AGP Executive Report

Climate: September was the planet’s second-hottest on record, with the January–September average also second-highest, underscoring mounting pressure on ecosystems across Europe. Water Security: Volunteers in drought-hit eastern Hungary are building small barriers to retain rainwater and slow runoff; record-low river levels disrupted Danube shipping and cooling water supplies to Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant. Critical Materials: The EU selected 46 new strategic projects across 16 member states, including Slovakia, with 19 focused on recycling to strengthen domestic supply chains. Green Cities: Košice was among five finalists for the 2028 European Green Capital title, but Zaragoza won, with judges citing its biodiversity, green spaces and climate planning. Energy Rules: Slovakia’s fuel industry joined counterparts from five other Central and Eastern European countries in urging Brussels to delay or revise green transport rules, warning they could raise fuel prices.

Climate: September 2026 was the planet’s second-hottest September on record, according to NOAA, NASA and Copernicus — another warning as Slovakia and the rest of Europe face mounting heat and drought risks. Water: Volunteers in Hungary are building small barriers and terraces to retain rainwater after a drought-hit summer drove river levels to record lows, including on the Danube near Slovakia. EU Green Cities: Košice was among five finalists for the 2028 European Green Capital title, judged on areas including biodiversity, air and water quality, and emissions; Zaragoza won. Energy Rules: Slovakia’s fuel industry association joined counterparts from five countries seeking a two-year delay to EU climate and renewable-fuel rules, citing potential price rises. Raw Materials: Slovakia is among 16 EU countries selected for new strategic raw-material projects, with recycling a major focus of the 46-project package. Nuclear Energy: The state is taking full ownership of JESS, the company preparing a proposed new nuclear plant at Jaslovské Bohunice, giving Slovakia greater control over the project’s next steps.

Green Cities: Košice missed out on the 2028 European Green Capital title, which went to Zaragoza; judges had shortlisted the Slovak city alongside four others. Citizen Science: Birdwatchers’ observations help researchers track population changes, migration and habitat threats, giving conservation efforts data that professional teams could not collect alone. Critical Materials: The EU selected 46 strategic projects across 16 member states, including Slovakia, with 19 focused on recycling to strengthen circular supply chains. Climate and Water: Volunteers in drought-hit Hungary are building small barriers and terraces to retain rainwater, a practical response to worsening water shortages in the Carpathian Basin near Slovakia. Energy Policy: Slovak fuel-industry groups joined five regional counterparts in calling for a two-year delay to EU emissions and renewable-energy rules, warning they could raise fuel prices. Slovakia also agreed to take full ownership of JESS, which is preparing a new nuclear plant at Jaslovské Bohunice.

Citizen Science: Birdwatchers’ observations help scientists track population trends, migration shifts and habitat threats at a scale researchers could not manage alone. Climate and Water: September was the planet’s second-hottest on record. In drought-hit Hungary, volunteers are building small barriers and terraces to hold rainwater near the Slovak border; low Danube levels have also forced cruise operators to replace some Bratislava-bound sailings with coach trips. EU Materials: The Commission selected 46 new strategic raw-material projects across 16 member states, including Slovakia, with 19 focused on recycling. Green Cities: Košice made the shortlist for the 2028 European Green Capital award, but Zaragoza won, recognised for its urban biodiversity and green infrastructure. Climate Rules: Slovak fuel-industry representatives joined counterparts from five other countries to urge the EU to delay or revise transport and emissions rules, warning they could raise fuel prices.

Critical Minerals: The EU selected 46 new strategic raw-material projects across 16 countries, including Slovakia. Nineteen focus on recycling, part of a push to build a more circular supply chain. Climate Watch: September was the planet’s second-hottest on record, while the Danube’s low levels have disrupted cruise itineraries between Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava. Water Resilience: In drought-hit Hungary, volunteers are building small barriers and log terraces to slow runoff and retain water—an approach with relevance across the Carpathian Basin. Green Cities: Košice was among five finalists for the 2028 European Green Capital award, which went to Zaragoza; judges considered air and water quality, biodiversity and emissions efforts. Green Rules: Fuel-industry groups from Slovakia and five other Central European countries are seeking delays or changes to EU climate and transport rules, warning they could raise fuel prices.

Climate Rules: Slovakia’s fuel-industry association joined five Central European counterparts in urging the EU to delay or revise emissions and renewable-fuel rules, arguing they could raise fuel prices. Green Cities: Košice was among five finalists for the 2028 European Green Capital title, awarded to Spain’s Zaragoza for its climate response, biodiversity and green spaces. Water Resilience: After a drought-hit summer left rivers at record lows, Hungarian volunteers near Slovakia are building small barriers and log terraces to slow runoff and retain rainwater. Clean-Energy Materials: Slovakia is among 16 EU countries named in the bloc’s latest list of strategic raw-material projects, intended to support clean-energy supply chains and reduce reliance on imports.

