Hopefully everyone has been good this year – those who haven’t might find onions, ladles or coal in their stockings. That’s what Slovak Mikuláš (St Nicholas), who comes calling tonight, is in the habit of leaving for the naughty ones. But if you read this Friday, December 5, edition of Today in Slovakia, the main news of the day, there’ll be no onions or coal, we promise.
Slovakia is losing its best-paid workers to Czechia – and tax hikes may accelerate the trend
Prague, capital of Czech Republic (source: TASR)
SLOVAKS ABROAD EARN EVEN MORE THAN LOCALS: Slovaks working in the neighbouring Czech Republic now earn higher median wages than both workers at home and even Czech nationals themselves, the daily Pravda reports. Recent data show that the median monthly gross salary of Slovaks exceeds €2,050, compared with €1,748 in Slovakia and about €1,760 for Czech workers. Analysts warn that high taxes and worsening business conditions are pushing Slovakia’s most skilled professionals to leave – and say the latest “consolidation” measures – mostly comprising tax hikes – could dramatically speed up the brain drain.
TOP EARNERS ARE HEADING WEST: Slovaks are currently the best-paid foreign workforce in Czechia, including at the very top of the pay scale. Among the highest-income 10% of foreign specialists, Slovaks earn over €4,800 per month, outperforming colleagues from Romania (~€4,000) and even Czech experts (~€3,500). According to the INESS think tank, Czech companies are systematically attracting Slovak talent, lured by better financial rewards and business climate.
SKILLED WORKERS ARE MISSING AT HOME: More than 220,000 Slovaks now work in the Czech Republic – the second-largest group of foreign workers there. Nearly one-third hold highly qualified positions as managers, engineers, technicians or specialists. Meanwhile, Slovak employers estimate the domestic labour market is short of 80,000–100,000 skilled workers, restricting economic growth and deterring new investments.
BRAIN DRAIN HURTS INVESTMENT: The effects are already visible. Net foreign direct investment fell from an average of 6 percent of GDP (2000–2010) to zero in 2023. Slovakia’s convergence toward Western European living standards has also slowed to a crawl. Businesses cite labour shortages, unstable energy costs, regulatory uncertainty, and uncompetitive conditions as key barriers to expansion.
HIGHER TAXES TARGET WORK, NOT WEALTH: From January 2026, Slovakia plans to introduce new income tax rates of 30 percent and 35 percent for monthly earnings above €5,875 and €7,302 respectively. Economists from the Budget Responsibility Council warn the move will chiefly affect high-skilled employees, not wealthy households that rely on capital income. At higher pay levels, workers will keep as little as 41 cents from each additional euro earned, pushing the effective tax burden close to 59 percent.
SLOVAKIA FAILS TO ATTRACT FOREIGN TALENT: Not only is Slovakia losing its own professionals, it is also failing to attract replacements. In 2023, the country issued just 24 EU Blue Cards to highly skilled migrants, compared to over 500 in Czechia and more than 7,400 in Poland. Slovakia now ranks at the bottom of the EU for skilled immigrant recruitment.
MORE HANDS, FEWER BRAINS: Government analysts summarise the trend bluntly: Slovakia’s workforce is growing mainly in low-skilled manufacturing roles, while the number of foreign professionals and specialists has nearly halved over the past decade. As competition for global talent intensifies, experts warn that without major reforms, Slovakia risks locking itself out of the race for high-value growth altogether
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITEIn other news
Slovak producer ZVS Holding has signed a framework contract worth up to €58 million with the Defence Ministry to supply large- and medium-calibre ammunition to EU states. Backed by the Czech group CSG (50 percent owner), the scheme aims to make Slovakia a key EU supplier, financed via the SAFE programme offering long-term low-interest loans. Negotiations with several EU governments are already under way.
Several insulin products will no longer be imported into Slovakia from January 2027 after their global production is discontinued, medicines regulator ŠÚKL confirmed. Four of the country’s 34 available insulin types will be affected, though supplies will remain stable throughout 2026, with replacement therapies planned. Health Minister Kamil Šaško called the move a major regional concern and said Slovakia will raise the issue within the V4 to secure continuity of treatment.
