AGP Executive Report

EU Packaging Rules Pushback: Italy and seven other EU states, including Slovakia, ask the Commission for “greater clarity” on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation due to start 12 Aug 2026, warning that unclear, fast implementation could force costly investments without stable obligations. Methane Rules Under Pressure: Eleven countries led by the Czech Republic and Slovakia urge a three-year delay to parts of the EU methane rules, arguing immediate enforcement could destabilise energy security and create legal uncertainty for long-term supply contracts. EV Trade Friction: Polestar says the US Connected Vehicles Rule will block its US sales from the 2027 model year, citing restrictions on connected-vehicle tech linked to China. Energy Infrastructure in Focus: Poland moves ahead with a third LNG import terminal after Gaz System’s open season for a new FSRU exceeded demand, boosting planned regasification capacity. Regional Industry & Governance: A V4 push frames rule of law as a direct investment factor, while leaders also pledge deeper cooperation on EU budget priorities like cohesion and the CAP. Slovakia’s Tech & Research: Comenius University in Bratislava highlights cold plasma research with potential uses from water and air purification to sustainable agriculture and future medical treatments. Urban Development: Studio Egret West wins a Bratislava district design contest for a 60,000 m² mixed-use redevelopment that keeps and reuses the site’s industrial heritage.

V4 Relaunch: Hungary’s Péter Magyar pushed a comeback of Visegrád Four cooperation in Gödöllő, with Poland’s Donald Tusk, Czech PM Andrej Babiš and Slovakia’s Robert Fico agreeing on closer coordination on EU budget talks, cohesion and the Common Agricultural Policy, plus competitiveness and practical sector cooperation. Energy & Industry Pressure: Major steel and chemical firms warned the EU to rein in Emissions Trading System costs, arguing ETS is damaging Europe’s manufacturing base as energy prices stay far higher than in the US. Gas Security Moves: Russia plans to redirect LNG previously aimed at Europe toward Asia, while Poland is set to build a third LNG terminal to strengthen its role as a regional gas hub. EU Rules Under Fire: Czech and Slovak-led efforts seek urgent changes to EU methane rules, citing energy-security risks for gas and oil imports. Cyber & Comms Upgrade: Slovakia’s President’s Office joined quantum-secured communications testing under the skQCI project, aiming to build a quantum communications layer across the country. Tech for Industry: Datalogic launched the Skorpio X40/45 mobile computer for continuous warehouse use, targeting retail, manufacturing and transport & logistics. Local Business Milestone: Slovak IT pioneer CNC (founded in 1991) was acquired by SWAN, marking 35 years since the company helped shape early corporate networks and mobile services in Slovakia.

Energy & Industry Law: Nord Stream 2 AG has sued the EU to overturn the bloc’s binding plan to phase out Russian gas by late 2027, arguing the ban amounts to de facto expropriation of its pipeline infrastructure. Regional Industrial Policy: V4 leaders met in Gödöllő and pledged to revive cooperation on EU budget talks, cohesion and the Common Agricultural Policy, competitiveness, migration, and sector work including automotive and trade—key themes for Slovakia’s industrial planning. Energy Security vs Climate Rules: The US, Qatar and other gas exporters urged the EU to soften upcoming methane emissions rules, warning they could raise barriers to oil and gas imports; Czech and Slovak positions are pushing for urgent options. Slovakia’s Tech & Networks: Slovak IT pioneer CNC (founded 1991) is being acquired by telecom operator SWAN, marking 35 years since it helped build early corporate networks and mobile services. Manufacturing & Compliance: The revised EU Product Liability Directive must be transposed by Dec 9, 2026, with diverging national drafts raising strict new exposure for digital and software-linked products. Nuclear Supply Chain: Rolls-Royce SMR says modular reactors could help replace legacy VVER units across Central and Eastern Europe, targeting grid resilience as renewables scale. Transport & Logistics Tech: Datalogic launched the Skorpio X40/45 compact mobile computer for all-day warehouse use, aiming to boost picking and stock operations. Automotive Infrastructure Market: A report projects the electronic parking brake market to reach $4.70bn by 2032, driven by vehicle electrification and brake-by-wire integration.