EU Climate Rules: Slovakia’s fuel-industry association joined five regional groups in seeking a two-year delay to EU emissions and renewable-fuel rules, warning they could raise fuel prices. Energy ministers are expected to take the appeal to Brussels on October 28. Nuclear Plans: The state will take full ownership of JESS, the company preparing a new nuclear plant at Jaslovské Bohunice, after agreeing to buy ČEZ’s 49% stake for €189.4 million. Danube Low Water: Low river levels disrupted cruise routes through Bratislava, with some passengers transferred by coach as vessels struggled to navigate sections of the Danube. Nuclear Fuel Concerns: A German plant plans to make Russian-licensed fuel assemblies for reactors in Slovakia and four other countries; a German environmental group is seeking to suspend the permit, citing security concerns over Rosatom’s involvement.

Wildfire Readiness: Europe’s fire seasons are lengthening, while aircraft and experienced pilots are in short supply. The warning highlights the need for stronger cross-border firefighting capacity, including in Slovakia. Nuclear Fuel: Lower Saxony’s environment minister opposes plans for a German plant to produce Russian-licensed fuel assemblies for reactors in Slovakia and four other countries. A German environmental group is seeking a court order to pause the project. Battery Industry: Volkswagen has taken a 49% stake in the Šurany battery project, a major new industrial development for Slovakia whose environmental impacts will merit close attention.

Wildfire Readiness: A new look at Europe’s aerial firefighting capacity warns that longer fire seasons are stretching aircraft and crews. It highlights uneven preparedness across the continent, though it does not specify Slovakia’s resources. Climate Spending: Slovakia’s draft 2027 budget sets aside €100 million for drought response, water retention and climate adaptation, even as the projected deficit rises to 4.94% of GDP. Šurany Battery Plant: Volkswagen is taking a 49% stake in the planned factory, whose environmental impact and land use have raised concerns among local residents and activists. Košice’s Green Bid: Košice is among five finalists for the EU Green Capital title, judged on areas including air and water quality, biodiversity and emissions cuts; the winner is due to be announced on 8 October. Environment Ministry: Coalition tensions have put the environment minister’s position in question, adding uncertainty over who will lead the portfolio.

Nuclear Fuel: A German minister opposes plans to make Russian-licensed reactor fuel at Lingen for customers including Slovakia. Environmental group BUND is seeking to suspend the permit, citing security concerns over Rosatom’s involvement. Climate Funding: Slovakia’s draft 2027 budget sets aside €100 million for drought response, water retention and climate adaptation, even as the government projects a 4.94% deficit. Košice’s Green Bid: The city is among five finalists for the 2028 European Green Capital title, judged on areas including air and water quality, biodiversity and emissions cuts. The winner is due to be announced in Guimarães on Thursday. Šurany Battery Plant: Volkswagen is taking a 49% stake in the planned €1.25 billion factory, which will make batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage. Residents and activists have raised concerns about pollution, health risks and land use.

Energy Security: Poland’s first offshore gas terminal near Gdańsk is pushing ahead despite minesweeping, storms and freezing seas—another sign of how EU countries are scrambling to diversify supplies after the Russian gas cutoff. Slovakia Budget & Climate Costs: Slovakia’s draft 2027 budget targets a 4.94% deficit, with support for high energy prices and drought measures plus money for social and family policy changes—showing how climate pressures are landing in the finance ministry. Biodiversity & Nature Monitoring: Košice is among eight finalists for the EU’s 2026 Green Capital, with winners due 8 October—an opportunity for Slovakia’s cities to prove measurable progress on air, water and nature. Water Quality: A new EU-wide study finds rivers are improving, but too slowly for 2030 targets; only Slovenia is on pace, a warning for the region’s water plans. Transport & Emissions: The EU Commission is urging a “true Transport Union,” arguing that maintaining infrastructure isn’t enough and pushing for faster rail links across the continent. Environment Politics: Slovakia’s coalition fight over the Environment Ministry continues, with parliament ousting the minister after coalition pressure. Wildlife Events: Bulgaria’s European Birdwatch Days (Oct 3–4) will use the SmartBirds Pro app and publish results via BirdLife Slovakia.

