AGP Executive Report

Slovakia Defence Procurement: Slovakia is set to buy four more F-16D Block 70 fighter jets, with contracts expected to be concluded with the US by year-end to expand NATO-aligned air capabilities. Public Health & Data/AI: A V4 public health conference in the High Tatras highlights that Slovaks spend fewer years in good health than the EU average, pushing prevention and better use of data and AI. Education Tech & Skills: OECD’s PISA 2025 results show a global reading and maths decline, while Slovakia is reported as above the OECD average in maths and improving in science—yet still needs better reading habits and stronger parent involvement. EU Trade Rules: The European Commission’s proposed procurement act would let public buyers reject bids from suppliers in countries not covered by EU procurement agreements, a move critics call protectionist and discriminatory. Rail & Industry: Poland’s PKP Intercity orders 32 additional Griffin 200 electric locomotives from Newag, boosting multi-system rail capacity across Poland and parts of Central Europe including Slovakia. Space & Research: ESA signs an agreement with Vast for Greece’s first crewed mission to the ISS, with training expected to begin soon. Local Tech Tourism: Brno plans a “Green Planet” national aquarium with a 55-metre underwater tunnel, aiming for a major new visitor attraction after 2028.

Education & Skills: OECD’s PISA 2025 flags a global reading crisis, with 15-year-olds hitting the lowest average levels in maths and reading; across the OECD, reading fell 28 points since 2015 and one in five students is now a low performer in science, maths and reading. Slovakia in Focus: In Bratislava, OECD Deputy Secretary-General František Ružička said Slovakia is above the OECD average in maths and improved in science, but needs better reading habits and stronger parent involvement from early years. Policy Planning: Slovakia’s government approved “Vision Slovakia 2040,” a long-term development roadmap built with nearly 400 experts, with an implementation strategy due in 2027. Science & Tech Cooperation: Slovakia’s Ministry of Economy co-hosted a China–CEEC innovation cooperation vision to 2030, targeting AI, robotics, biotech and green energy. Energy & Industry Links: ANDRITZ will modernize Slovakia’s Gabčíkovo hydroelectric plant, while CEE countries push closer integration of industry and AI. Transport Tech: InnoTrans 2026 highlights alternative propulsion rail tech, with Slovak wagon maker Tatravagónka bringing multiple vehicles to Berlin.

Education Crisis (PISA 2025): The OECD’s PISA 2025 results show a global slide in reading and maths to record lows, with more teens becoming “hasty readers” and one in five students now lagging in science, reading and maths at once. Slovakia in the Mix: In Bratislava, OECD’s deputy secretary-general František Ružička said Slovakia is above the OECD average in maths and improved in science, but reading needs work—especially earlier parental involvement. EU Health & Climate: As heatwaves and vector-borne disease risks rise, the EU’s HERA role in preparing for environment-linked health shocks is getting attention. Space (ESA x Vast): ESA signed an agreement with Vast for Greece’s first crewed mission to the ISS, with training set to begin after review. Innovation Cooperation (China–CEEC): China and CEE countries unveiled a 2030 vision for innovation cooperation, covering AI, biotech and green energy, with Slovakia’s ministry involved. Energy Infrastructure (Slovakia): ANDRITZ and VUJE won a contract to modernize the Gabčíkovo hydropower plant, aiming to extend equipment life by at least 30 years. Telecom (Slovakia): Swan/4ka extended national roaming with Orange until end-2028, keeping access to 2G and part of 4G.