V4 Revival for Industry & Energy: Visegrád leaders met in Gödöllő and declared the alliance “back,” with a focus on EU competitiveness, energy prices, migration and agriculture, plus a proposed high-speed rail link connecting Warsaw–Prague–Bratislava–Budapest. Slovakia’s V4 Presidency Priorities: Robert Fico said Slovakia’s July 1–presidency will push lower electricity prices, EU enlargement, and practical sector cooperation with special attention to the defence industry and transport. Defence Manufacturing Deal: CSG and FNSS signed a framework for a joint venture to build the CFL-120 Karpat tracked medium tank in Slovakia, aiming to meet growing European demand. Energy Security vs Methane Rules: US and Qatar, joined by other gas exporters, urged the EU to soften methane emission requirements, arguing they could raise barriers to energy imports; Slovakia and the Czech Republic back the call. Russian Fuel Flows Still Matter: CREA data says the EU was the fourth-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels in May, with Hungary and Slovakia among the biggest importers despite restrictions. Cyber Risk in Slovakia: Slovakia reported 1,650 cyber incidents in 2025 (up from 1,178), with social engineering the top threat. Bratislava Transport Vote: Transport minister Jozef Ráž announced a mayoral run, promising transport upgrades, more housing and public safety measures. Geothermal Spotlight: Budapest’s Geothermal Energy Summit returns on 14 Sept 2026, targeting geothermal scale-up across Central Europe.

V4 Reset: Prime ministers of Slovakia, Czechia, Poland and Hungary met in Hungary to revive the Visegrád format after years of Ukraine-era rifts, with Hungary pushing it as a stronger consultation platform inside the EU. EU Budget Clash: EU leaders are gearing up for a fight over the bloc’s next seven-year budget and new revenue sources, with Central Europe pressing for cohesion and agriculture-friendly funding. Ukraine Accession Reality Check: Four years after EU candidate status, expectations for Ukraine’s EU path are diverging sharply, with new surveys showing many Ukrainians now expect a 5–15 year timeline. Energy & Industry Watch: Slovakia is among the EU’s biggest buyers of Russian fossil fuels, with May imports reported at €497m (including pipeline gas and crude), while separate grid data shows electricity flows around the region shifting as Ukraine imports fall and exports rise. Cybersecurity: Slovakia saw a sharp jump in cyber incidents in 2025, with social engineering attacks dominating and an ongoing land registry disruption investigation. Defense Industrial Base: Patria and Slovakia revised terms to fast-track armored modular vehicle deliveries, prioritizing infantry fighting vehicles and continuing local assembly. AI Infrastructure: Czechia approved participation in an EU AI Gigafactory tender, aiming to bring major computing capacity to the region. Local Governance: Slovakia’s transport minister announced a bid for Bratislava mayor, focusing on transport, housing and public safety. Bears vs. Farmers: Romania and Slovakia backed EU moves to lower brown bear protection status, citing livestock losses and attacks.

Energy Transition Watch: Eastern and Central European governments, including Slovakia, are urging the EU to boost its carbon “modernisation fund” as the Commission revises the Emissions Trading System, arguing predictable money is key for poorer members’ shift away from fossil fuels. Renewables Snapshot: New Netherlands data shows renewables hit 22.7% of gross final energy consumption in 2025, with biomass and solar doing most of the work. Heat Pump Momentum: Heat pump sales across 21 European countries rose 13% in 2025 to 2.88 million units, with Slovakia included in the dataset—another sign of faster electrification of heating. Bears vs. Policy: Romania and Slovakia are pushing the EU to loosen brown bear protections, citing rising public-safety risks and proposing lower “optimum” population levels. Transport Infrastructure: Slovakia’s long-awaited D1/D4 interchange near Bratislava has finally opened after years of delays, easing routes for drivers heading toward Vienna and Budapest. Logistics Deal: FM Logistic plans to buy a majority stake in German logistics provider Schäflein to expand pan-European capacity and know-how. EU Grid Integration: Slovenia will join the EU’s balancing platforms PICASSO and MARI in July 2026, with Slovakia already among the participants. Construction Output: Eurostat reports modest April 2026 growth in construction production across the eurozone and EU, though Slovakia saw a notable monthly drop.