Ukraine has opened a new general consulate in Prešov, restoring an office that previously operated in the city until 2014. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha thanked Slovakia for its support during Russia’s invasion and for helping Ukrainian refugees, noting that around 40,000 Ukrainians now live in Prešov Region. Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár reiterated that Slovakia continues to support peace efforts.
After a major jewellery heist in Bratislava last week, there has been another one, this time in the east. A gun-wielding robber struck in Košice, stealing 82 rings worth around €40,000. The suspect threatened shop assistants with what police believe was a gas pistol, forced them to load jewellery into a bag, and fired a shot while fleeing. No one was injured; police have launched a criminal investigation into the robbery.
President Pellegrini lit up the annual Christmas tree in front of the Presidential Palace earlier today. A musical group in traditional dress, including children, attended the event. (source: TASR)
Slovak biathlete Paulína Bátovská Fialková finished 34th in the women’s 7.5-km sprint at the World Cup in Östersund, Sweden. She thereby scored the only Slovak points of the race, despite incurring two penalties at the standing shoot. The event was won by Suvi Minkkinen of Finland, claiming her first career individual victory. Fellow Slovak Anastasia Kuzminová placed 53rd, and also qualified for the pursuit.
THE BRIGHT SIDE:
PRIEVIDZA TREE CARRIES MESSAGES TO HEAVEN – In central Prievidza, a special Christmas tree is being decorated with heartfelt notes to loved ones who have passed away. Written by children, parents and friends, the messages express love, grief and hope for reunion. The initiative, organized by the St Luiza non-profit and its mobile hospice, offers a space for conversation, listening and comfort. Started three years ago, the project helps people find emotional relief during the holidays, giving them a way to express feelings they may not have previously shared.
HUMENNÉ CHRISTMAS TREE FULFILS LATE FATHER’S WISH – A 12-metre fir tree now stands in the town square of Humenné, becoming a symbol of this year’s holiday season. Planted years ago by Cyril Kuľha near his home, the tree grew tall and strong. Before his death, he wished for it to become the town’s Christmas tree – a wish that was fulfilled on 26 November by his children, honour his memory. The tree will host gatherings for families, youth and locals throughout the festive season, including New Year’s Eve.
MAGICAL TRADITION IN SLOVAK VILLAGES JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS – In many Slovak villages, the Rorate Masses are a centuries-old Christmas tradition held before dawn. Residents rise early, often carrying small lanterns to light their way to church. In Kmeťovo, 92-year-old Johanka recalls attending these magical services since her youth. After the mass, villagers share a simple breakfast before heading to school or work, keeping the festive spirit alive throughout the Advent season.
WORLD CHAMPIONS FROM FIĽAKOVO – Five boys from the Powerlifting Club in Fiľakovo, Banská Bystrica Region, have won world titles this year. Led by former soldier and teacher František Sajko, the club emphasizes discipline, teamwork and mentorship. Athletes like Gabriel Bošňák (U19) and Tibor Berta (U17) credit their success to his guidance, both in and out of the gym. They’ve also been nominated for Athlete of the Year.
WEEKEND TALK SHOW LINEUP:
Politika 24 (Joj24), Sunday: Progressive Slovakia (PS) MEP Ľudovít Ódor
V politike (TA3), Sunday: Smer MP Tibor Gašpar, Hlas MP Peter Žiga, PS MP Juraj Dubéci, Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) MP Milan Karas (KDH)
O 5 minút 12 (Jednotka), Sunday: Slovak National Party (SNS) leader Andrej Danko, KDH leader Milan Majerský
Na telo (Markíza), Sunday: Labour Minister Erik Tomáš (Hlas), Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) MP Marián Viskupič
WEEKEND WEATHER IN SLOVAKIA: Mostly cloudy, foggy and misty, with occasional rain in some areas. Saturday will be warmer, with daytime temperatures of 7–12 °C, falling to 3-9 °C during the day on Sunday and Monday. (SHMÚ)
NAME DAYS: Mikuláš (December 6), Ambróz (December 7), Marína (December 8)
Thanks for reading. Enjoy the weekend, hopefully catch some sunshine and we will be back on Monday. Take care!
P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.
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