Education & Skills: OECD’s PISA 2025 results keep sending a tough message: global reading, maths and science hit record lows, with “hasty readers” rising and longer-text comprehension slipping. In Slovakia, OECD Deputy Secretary-General František Ružička says the country has no reason to be ashamed—Slovaks are above the OECD average in maths and improved in science—but reading still needs work, with more parental involvement flagged as key. Energy Infrastructure: ANDRITZ, with Slovak partner VUJE, won a contract to modernize the Gabčíkovo hydropower plant, aiming to renew electromechanical equipment, boost efficiency and extend service life by at least 30 years. Innovation Cooperation: China and CEE countries unveiled a 2030 vision for innovation collaboration, with Slovakia’s Ministry of Economy co-hosting forums on AI/robotics, biotech and green energy. Telecom: Orange Slovakia and Swan/4ka extended national roaming so 4ka customers can keep using parts of Orange’s network at least until end-2028. Policy Planning: The Slovak government approved “Vision Slovakia 2040,” setting the long-term direction and tasking the Slovak Academy of Sciences with preparing the follow-up strategy by early 2027.

PISA 2025 Shock for Education: The OECD reports a broad slide in 15-year-olds’ reading, maths and science, with reading falling steeply and “hasty readers” rising—sparking fresh debate across Europe about learning in the AI era. Slovakia’s Take on Results: In Bratislava, OECD Deputy Secretary-General František Ruzicka said Slovakia is not “ashamed”: Slovak students are above the OECD average in maths and improved in science, but reading needs more work, with calls for stronger parental involvement from early childhood. Local Policy Focus: Slovakia’s education ministry also highlighted gaps between student groups, noting many vocational-track pupils fall into low-performing bands in reading and maths. Energy Infrastructure Upgrade (Slovakia): ANDRITZ and Slovak partner VUJE won a contract to modernise the Gabcíkovo hydroelectric plant, aiming to renew turbine-generator units, boost efficiency and extend service life by at least 30 years. Space Debris Research: ESA scientists tracked the atmospheric burn-up of two reentering satellites (Tango and Samba) from a private jet to better understand what happens when spacecraft disintegrate and what compounds form. AI Governance Gap in Healthcare: A new Healthcare AI Readiness Index finds many organisations are using AI, but fewer are prepared for AI-assisted cyberattacks—highlighting a governance and security mismatch. V4 AI and Industry Push: Czech, Hungarian, Polish and Slovak lawmakers backed closer integration of industry, energy and AI to raise productivity, stressing safe, transparent, human-centred deployment.

Education & Skills: OECD’s PISA 2025 results show a sharp drop across science, reading and maths, with 20% of 15-year-olds now low performers in all three; OECD Deputy Secretary-General František Ruzicka says Slovakia isn’t “ashamed” after improvements in science and above-average maths, but reading needs urgent work and parental engagement is key. Local Education Spotlight: Slovakia’s regional PISA presentation in Bratislava highlights a big gap between vocational students and peers, plus stronger links between socioeconomic background and outcomes than the OECD average. Space Science: ESA researchers tracked two reentering satellites (Tango and Samba) from a private jet to study what happens when satellites burn up and what pollution forms in Earth’s atmosphere. Healthcare AI: A new Healthcare AI Readiness Index finds hospitals are adopting AI faster than they’re building governance and cybersecurity, with many staff using “shadow AI.” EU Policy: The EU’s Right to Repair push targets cheaper, accessible appliance repairs, aiming to cut waste and consumer costs. Tech & Industry (CEE): V4 leaders call for closer integration of industry, energy and AI to boost regional competitiveness. Archaeology in Slovakia: A rare Roman marching camp near Šurany was uncovered ahead of an industrial park, with multiple burial pits and military artifacts.

Pay Transparency Push: A new EU Pay Transparency Directive aims to stop job ads from hiding salaries, but most countries missed the June deadline; Italy is the standout, with salary info in postings jumping from 26% (2025) to 61% (2026), raising pressure on laggards. V4 Tech & AI Coordination: Czech, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia want tighter integration of industry, energy and emerging tech, with AI framed as a productivity boost that must be safe and human-centred. Bratislava Education Spotlight: Slovakia will host the regional release of PISA 2025 results on Sept. 8, bringing 31 countries to track how education reforms are landing. Health AI in Practice: Powerful Medical’s AI ECG model for acute coronary syndrome detection just received FDA de novo authorization, with the company also looking at the European SoC gap. Space Science Close-Out: ESA’s Cluster satellites finished reentry this week, ending 26 years of mapping Earth’s magnetic response to solar wind. Local Industry & Jobs: Jaguar Land Rover plans 4,000 job cuts over two years as it battles tariffs, China competition and EV transition.