Carbon Market Push: Eastern and Central European governments, including Slovakia, asked the EU to boost the “modernisation fund” as the Commission prepares an ETS overhaul due by July 15, warning that predictable climate-transition money is key amid geopolitical risk. Public Media Funding Clash: Czech public broadcasters staged a warning strike over a plan to replace licence fees with state-budget funding, with staff warning of job cuts and political pressure on media independence. Energy Security via Heat Pumps: A new EHPA report says heat pump sales across 21 European countries rose 13% in 2025 to 2.88 million units, underlining their role in cutting LNG import dependence. EU Balancing Market Expansion: Slovenia will join the EU’s PICASSO and MARI balancing platforms in July 2026, extending the cross-border reserves market that already includes Slovakia. Slovakia Energy Supply Signal: Slovakia’s state energy company says most of the country’s natural gas needs in 2026 can be covered via Russia under updated Gazprom Export terms. Construction Watch: Eurostat data show construction output in the eurozone and EU edged up in April, but with uneven member-state performance, including a reported drop in Slovakia. Business Diplomacy: Slovakia’s foreign minister opened a Slovakia–Panama business forum and secured Panama’s support for Slovakia’s UN Security Council bid.

EU Industrial Policy: The European Commission unveiled Chips Act 2.0 alongside a broader “tech sovereignty” package, but analysts say Europe’s path to catching up still runs through Asian suppliers like Samsung and SK hynix. Slovakia in Energy Markets: Slovenia will join the EU’s balancing platforms PICASSO (aFRR) and MARI (mFRR) in July 2026, extending the cross-border balancing push that already includes Slovakia. Slovak Energy Supply: Slovakia’s state energy firm SPP says it expects to cover most 2026 natural gas needs via Russia, citing a Gazprom Export deal adjusted for REPowerEU rules. Construction & Infrastructure: Eurostat reports construction output rose in the eurozone and EU in April, but Slovakia saw a notable monthly drop. EU Budget Fight: EU leaders asked Ireland to propose by October new “own resources” for the 2028–2034 budget after clashes between net payers and beneficiaries. Cybersecurity: Slovak-linked reporting highlights “Gentlemen” ransomware’s modular EDR-killing toolkit, showing how quickly new exploits can be operationalized. Local Industry/Jobs: Evonik plans further restructuring, cutting about 3,200 jobs globally by end-2029, and will discontinue its polyester business in 2027. Diplomacy for Industry: PM Robert Fico said he wants tighter Slovakia–Ukraine dialogue, including another possible meeting with Zelensky around Ukraine’s recovery plans.

Cybersecurity & Industry Risk: Slovak firm ESET says the Gentlemen ransomware-as-a-service is using a modular “GentleKiller” EDR-killing framework with multiple BYOVD driver variants, targeting 400+ security processes across dozens of vendors—highlighting a growing threat to critical operators. Energy Security: Slovakia’s state energy company SPP says it will cover most 2026 natural gas needs via additional Gazprom Export terms under new EU rules, keeping supply steady for households and large industry. EU Budget & Competitiveness: EU leaders push an October plan for the €2tn 2028–2034 budget, with Slovakia and V4 partners pressing to protect cohesion and the common agricultural policy amid clashes over new funding sources. Construction Watch: Eurostat reports a modest April recovery in EU construction output, but notes a sharp monthly drop in Slovakia (down 6.7%), pointing to uneven momentum. Manufacturing & Jobs: Germany’s Evonik expands restructuring, planning about 3,200 job cuts globally through 2029, while also exiting its polyester business in 2027. Power & Storage Growth: REPT BATTERO touts rapid energy-storage scale-up and a strengthened Inter Milan partnership ahead of Intersolar Europe 2026 in Munich. Slovakia–Ukraine Dialogue: Robert Fico signals more direct Slovakia–Ukraine engagement, including another possible Zelensky meeting around recovery talks. AI for Industry: Slovakia’s AI envoy says the country’s industrial automation and energy base can support faster AI deployments, including data-center links to automotive use cases.

