Week in Slovakia

An interview about the English translations of four 20th-century Slovak writers, which have been published until 2025 by Karolinum Press, the publishing house of Charles University in Prague. The importance of translating the literature of so-called “small” nations is discussed by translator Julia Sherwood and, on behalf of Karolinum Press, editors Martin Janeček and Michael Stein. The centenary of the P. O. Hviezdoslav Library in Prešov — along with the institution’s mission and its newly renovated building — is the focus of conversations with library director Iveta Hurná, Prešov Self-Governing Region chairman Milan Majerský, and staff member Alena Brindová, winner of the 2025 Golden Wave national poetry award. British writers James Sutherland Smith and Jonathan Gresty, long-time residents of Prešov, also share their perspectives. Culture tips highlight upcoming Christmas concerts by the Košice State Philharmonic and the launch of a new Christmas-themed book written in English by a young Slovak author.

In this episode, we explore the realities of homelessness in Slovakia during the winter and the upcoming festive season. We speak with Alexandra Kárová, Executive Director of VAGUS and Michal Cibiri from Depaul, about the challenges faced by people without homes and the support available during the cold months. Patrik Krebs, theatre director and activist from Divadlo bez domova, shares how theatre gives a voice, identity, and hope to those experiencing homelessness. We asked them about the state of homelessness in Slovakia, what challenges are these people facing and what can be done to help them.

On today’s episode of Slovakia Today, we head to Trenčín to explore how the NGO Punkt is training young leaders to build connected and resilient communities through its Citizen Academy workshops. We speak with participants, American lecturer Bari Hochwald Cagnola, and organizers to understand what motivates these young professionals to commit to intensive training spanning in-person modules and online support, and how the program equips them with skills to revitalize communities.

Later, we stay in Trenčín to meet Canadian photographer Donald Weber, who is helping the city reimagine itself as the 2026 European Capital of Culture while honoring its nearly thousand-year-old heritage. Weber shares insights from his residency and the perspective he brings to capturing Trenčín’s evolving identity.

The annual International Women’s Club’s Charity Christmas Bazaar recently took place in Bratislava. More than 25 embassies were there to share their culture and holiday traditions. Ben Pascoe visited and found out about what foreigners like about Slovak holiday traditions and what advice they have to other foreigners about how to enjoy the holiday season in Slovakia.

Human rights belong to all of us — regardless of nationality, gender, ethnicity, religion, or any other status. They include both essential protections, such as the right to life, and the rights that make our lives dignified and meaningful. Ahead of Human Rights Day (10 December), we take a closer look at how these rights are safeguarded at the European level with Michal Kučera, Head of the Slovak Legal Division at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Our conversation explores the Court’s mission, how it protects rights across 46 member states, the types of cases that shape public debate, and what the system means for both Slovak citizens and foreigners living under Slovakia’s jurisdiction. We also reflect on how human rights challenges have evolved since the European Convention on Human Rights was signed 75 years ago — and why it remains as relevant as ever today.

And with winter arriving, the new episode of Slovak Sound Check brings you some fresh vocabulary connected with the changing seasons.

We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.

Zuzana Botiková met with members of the Slovak ex-pat community in Sandyford, Ireland, to learn that their Christmas celebrations begin this Saturday, 6 December. Karolinum Press editors Martin Janeček and Michael Stein, together with translator Julia Sherwood, share recommendations for Slovak authors available in English translation—perfect as Christmas presents—in the first part of their discussion on the Modern Slovak Classics series. At the end of the show, regular tips on Slovak culture suitable for English speakers both in Slovakia and abroad.

RERUN: Latest data from Intrum survey about spending in Slovakia shows, that Slovaks are among the top 5 countries ranking the highest in excessive impulse spending. This problem gets even more severe with the upcoming Christmas holidays. We will shine a light on this topic, including expert opinions from the sociology institute of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Intrum research agency and economy analyst.

Today we explore the opening of Christmas markets in Bratislava and Košice. Then we examin how artificial intelligence influences translation and language, with expert insights from translator Marián Kabát. Finally, we look at the life and legacy of Slovak writer Terézia Vansová, a pioneering figure in literature and women’s publishing.