Air Defence & Industry: Germany is taking a step toward acquiring Israel’s Iron Dome, with a letter of intent signed by Lower Saxony, Rafael and Aurelius to turn the Volkswagen site in Osnabrück into a “center of excellence” for defense solutions. Regional Security: Czech Air Force commander Brig. Gen. Petr Tománek says the modernization must start with changing how people think, command and work—alongside new systems and F-35s. Slovakia in the Tech & Defence Orbit: Aveo Engineering will showcase drone and rocket-assisted interceptors at Future Forces Exhibition 2026 in Prague, with production lines in Slovakia. Health Tech: Powerful Medical’s AI ECG model for acute coronary syndrome, Queen of Hearts, has received FDA de novo authorization, with the company also pushing into Europe. Education & STEM: Bratislava will host the regional release of PISA 2025 results on Sept. 8, bringing 31 countries to discuss education reforms. Energy & Research: A climate-tech grant programme (Shine 2027) is opening applications for ventures in Bratislava and other cities, offering up to €50,000 for early sustainability innovations.

Orbital Science: ESA’s Cluster mission wrapped up as the last two satellites, Samba and Tango, reentered Earth’s atmosphere in planned, instrument-rich destructions—data that will help future spacecraft burn up more cleanly and reduce debris risk. Climate Tech Funding: Shine 2027 is offering up to €50,000 grants for early climate ventures, with Bratislava among the eligible cities, plus mentoring and city-to-city networks. Slovak AI Cooperation: Nine CEE countries signed the Prague AI Declaration to coordinate AI policy, connect computing capacity, and share know-how—Slovakia included. EV Manufacturing in Slovakia: Hyundai Mobis started mass production of integrated EV power-electric systems in Nováky (up to 280,000 units/year), adding a major drivetrain component base to its European footprint. Industrial Automation: Dürr will supply highly automated final-assembly technology for Volvo’s new Košice all-electric plant, targeting 250,000 vehicles/year with integrated conveyor, filling and testing systems. Nuclear Energy Diplomacy: Bulgaria and Slovakia agreed to set up a joint nuclear energy commission and discussed Westinghouse AP1000 reactor talks, framing nuclear as key for EU climate neutrality. Security & Sabotage Concerns: Reports and officials across Europe point to a Russia-linked sabotage wave, including explosive drone incidents and fires at defence-related sites.

Warehouse Tech in Slovakia’s Orbit: Breathe Technologies’ Pick IQ is being positioned as an “optimisation layer” that plugs into existing WMS systems via API, using spatial batching and AI sequencing to return ready-to-run pick lists. Automation in Industry: Dürr is supplying highly automated final-assembly tech for Volvo’s first all-electric plant in Košice, with integrated conveyor, filling and testing systems aimed at 250,000 vehicles a year from 2027. EV Supply Chain Boost: Hyundai Mobis has started mass production of integrated EV power-electric systems in Nováky (up to 280,000 units annually), adding stator and inverter lines to Slovakia’s role in European electrification. Space & Science: ESA’s Cluster mission ends as the last two satellites reenter the atmosphere, with planned measurements to improve future satellite burn-up design. Local Research Watch: Slovak scientists warn that large orbital mirrors could dramatically increase sky brightness and light pollution, affecting astronomy and night environments. Climate & Cities Funding: Shine 2027 offers up to €50,000 grants for early climate tech ventures in Bratislava and other global cities. Regional AI Push: Nine CEE countries signed the Prague AI Declaration to coordinate AI policy and connect computing capacity. Energy Diplomacy: Bulgaria and Slovakia plan a joint nuclear-energy commission and discuss Westinghouse AP1000 talks, framing nuclear as key for EU climate neutrality.

