AGP Executive Report

GLOBSEC Security Agenda: Prague’s GLOBSEC opened with a heavy focus on Ukraine’s future—from protecting and restoring critical infrastructure to the mental and physical rehabilitation of displaced people and those from occupied territories—plus how drones are shaping the war. EU Nature Clash: In Brussels, environment policy is getting louder: 10 EU countries, including Slovakia, want the fish-eating great cormorant added to huntable species under the Birds Directive, arguing damage to inland fisheries and aquaculture. Energy & Sanctions Pressure: Russian energy disputes keep building—Kazakhstan courts have cleared the way for Naftogaz to pursue Gazprom assets over a $1.4bn award, while the EU faces fresh calls to finally table a promised Russian oil ban despite some G7 easing. Regional Politics: Central Europe reset continues as Hungary’s PM Péter Magyar heads to Poland to revive Visegrád ties, signaling a shift after Orbán. EU Enlargement Plan: Single-market incentives are back on the table: Austria, Italy, Czechia, Slovakia and Slovenia propose a “step-by-step” Western Balkans integration model.

Russian Oil Sanctions Pressure: The EU Commission is facing fresh calls to finally table a promised legal ban on Russian oil imports, as some G7 countries loosen waivers and Russian oil revenues stay high—Brussels says it’s committed, but the draft has been repeatedly delayed and removed from the agenda. Eastern Flank Security: EU leaders also reacted to renewed Russian threats over the Baltics, with von der Leyen stressing that a threat to one member is a threat to the whole union. EU Enlargement by Incentives: Austria, Czechia, Italy, Slovakia and Slovenia are pushing a “step-by-step” model for Western Balkans access to the single market, sector by sector, tied to rule-of-law progress and with safeguards if reforms slip. Slovakia’s EU Rule-of-Law Row: Foreign minister Juraj Blanar says an EP resolution on Slovakia’s rule of law is political only and has no legal effect. Regional Diplomacy: Hungary’s Péter Magyar is resetting ties with Poland and reviving V4 cooperation, signaling a wider Central European alignment.

Aviation & Tourism: Routes Europe 2026’s final day ended with Emilia-Romagna and Rimini handing the 2027 hosting baton to Fraport TAV Antalya Airport, aiming for 5,000+ face-to-face meetings and more air-service growth from Turkey’s fast-rising leisure hub. EU Enlargement: Austria, Czechia, Italy, Slovakia and Slovenia back a “step-by-step” Western Balkans single-market model, offering sector-by-sector access tied to rule alignment and with brakes if reforms slip. Industrial Heritage: Porcelaine de Limoges becomes the first craft to get EU-wide geographical protection under the new CIGI scheme, extending safeguards across all 27 states. Security: EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen calls Russia’s Baltic drone threats “unacceptable” and a danger to the whole Union, promising a unified response. Auto & Mobility: Stellantis and JLR sign an MoU to explore product and technology collaboration in the US. Energy & Industry Watch: EU says it won’t ease Russian oil and gas sanctions even as the US/UK move, while Ryanair warns late bookings could face higher fares if fuel costs stay elevated.

Carbon Accounting Shock: Ireland’s state has written off 702,000 carbon credits after EU rules blocked their use, leaving its Kyoto-era carbon fund effectively dormant since 2022—after spending over €100m since 2007. EU Enlargement Push: Austria, Italy, Slovakia, Czechia and Slovenia want a “step-by-step” single-market access model for Western Balkans candidates, using sector-by-sector integration to keep momentum and reduce Russia’s pull. Energy Diplomacy: Georgia and Azerbaijan signed new 20-year gas and electricity supply deals, plus a plan to restart passenger rail between Tbilisi and Baku. Slovakia in the Mix: Slovakia’s talks with Azerbaijan also keep expanding—industry, trade, energy and infrastructure cooperation featured at WUF13. Aviation Watch: Ryanair warns late bookings could mean higher fares if Middle East-linked fuel costs stay elevated. Local Innovation: Bratislava’s first solar car-park canopy at Nay’s HQ is generating power while cars sit under the panels.

