 40 hodín dobrovoľníckej činnosti, môžete poukázať až 3 % zo zaplatenej dane. K Vyhláseniu priložte Potvrdenie o dobrovoľníckej činnosti od organizácie, pre ktorú ste pracovali. Dôležité upozornenia Číslo účtu prijímateľa nikde neuvádzate — prostriedky prevádzajú daňové úrady. IČO sa v tlačive zarovnáva sprava. Ak obsahuje menej ako 12 číslic, nepoužité polia ostávajú prázdne. Daňový úrad prevedie vaše 2 % prijímateľovi do 31. júla 2026. Vaše 2 % v číslach 10 ľudí poukáže 2 % = 1 policy brief pre lepšie zdravotníctvo. 10 ľudí = 1 mesiac finančného príspevku pre študenta, ktorý tvorí riešenia pre Slovensko. Slovensko sa nezmení samo. Ale 2 % sú začiatok. Nie politika. Svedomie.

< 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_DB_FSF_ENG .pdf Download PDF • 134KB TABLES – HOW DO VOTERS SEE IT? < 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 ⬇️ Clanek_FSF_pro_DS_k_Ukrajine a ekonomice SR_English version .pdf Download PDF • 72KB < Previous Next >

< Back NEWSLETTER - October 2024 Sep 30, 2024 Regular Update for Members and Supporters Dear FSF Members and Supporters, We are excited to share with you the first edition of the Future Slovakia Forum Newsletter ! Over the past months, FSF has grown into a platform for connecting experts, innovators, and passionate individuals committed to shaping Slovakia’s future. In this newsletter, you’ll find updates on: Our key achievements , including the Electoral System Reform (System 2027) and partnerships for Ukraine’s reconstruction . New strategic collaborations with stakeholders, universities, and experts. Upcoming FS Forums and how you can get involved in our workgroups . Download the Newsletter HERE! How You Can Get Involved: Join our workgroups and contribute to Slovakia’s future. Membership : NGOs & Individuals: 60 EUR annually / 5 EUR monthly Corporations & Institutions: 600 EUR annually / 60 EUR monthly Support us : Your ideas and partnerships are always welcome! Thank you for being part of our mission! Best regards, David Boruta President, Future Slovakia Forum < Previous Next >

< Back Healthy Future of Slovakia (FSF's Health Policy Group) on HTA Guidelines: Slovakia Must Stop Falling Behind Sep 30, 2025 Slovakia is an outlier in CEE with the slowest access to innovative medicines – FSF calls for predictability, professionalism, and systemic reform. The Future Slovakia Forum (FSF), through its expert platform Healthy Future of Slovakia , today released its official position on the Ministry of Health’s proposed HTA methodological guideline. The statement builds on yesterday’s social media announcement and highlights eight key themes where the proposed changes risk worsening access to treatment without improving fiscal stability. Slovakia already lags dramatically : patients wait on average 797 days for new medicines (vs. ~356 days CEE average, 578 EU), with only 27% of innovations available (vs. 46% EU). This extreme delay makes Slovakia an outlier even in the CEE region . Technocratic tightening without vision : new HTA rules add barriers instead of improving predictability and cost-effectiveness. Reform 2022 works – but implementation fails : pharmaceutical spending is the most efficiently managed budget item, yet innovation access is blocked by unprofessional processes. Financial paradox : medicines account for less than 20% of healthcare spending and their share is decreasing, yet overall costs keep rising due to inefficiencies and delayed prevention and treatment. FSF calls for: - Professionalization over bureaucratization – modern HTA methods, qualified teams, transparent processes. - Systemic approach – multikriteriálne hodnotenie (MCDA), managed entry agreements (MEA), real-world evidence (RWE). - Measurable goals by 2029: time-to-access ≤ 530 days, availability ≥ 40%. “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,” the FSF statement concludes. Read👇 the full position paper here : Position on HTA guidelines by Healthy Future of Slovakia expert group September 2025 .pdf Download PDF • 155KB Reaction 👇 of NIHO to our position paper is here : Stanovisko_NIHO_HFS_FINII .pdf Download PDF • 133KB 👇 Our (HFS) reaction to NIHO - incl. co-operation proposal - is here: Odpoveď HFS na reakciu NIHO k HTA guidelines 3 Október .pdf Download PDF • 207KB 👇 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: Reakcia na članok v Medicina od HFS 09102025 HFS .pdf Download PDF • 210KB Expert group shaping Slovakia’s path to sustainable, patient-focused healthcare: < Previous Next >

< 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. 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 👇 WATCH AND LEARN_Tiger to Raccoon .pptx Download PPTX • 278KB Contact: Dávid Bořuta, Managing Lead Future Slovakia Forum forum@future-slovakia.eu PRESS RELEASE 👇 PRESS_RELEASE_Watch_and_Learn_Jan2026 .docx Download DOCX • 87KB 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 >