Construction Watch: Eurostat data show EU construction production up in April 2026 (+0.8% EU, +0.6% euro area vs March), with civil engineering and specialised works leading, but Slovakia stands out with a sharp monthly drop (-6.7%). Energy Security: Slovakia’s state energy firm SPP says it expects to cover most 2026 gas needs via additional Gazprom Export terms under new EU rules. Industrial Policy & Jobs: Evonik expands its “Tailor Made” efficiency plan, targeting about 3,200 job cuts globally by end-2029, while Evonik also sells selected pharma-ingredient assets in Hanau to ProChem. Cyber & Risk: Slovak-linked reporting highlights the “Gentlemen” ransomware-as-a-service using EDR-killing tools and fast exploit adoption. EU Budget Fight: EU leaders push for an October draft on the €2tn 2028–2034 budget, with Slovakia and V4 urging protection for cohesion and agriculture. Slovak-Ukraine Dialogue: Robert Fico signals more direct engagement with Ukraine, including possible talks with Zelensky in Gdańsk. AI for Industry: Slovakia pitches AI deployment in manufacturing, supported by energy and industrial infrastructure, at ITAPA 2026. Energy Storage Growth: REPT BATTERO touts booming 2025 results and brings new energy-storage innovations to Intersolar Europe 2026 in Munich.

Energy Security: Slovakia’s state energy firm SPP says it will cover most of the country’s natural gas needs in 2026 via additional Gazprom Export terms, citing compliance with new REPowerEU rules. EU Budget Fight: EU leaders have asked Ireland (next rotating presidency) to draft by October new “own resources” for the 2028–2034 budget, as net payers and beneficiaries clash over funding levels and priorities like cohesion and agriculture. Industrial Restructuring: Evonik expands its “Tailor Made” efficiency plan, targeting about 3,200 job cuts globally through 2029 and planning to discontinue its global polyester business in 2027. Cyber Threats: Slovak-linked reporting says the “Gentlemen” ransomware-as-a-service is building EDR-killing tools and quickly weaponizing new exploits. Construction Dispute: A Hungarian hospital-building consortium in Prešov calls the contract termination unlawful, disputing strength findings tied to concrete columns and seeking an out-of-court settlement. AI for Industry: Slovakia’s AI envoy highlights a push to use AI in manufacturing and data infrastructure, warning against oversizing hyperscaler-style data centers. Trade & Agriculture: Poland warns Ukraine’s EU accession could threaten its agriculture, while Slovakia and V4 partners keep pressing on import rules. Mobility & Manufacturing: Ultraviolette expands into Central and Eastern Europe, with Elektrorider set to distribute its electric motorcycles in Slovakia and five other markets.

Energy Security: Slovakia’s state energy firm SPP says it can cover most of the country’s natural gas needs in 2026 via additional Gazprom Export terms, adjusted to comply with new REPowerEU rules. EU Budget Fight: EU leaders in Brussels are pushing for an October draft deal on the €2tn long-term budget (2028–2034), with clashes over funding for cohesion and agriculture versus defence and modernisation. Industrial Restructuring: Evonik expands its “Tailor Made” efficiency programme, planning about 3,200 job cuts worldwide by end-2029 and discontinuing its global polyester business in 2027. Slovak-Ukraine Dialogue: Prime Minister Robert Fico says he will intensify Slovakia–Ukraine relations and may meet Zelensky again at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk. AI for Industry: Slovakia highlights a push to deploy AI in manufacturing, linking data-centre capacity and automated industry, while urging faster project starts. Cyber Threats: ESET reports the Slovak-linked “Gentlemen” ransomware-as-a-service is rapidly operationalising new exploits and using EDR-killing tools. Healthcare Construction Dispute: A Presov hospital consortium says contract termination over concrete columns is unlawful and disputes the client’s claims, pointing to an STU Bratislava assessment. Electric Mobility: Europe’s BEV market keeps rising, with Slovakia among countries showing strong year-to-date growth.