EU Sanctions Reset: EU leaders are weighing a shift from renewing Russia sanctions every six months to once a year, with talks set for mid-June in Brussels—an attempt to reduce the risk of a single veto derailing the whole package, especially after Hungary’s leadership change. Energy & Industry: Slovakia is testing solar power on a retail car park in Bratislava, with a canopy over 20 bays generating about 100 MWh a year for nearby buildings. Ukraine War Watch: Kyiv’s transport fares could jump sharply from July, potentially pushing the city into Europe’s top five most expensive pass costs. Azerbaijan Gas Push: Slovakia is negotiating a minimum 10-year gas supply deal with Azerbaijan, focusing on the logistics of delivering fuel to Central Europe. Aviation & Travel: Ryanair warns late bookings may mean higher fares if Middle East-linked fuel costs stay elevated. Film & Culture: Samuel L. Jackson’s thriller “Just Play Dead” has locked major international distribution deals, including Slovakia.

EU Politics & Legacy: Angela Merkel is set to receive a new European Order of Merit in Strasbourg, with scrutiny still hanging over her Russia-leaning stance and her 2008 opposition to Ukraine joining NATO. EU Industry & Trade: Ursula von der Leyen’s first-term reappraisal is also in focus, as questions grow over Europe’s weak industrial muscle and Brussels’ centralised power—while fresh attempts to clinch a Trump trade deal keep the pressure on. Energy Security: Ryanair is warning that jet-fuel shortages could become acute in coming weeks, even as it posts record profits and hedges part of its fuel needs. Slovakia Energy Diversification: Slovakia is negotiating a minimum 10-year gas supply contract with Azerbaijan, aiming to cut reliance on Russian routes and tackle the real issue—how to deliver gas to Central Europe. Cyber & AI Skills: Košice and Bratislava universities launch a joint AI engineering programme in English, while an AI push is also driving new data-centre debates. Health & Enforcement: Europol-backed action targets a €240m fake-medicines network across Eastern Europe.

Energy Security: Slovakia is negotiating a minimum 10-year gas supply deal with Azerbaijan, with officials focused on the real bottleneck—how to deliver the gas into Central Europe via existing pipelines and volumes. Ukraine Support: Ukraine has received 3,209 units of energy equipment since the start of 2026, and the Energy Ministry expects another 1,465 generators and 419 transformers. Crime Crackdown: Europol backed a cross-border operation targeting a €240m fake-medicines network operating across Eastern Europe, with raids and website takedowns. Diplomacy Shift: Hungary’s new foreign minister summoned the Russian ambassador after a major drone strike hit Ukraine’s Transcarpathia—an unusually sharp move for Budapest. Aviation & Costs: Ryanair posted record profits (+40% to €2.26bn) but warns 2026-27 costs could rise as fuel and taxes bite. Tech & Skills: Košice and Bratislava universities launch a joint, English-taught AI engineering program starting 2026/27. Culture & Industry: Slovakia’s culture ministry pushes for a stronger EU audiovisual sector at Cannes while STVR coverage controversies keep simmering at home.

Aviation Cost Crunch: Ryanair says 2026-27 costs may jump by a “mid-single digit percentage” as unhedged fuel prices, EU environmental taxes, maintenance and some crew pay rise—yet summer fares are “broadly flat,” with demand still “robust.” Mining & Critical Minerals: West Africa’s biggest mining gathering, WAMPEX (19th edition), lands in Accra on 3 June with 6,000+ professionals and 250+ exhibitors from 20 countries, including first-time interest from Slovakia and others—another sign the critical-minerals race is widening. Health Crime Crackdown: A Europe-wide network selling fake medicines and illegal supplements since 2019 has been dismantled after raids across Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Moldova, with 113 locations hit and 196 websites shut. EU Power Shift: Analysts say the EU’s agenda-setting is moving from a few big states toward coalitions of smaller countries, reshaping how Brussels negotiates. Slovakia Abroad: A Slovak parliamentary delegation toured Azerbaijan’s reconstruction sites in Karabakh, including Fuzuli airport and Khankendi projects.