Slovak Space Watch: Researchers from the Slovak Academy of Sciences and Comenius University modeled how a 54-metre orbital mirror could massively brighten the sky, warning that large mirror constellations could worsen light pollution and disrupt astronomy. Climate Tech Funding: Shine 2027 is offering up to €50,000 grants for early climate ventures, with Bratislava among the eligible cities (applications close Sept 15). Space Science Milestone: ESA’s Cluster mission ended as the last two satellites reentered over the South Pacific, giving scientists a final set of data on Earth’s magnetosphere and reentry behavior. AI Cooperation in Central Europe: Nine CEE countries signed the Prague AI Declaration to coordinate AI policy, connect computing capacity, and push joint projects across the EU. EV Manufacturing Push in Slovakia: Hyundai Mobis started mass production of integrated EV power-electric systems in Nováky (up to 280,000 units/year), while Dürr is set to deliver automated final-assembly tech for Volvo’s Košice EV plant starting 2027. Local Research & Health: A Comenius University study reports that a dance-and-diet program can improve body composition and metabolic health in breast cancer survivors with obesity, alongside changes in gut microbes.

Slovakia–Bulgaria Nuclear Push: Prime Minister Robert Fico met Bulgaria’s Rumen Radev in Sofia, with both sides agreeing to set up a joint commission to share scientific know-how for nuclear energy and to coordinate talks with Westinghouse on new AP1000 reactors. EU AI Cooperation: Nine Central and Eastern European countries signed the Prague AI Declaration, aiming to connect AI computing capacities and align positions on EU AI rules, with Slovakia among the participants. EV Manufacturing in Slovakia: Hyundai Mobis started mass production of integrated EV power-electric systems in Nováky, while Dürr is set to deliver highly automated final-assembly technology for Volvo’s all-electric plant in Košice starting 2027. Space Science Close-Out: ESA’s Cluster mission ends as the last two satellites reenter over the South Pacific, giving researchers fresh data on Earth’s magnetosphere and reentry behavior. Orbital Light Pollution Warning: Slovak scientists warn that large orbital mirrors could dramatically brighten the sky and affect astronomy and night environments, as Reflect Orbital plans tests. Climate Tech Funding: Shine 2027 offers up to €50,000 grants for early climate ventures in cities including Bratislava, with applications due Sept. 15. Health & Lifestyle Research: A Comenius University study reports that a dance-and-diet program can improve body composition and gut microbiome markers in obese breast cancer survivors. Security & Sabotage Claims: Multiple European defence-site incidents are being linked by some governments to Russia, including drone and fire cases stretching from Germany to Slovakia.

Slovak-Bulgarian Tech & Energy Talks: Foreign ministers Velislava Petrova and Juraj Blanar met in Sofia during Robert Fico’s visit, pushing cooperation on energy, transport connectivity, public-private partnerships and “new technologies,” with EU competitiveness and cohesion policy on the agenda. Nuclear Power Cooperation: Bulgaria and Slovakia agreed to set up a joint nuclear energy commission and are in talks with Westinghouse on AP1000 reactors, framing nuclear as key to climate neutrality and future industry (including data centres and AI). AI Collaboration in Central Europe: Nine CEE countries signed the Prague AI Declaration to coordinate EU AI policy, connect computing capacity, and exchange know-how, with Slovakia among the signatories. EV Manufacturing in Slovakia: Hyundai Mobis started mass production of integrated EV power-electric systems in Nováky (up to 280,000 units/year), while Dürr will deliver automated final-assembly tech for Volvo’s Košice all-electric plant starting 2027. Space Science in Slovakia’s Orbit: Slovak researchers warned about orbital mirrors’ light-pollution risks, as ESA’s Cluster satellites completed a planned reentry after 26 years of magnetosphere research. Health & Lifestyle Research: Comenius University researchers report a dance-and-diet program can improve body composition and gut microbiome signals in obese breast cancer survivors. Climate Funding for Startups: Shine 2027 offers up to €50,000 grants to early climate tech ventures in Bratislava and other cities. Security & Sabotage Concerns: Reports point to a wider Russia-linked sabotage campaign across Europe, including incidents at defence and industrial sites, with Slovakia among countries mentioned in the broader pattern.