EU Budget Standoff: EU leaders are set for a fresh clash over the 2028–2034 long-term budget, with Ireland asked to propose new “own” revenue sources by October to ease fights between net payers and beneficiaries, as Germany and the Netherlands push for cuts that could squeeze agriculture and cohesion. Slovakia’s EU Priorities: Prime Minister Robert Fico says Slovakia will back the “Friends of Cohesion” push to protect cohesion and the common agricultural policy, warning the current proposals risk widening regional gaps. Slovak-Ukrainian Dialogue: Fico signals he wants to intensify direct Slovakia–Ukraine talks, including a possible new meeting with Zelensky in Gdańsk, and to prepare the next joint government session. AI for Industry: Slovakia’s government says the country’s edge is AI deployment in automated industry, backed by stable power and infrastructure, urging faster project starts rather than over-optimised plans. EV Momentum: Europe’s EV market keeps climbing, with Slovakia among countries showing strong year-to-date BEV growth. Industrial Dealmaking: Evonik is selling selected pharma production assets in Hanau to ProChem, while Ultraviolette expands in Central Europe via Elektrorider, including Slovakia. EU-India Trade Risk: A new EU sanctions package proposal targeting entities linked to Russia may complicate ratification of an EU–India trade deal.

EU Budget Talks: EU leaders head to a Brussels summit with the 2028–2034 budget up for grabs, as “Friends of Cohesion” (including Slovakia) push to protect agriculture and regional funding while “frugal” net payers argue for cuts and warn defence spending can’t be the only priority. Slovakia Politics & Fiscal Pressure: Slovakia’s government is set for a confidence vote after national debt breached constitutional thresholds, with the Constitutional Court forcing the vote and Fico’s coalition expected to win. Ukraine EU Integration: Zelensky and Slovakia’s Fico discussed Ukraine’s EU path, energy cooperation and peace efforts, including progress on opening negotiation clusters. EU-India Trade Under Strain: A new EU sanctions package proposal targeting entities linked to Russia’s military-industrial complex could complicate ratification of the EU-India trade deal, with a July 15 deadline. Industrial & Energy Links: Slovakia’s VUEZ supplied alternative water-supply equipment for Armenia’s nuclear plant safety upgrades, while Slovakia also explored Turkmenistan cooperation in transport, energy, IT and agriculture. Automotive Investment: PMC Automotive in Kragujevac secured incentives to expand production of intake manifolds and assemblies, with new jobs planned. Logistics & Trade Friction: Covid-era border closures are linked to a sharp drop in global goods trade, with road and air hit harder than seaborne routes.

Energy & Industry Resilience: A Slovak company, VUEZ, supplied alternative water-supply equipment for Armenia’s nuclear plant; the system has passed factory and site acceptance tests, boosting emergency heat-removal resilience at ANPP Unit 2. Automotive Manufacturing: PMC Automotive in Kragujevac secured Slovak-linked incentives for expanding production of intake manifolds and assemblies, with commitments on investment and new jobs. Clean Tech Push: The European Commission approved a €1bn Slovak state-aid scheme to scale cleantech manufacturing capacity, supporting grants and tax relief until 2030. Agriculture Under Stress: Southern Slovakia has started its earliest barley and pea harvest on record as drought accelerates ripening and cuts yields, with farmers warning of rapid volume losses on weaker soils. Food Safety: Seven people fell ill in Slovakia after eating cheese from an unregistered operation, with authorities citing poor hygiene and unsuitable storage conditions. Politics & Fiscal Risk: Slovakia’s government faces a confidence vote after debt breached constitutional thresholds, though the ruling coalition is expected to win. Trade & Mobility: Slovakia and Turkmenistan held talks on expanding cooperation in transport, energy, IT and agriculture, with business missions and exhibitions on the agenda.

EU Cleantech Push: The European Commission approved a €1bn Slovak state-aid scheme to expand cleantech manufacturing capacity, using grants and income tax relief and running until 31 Dec 2030. Food Safety Shock: Seven people fell ill in Slovakia after eating cheese from an unregistered operation linked to Salmonella Schleissheim; inspectors found serious hygiene failures in a forest-area shed. Agriculture Under Drought: Southern Slovak farmers have started the earliest barley and pea harvests yet, about 1.5–2 weeks ahead, with drought cutting yields especially on weaker soils. Farm Payments Update: Slovakia says almost all 2025 direct payments are out—€582.8m paid to farmers by mid-June—with €12.6m still pending checks. Inflation Watch: Slovak inflation eased to 3.8% y/y in May as transport costs slowed, though fuel still drove the biggest swings. Energy/Industry Finance: Slovakia’s economy gets a boost from EU-backed clean-tech and grid investment momentum, while Defence Procurement: Patria completed AMV XP 8×8 armoured ambulance deliveries to Slovakia under a 2022 deal.