Cybersecurity & Compliance: SpecterAI and CCLab Forge have teamed up to deliver end-to-end cybersecurity certification and post-quantum compliance services across Vietnam and APAC, as firms race to meet tightening crypto and cybersecurity deadlines. Defence Industry Watch: JLR and General Motors are reportedly eyeing a £900m UK defence contract to build new military 4x4s for NATO rearmament timelines. Electric Vehicles: Kia’s EV4 goes head-to-head with Volkswagen’s ID.3 in the €52k class, with the EV4 aiming for bolder design and more front-seat space while the ID.3 leans on comfort. Plastic Policy Clash: California’s “Truth in Recycling” push would restrict the recycling logo on many plastics from October 4, triggering fresh legal fights. Slovakia Angle: Slovakia is also moving on energy diplomacy, with talks to deepen cooperation with Algeria and plans for a Slovak embassy there. Ukraine & Security: Russia’s drone-and-missile strikes on Kyiv continue to dent peace hopes, with reported civilian casualties and major damage.

Defence Industry Push: Jaguar Land Rover and General Motors are reportedly eyeing a £900m UK defence contract to build thousands of new military 4x4 trucks, with deliveries expected from 2030—another sign carmakers are hunting rearmament demand as EV transitions squeeze margins. EU Climate Watch: Eurostat says EU greenhouse-gas emissions rose 0.9% in Q4 2025, driven most by electricity/gas/steam supply and transport. Slovakia–Algeria Links: State Secretary Marek Eštok says Slovakia plans to open an embassy in Algeria and deepen energy and political cooperation with a key gas-supplier partner. Ukraine War Impact: Russia’s latest heavy strikes on Kyiv again hit civilian infrastructure, with reported deaths rising into the low twenties. Plastic Policy Clash (US): California moves to restrict the “chasing arrows” recycling logo under its Truth in Recycling law, sparking lawsuits from packaging groups. CEE Investment Mood: Hungary leads Q1 2026 CEE investment momentum, with volumes nearly doubling year-on-year.

Ukraine War Escalation: Russia hit Kyiv again with a massive barrage of drones and missiles, killing at least 24 people (including three children) and wounding 47, with damage reported across homes, a school and other civilian sites. Slovakia–Azerbaijan Reconstruction: Slovak parliamentary leaders toured Fuzuli, Shusha, Khankendi and Aghdam to inspect reconstruction and infrastructure projects, including Fuzuli airport and Karabakh University. CEE Investment Pulse: Hungary is leading CEE momentum in Q1 2026, with investment volumes topping EUR 325m—nearly double year-on-year—while domestic and regional investors drive selective re-entry. EU Carbon Watch: Eurostat shows EU greenhouse-gas emissions rose 0.9% in Q4 2025, led by electricity, gas and transport-related sectors. Energy Diplomacy: Slovakia is pushing stronger ties with Algeria, including plans for a Slovak embassy and cooperation around Algeria’s gas role for Europe. Tech & STEM Spotlight: Regeneron ISEF 2026 handed out over $7m in awards, with Japan’s Hikaru Kuribayashi winning the $100k Innovator prize for origami-style folding simulations.

Ukraine War Watch: Russia hit Kyiv again with a massive missile-and-drone barrage, killing at least 21–24 people and damaging homes, a school and other civilian sites as air defences struggled against hundreds of drones. NATO Risk: Commentary says the danger of a Russian attack on NATO is rising as the war goes badly for Putin. EU Climate Signals: Eurostat reports EU greenhouse-gas emissions rose 0.9% in Q4 2025, with the biggest jump in electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning (+7.2%) while households cut emissions (-2.0%). Slovakia–Energy Diplomacy: Slovakia is pushing stronger ties with Algeria, including plans for a Slovak embassy and cooperation around Algeria’s gas role for Europe. Carbon & Industry: A separate report says energy and transport are driving a surge in European carbon output. EU Budget Fight: Civil society warns the EU’s new budget design could quietly squeeze NGOs by shifting funding through national plans. Tech & Talent: Regeneron ISEF handed out $7M+ in awards, spotlighting the next generation of STEM leaders.

