Bohus Garbar, a Slovak man with no clear income, donated thousands of euros to far-right political parties and contributed to a website spreading Russian propaganda. His activities were part of a broader Russian effort to influence politics in Eastern Europe. Garbar was arrested and charged with espionage and bribe-taking, and is cooperating with investigators. The Russian spy he worked with, Sergei Solomasov, was expelled from Slovakia. The case highlights the extensive clandestine network Russia has developed to sway political dynamics in the region.

Marian Kocner, a Slovak businessman, is on trial for the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kusnirova, which led to the largest protests in Slovakia since 1989 and the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Fico. The trial coincides with parliamentary elections that could see Fico's party lose power after eight years. The case has captured national attention and comes amid a broader public frustration with corruption.

A coalition of Slovak progressive parties, PS/SPOLU, triumphed in the European Parliament elections, signaling a shift in the political climate after the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak. Winning 20.11% of the vote, they surpassed the ruling SMER-SD and far-right campaigns. The victory reflects growing pro-EU sentiment, with a notable increase in voter turnout to 22.7%. The far-right LSNS gained seats but did not meet expectations, while Peter Pollak of OLANO became the first Slovak Roma in the European Parliament. Analysts interpret the results as a rejection of fear-mongering and an endorsement of the EU.

In Slovakia, eight people were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kusnirova. The arrests occurred during an early-morning raid in Kolarovo, seven months after the couple was found shot dead at home. The case had previously led to mass protests and the resignation of the prime minister. Authorities believe one of the detainees may be the hit man responsible for the killings, but have not released names or further details to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation.

Slovak Tokaj, a small wine region, is overshadowed by Hungary's more famous Tokaj area. Post-Communist winemakers like Jaroslav Macik Jr. are cultivating a reputation for quality, particularly with naturally sweet puttonyo wines and dry varieties like furmint. The region offers a personal visitor experience with affordable accommodations and regional cuisine at local wineries. Tokaj's history dates back to Roman times, with a resurgence in the 13th century, and its wines were once favored by European royalty. Despite challenges, the region aims to revive its former glory, focusing on high-quality, premium-priced wines with intensive marketing.

The article highlights Bratislava as an underrated destination for high-end travelers, emphasizing its modern capital with luxurious hotels, exquisite restaurants, boutiques, and spas along the Danube River. It describes the city's central European charm and compares its standards to Western cities. The article suggests activities such as romantic walks, café visits, spa relaxation, and enjoying local cuisine, golf, and polo. It features specific places like Zion Spa, UFO restaurant, and fashion stores M.ONA and Slávica that showcase local designers. The article also mentions the convenience of walking distances in the Old Town and the availability of high-quality entertainment and wellness experiences, suggesting that Bratislava offers luxury comparable to major European cities with unique Slovak charm.

The article discusses the rise of nationalist groups in Eastern Europe, particularly in Slovakia and Hungary, who are taking measures to confront what they perceive as a threat from migrants. These groups, such as People’s Party-Our Slovakia and Vzdor Kysuce, are engaging in activities like patrolling trains and organizing paramilitary groups, despite the current low number of migrants passing through these countries. The leaders of these groups express a desire to protect their national identity and resist the resettlement of asylum seekers, with some making controversial historical comparisons to actions taken in 1930s Germany.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico retains his position despite his party, Smer-Social Democracy, losing its parliamentary majority in the March 5 election. Fico formed a new coalition government with a center-right party, a Slovak nationalist party, and a party for the Hungarian minority, securing a narrow majority with 81 seats. His tenure has been tainted by corruption scandals, but he avoided a right-wing coalition led by the Freedom and Solidarity party by bringing two critical parties into his government. The election also saw the rise of the far-right People’s Party-Our Slovakia, which won 14 seats but was excluded from coalition talks due to its extremist views.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico retains his position despite his center-left party losing its majority, as he forms a new coalition with three other parties, securing a slim majority of 81 out of 150 seats in Parliament. The coalition includes a center-right party, a Slovak nationalist party, and a Hungarian minority party. Fico's tenure has seen corruption scandals, but he avoided a potential six-party right-wing coalition by bringing on board two parties that had previously criticized him.

In the recent parliamentary elections in Slovakia, the governing party, Smer-Social Democracy, lost its majority and will now have to seek coalition partners to form a government. The party, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, secured 28 percent of the vote. The elections also saw significant gains by far-right extremists. These results come ahead of Slovakia's upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union and could influence discussions on the migrant crisis and the Schengen agreement. The outcome reflects a complex and dynamic political landscape in Slovakia.

In western Slovakia, two small planes collided mid-air, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including four pilots and three parachutists. The collision happened during a practice session for an upcoming air show, with each plane carrying 17 parachutists and two pilots. Fortunately, 31 parachutists managed to parachute to safety, although five sustained minor injuries. The incident took place near the village of Cerveny Kamen, with debris scattered near the town and in the White Carpathians. Witnesses and local media suggest the collision was caused by one plane flying beneath the other and striking its tail. The parachutists were preparing for an Aviation Day event aiming to set a local record.

Two small planes carrying parachutists collided over western Slovakia, resulting in seven deaths and five minor injuries. The collision occurred at about 5,000 feet near Cerveny Kamen, with 31 individuals parachuting to safety. The planes, each with two pilots and 17 parachutists, were practicing for an air show. Debris was scattered near a town and in the White Carpathians. Witnesses reported one plane hitting the tail of the other. The parachutists were preparing for an Aviation Day event to beat a local parachuting record.

The article describes the transformation of Mali Selmentsi, a once decrepit village in Ukraine, which has seen significant development following the opening of a border gate with Slovakia seven years ago. The main street, previously in poor condition, is now a smooth asphalt road, and the village boasts a variety of new shops offering luxury items such as Gucci tank tops, Chanel perfume, and even a large wedding dress store. The border crossing, described as a 'gate', has glass-and-metal buildings and is manned by uniformed guards who check the documents of shoppers traveling between Mali Selmentsi and Velke Slemence in Slovakia. The presence of a decaying Soviet watchtower serves as a reminder of the area's past.

The article discusses the social trend of adult children, like 29-year-old Jozef Izso in Bratislava, Slovakia, living with their parents. Izso, a computer programmer, enjoys the financial benefits and convenience of staying in the city center without paying rent, especially after his sister moved out. However, he also experiences downsides, such as being treated like a child, exemplified by his mother rearranging his clothes after he has put them away. The phenomenon of grown children living at home is not unique to Eastern Europe, but the region has a notable prevalence of this trend.

The article discusses the trend of local oligarchs and investment groups, some with political ties, acquiring media companies in Eastern Europe, which is causing concern for press freedom. This trend is compared to similar situations in Russia, where power and wealth are being consolidated in the hands of a few individuals who are also gaining control over media outlets. Specifically, in Slovakia, a German media company sold a significant share of the country's last independent newspaper, SME, to Penta Investments, an investment group previously investigated by the paper. The article highlights the staff's reaction to this sale as a notable aspect of the situation.

Marta Kubisova, a Czech singer, reflects on the Velvet Revolution and her role in it during an interview at the Lucerna Cinema in Prague. Kubisova, known for her 1968 song 'Prayer for Marta,' was banned by the Communist authorities in 1970. During the revolution 25 years ago, she was invited by Vaclav Havel to perform the song to a crowd in Wenceslas Square, marking her first public performance in nearly two decades. She notes that the younger generation may not fully grasp the significance of those events, which she considers a personal resurrection, while they see it as a historical episode.