Clean-Energy Diplomacy: Slovakia and Cebu (Philippines) are exploring cooperation in clean energy, flood management, wastewater treatment, and advanced manufacturing, with talks on EU development support and university R&D links. Nuclear & Climate Policy: Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev met Slovakia’s Robert Fico and pushed joint work on nuclear energy, including a planned commission to share scientific expertise and Westinghouse negotiations for AP1000 reactors. Space Science & Light Pollution: Slovak researchers warn that large orbital mirrors—like a proposed 54-metre Reflect Orbital test—could massively brighten the sky and disrupt astronomy and the night environment. EV Manufacturing Automation: Dürr is set to deliver highly automated final-assembly systems for Volvo’s first all-electric Košice plant (production from 2027), while Hyundai Mobis started mass production of integrated EV propulsion systems in Nováky. AI Cooperation in CEE: Nine Central and Eastern European countries signed a Prague AI Declaration to coordinate AI policy, connect computing capacity, and exchange know-how. Healthcare Tech in Bratislava: Siemens Healthineers opened its SHIFT Innovation Center in Bratislava, focusing on clinical AI, healthcare cybersecurity, and quantum tech.

EUDEX Defence Tech: EURO DEFENCE EXPO (EUDEX) debuts 22–25 Sept in Essen, with 300+ exhibitors spanning AI, unmanned systems, CBRN defence, robotics and training—plus V4 matchmaking for Slovakia, Czechia, Poland and Hungary. Slovakia–Ukraine Funding: Slovakia reportedly shifted its Ukraine-support approach to join an international compensation commission, aiming to avoid EU funding pressure. Healthcare Innovation in Bratislava: Siemens Healthineers opened its SHIFT Innovation Center in Bratislava, focusing on clinical AI, healthcare cybersecurity and quantum tech for medical imaging. EV Manufacturing Automation (Košice): Dürr will equip Volvo’s first fully electric plant in Košice with turnkey final assembly systems—conveyor, filling and end-of-line testing—geared for future EU coolant and refrigerant rules. EV Supply Chain (Novaky): Hyundai Mobis started mass production at its new PE System plant in Novaky (Trenčín), making electrified drive units (motor+inverter+reducer) for global automakers. AI & Regional Cooperation: Nine V4+ countries plus Japan agreed in Prague to cooperate on AI research, infrastructure and EU policy, including a Czech “AI gigafactory” plan. Digital Safety for Kids: A growing wave of social media restrictions for minors is raising the question of whether bans are enough to protect teens’ mental health. Space Debris Lessons: ESA’s Cluster reentries (Samba/Tango) helped refine atmospheric density assumptions used in satellite safety risk calculations.

Bratislava Tech & Health: Siemens Healthineers opened its SHIFT Innovation Center in Bratislava, aiming to push AI for clinical use, healthcare cybersecurity, and quantum tech for medical imaging. EV Manufacturing in Slovakia: Dürr will fit Volvo’s first fully electric plant in Košice with final assembly tech—conveyor, filling, and end-of-line testing—adapted for new EU refrigerant and coolant rules, with production planned for 2027. Automotive Supply Chain: Hyundai Mobis started operations at its new PE System plant in Novaky (Trenčín region), producing electrified drive units for EVs across global automakers. Industry Policy & Legal Fight: Slovakia says it will sue the EU over deregulation of new GMOs, arguing the move conflicts with precaution and consumer protections. Regional Science Cooperation: V4 countries plus Japan agreed to expand cooperation in science, research, AI, and advanced technologies. Security & Tech: Germany blamed Russia for the Leipzig/Halle drone attack and moved to tighten diplomatic and entry measures. Public Tech Trust: AI-generated flood images falsely circulated after Nepal’s deadly disaster, with fact-checkers flagging mismatched visuals. Space Tech: ESA’s Cluster mission reentries highlighted a potential 20% gap in atmospheric density predictions, relevant for satellite safety.