Ukraine Tribunal Push: Thirty-four European countries (plus Australia, Costa Rica and the EU) signed up to a future special tribunal to prosecute Russia for crimes linked to the invasion, with the plan built on a Council of Europe resolution and aimed at Hague-based justice. Kyiv Under Fire: Russia hit Kyiv again with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, killing at least 24 people and damaging homes, a school and other civilian sites, as hopes for a pause keep getting dented. Slovakia in Reconstruction Tours: A Slovak parliamentary delegation visited Fuzuli, Shusha, Khankendi and Aghdam to review reconstruction and education projects, including Garabagh University. Defense Industry Momentum: Slovakia is positioning itself as a NATO ammunition producer, with President Pellegrini pointing to growing capacity and millions of shells supplied to Ukraine. Energy Integration: EU ministers backed faster grid links in the southeast, while hydrogen corridor projects involving the Czech Republic were re-listed as PCI. Inflation Watch: Eurozone inflation is ticking up again, with Slovakia cited around 4% year-on-year.

Ukraine War: Russia hit Kyiv again with a huge two-day barrage of 1,500+ drones and dozens of missiles, killing at least 16 (including two children) and damaging homes, a school and other civilian sites as air defences reported hundreds of drones and most missiles intercepted. Slovakia & Defence: Slovakia is leaning harder into NATO’s ammo push—President Pellegrini says shell supplies to Ukraine will keep scaling up “in the millions,” while PM Fico opened IDEB 2026 stressing Europe must become more resilient and more self-reliant on security. Energy Integration: Ministers in Athens backed faster grid and corridor links for Southeastern Europe, calling the region’s gas corridor integration a major step for energy security. Cyber & Fraud: US lawmakers warn of an incoming wave of AI-fuelled vulnerability disclosures; meanwhile, ESET flags Belarus-aligned FrostyNeighbor espionage activity targeting Ukrainian government bodies. Business & Finance: Viva.com expands its integrated payments-and-banking platform to more EU markets, while Slovakia’s inflation quickened to 3.9% in April. Azerbaijan Ties: Slovak parliament speaker Raši met Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev and a memorandum was signed to deepen energy and defence-industry cooperation.

Ukraine War Escalation: Russia hit Kyiv and other regions with one of its biggest drone-and-missile waves, with officials citing 1,500+ drones over two days and damage to homes, a school, a vet clinic and transport infrastructure. Slovakia Defense Push: President Pellegrini says Slovakia is ramping ammunition output “in the millions” for Ukraine and is preparing a new long-term armed-forces plan, while NATO allies at the Bucharest Nine summit urged faster air-defence and more pressure on Moscow. NATO Industry Capacity: Leaders also warned that even higher budgets won’t help without production capacity, pushing for stronger European defence manufacturing and supply chains. EU Energy Planning: The EU re-listed Czech hydrogen corridors as PCI projects, aiming to connect supply from the Baltics and North Sea toward Central demand, including links into Slovakia. Cybersecurity Watch: ESET flagged Belarus-aligned FrostyNeighbor activity targeting Ukrainian government networks, including new delivery chains via malicious PDFs. Economy Signals: Slovakia’s inflation rose to 3.9% in April, and Viva.com expanded its business payments-and-financing platform across the Baltics and Slovakia.

Ukraine War Update: Russia’s latest mass assault on Ukraine hit Kyiv and western regions with hundreds of drones and missiles, killing at least one in the capital and injuring dozens, while Zakarpattia reported multiple impacts including damage to energy and industrial sites. NATO Eastern Flank: Eastern allies meeting in Bucharest stressed repeated airspace breaches show the urgent need to strengthen air and missile defence, with Russia still framed as the main long-term threat. Slovakia Defence Industry: Slovakia’s leaders used the Bucharest Nine and IDEB defence fair to push the message that the country is scaling ammunition output and preparing a longer-term plan for higher defence spending, including air defence and drone-intercept capabilities. Aviation Row: Ryanair escalated its fight with Fraport Greece, accusing the operator of keeping airport fee cuts and harming competition—prompting more route and base pressure. Local Business & Skills: ADI’s work-based training model was highlighted as turning companies into “strategic partners” to close skills gaps. Tech & Security: A new quantum-safe keyless encryption integration for SONiC networks was announced, aiming to keep session keys off the wire.