Green Cities Watch: Eight finalists are in the running for the EU’s 2026 Green Capital and Green Leaf awards, with Košice among the Green Capital contenders—judged on air, water, emissions cuts and biodiversity progress. Water Quality: A new EU-wide study says Europe’s rivers are improving, but too slowly for 2030 targets; only Slovenia is on pace, while others lag or even worsen. Slovak Environment Politics: Slovakia’s coalition turmoil continues after Parliament ousted Environment Minister Tomas Taraba, with PM Fico temporarily taking the portfolio—raising uncertainty over the ministry’s direction and the 2027 budget approval. Drought & Climate Costs: In the draft 2027 budget, Slovakia sets aside funding to offset high energy prices and to combat drought via better water retention and climate-change mitigation. Biodiversity & Citizen Science: Bulgaria’s European Birdwatch Days (Oct 3–4) will feature birdwatching, recording in the SmartBirds Pro app, and results compiled with BirdLife Slovakia. Energy & Land Use Debate: Volkswagen’s planned stake increase in Gotion’s Šurany battery plant could ease some concerns, but activists and residents still raise pollution and health worries.

Environment & Water: A new study says Europe’s rivers are getting cleaner, but not fast enough for 2030 targets—only Slovenia is improving at the required pace, while other countries’ progress is too slow or even going backwards. Local Nature & Climate: Košice is one of eight finalists for the EU’s 2026 Green Capital and Green Leaf awards, with judges looking at air, water, emissions cuts, and biodiversity. Energy Transition & Pollution Concerns: Volkswagen is set to take a 49% stake in Gotion’s controversial battery plant in Šurany, a move that could ease investor worries but keeps pressure on environmental and health concerns raised by activists and residents. Biodiversity Spotlight: Birdwatching events tied to Bulgaria’s European Birdwatch Days will feed observations into BirdLife Slovakia’s reporting, using the SmartBirds Pro app. Governance & Environment Policy: Slovakia’s coalition turmoil is spilling into the environment ministry after Tomas Taraba was ousted, with PM Robert Fico taking the portfolio temporarily—raising questions about budget approval and stability. EU Enforcement: The European Commission opened an infringement step against Sweden over incomplete implementation of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.

Battery & Industry: Volkswagen is set to buy a 49% stake in Gotion’s €1.25bn battery plant in Šurany, a move that could ease worries over the Chinese-backed project as construction runs behind schedule and critics cite pollution, health risks and land use. EU Water Quality: A new study says Europe’s rivers are improving, but too slowly for 2030 targets—only Slovenia is on track, while other countries’ progress is lagging or even worsening. Slovakia Environment Politics: Slovakia’s coalition faces fresh strain after SNS MPs helped oust Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba; Fico temporarily takes over the portfolio, raising uncertainty over the 2027 budget and environmental policy continuity. Biodiversity & Nature Events: European Birdwatch Days are set for Oct 3–4 in Bulgaria, with birdwatching, workshops and data recording via the SmartBirds Pro app, and results shared with BirdLife Slovakia. Energy & Cybersecurity (EU-wide): A guest roundup highlights calls to tighten cybersecurity rules for battery energy storage systems, warning that regulatory gaps are slowing deployment and raising grid-level risks.

Green Cities Watch: Eight European finalists are set for the 2026 European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards, with Košice among the five cities vying for top honours—judged on air, water, emissions cuts and biodiversity. Water Quality: A new study finds Europe’s rivers are improving, but too slowly for 2030 targets; only Slovenia is on pace, while others lag or even worsen. EU Farm Funding Push: Seventeen EU leaders urge the Irish EU presidency to protect farm funding in the next long-term budget negotiations (MFF 2028–2034). Slovakia Environment Politics: Slovakia’s coalition faces fresh uncertainty after parliament dismissed Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba, with Prime Minister Robert Fico temporarily running the ministry—raising questions for the 2027 budget vote. Birdwatching Across Borders: Bulgaria’s European Birdwatch Days (Oct 3–4) will include field trips, kids’ workshops and data collection via the SmartBirds Pro app, with results compiled by BirdLife Slovakia. Nuclear Waste Milestone: Finland’s Onkalo facility is highlighted as a major step toward long-term disposal of hazardous nuclear waste deep underground.

Green Cities Watch: Eight finalists for the EU’s 2026 European Green Capital and Green Leaf awards were announced, including Košice in Slovakia; winners will be revealed 8 October in Guimarães, with judging based on air, water, emissions cuts and biodiversity. Water Quality Reality Check: A new study says Europe’s rivers are improving since 2015, but not fast enough for 2030 goals; only Slovenia is cleaning up at the required pace. Birdwatching for Biodiversity: Bulgaria’s European Birdwatch Days (Oct 3–4) will feature field trips, workshops and citizen recording via the SmartBirds Pro app, with results processed by BirdLife Slovakia. Slovakia Environment Politics: Slovakia’s coalition faces uncertainty after parliament dismissed Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba, with Prime Minister Fico temporarily taking over the portfolio—raising questions for the 2027 budget and coalition stability. EU Enforcement: The European Commission launched infringement action on Sweden over failures to properly transpose the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Local Nature Profile: A Slovak conservation-minded young adult, Jozef Adámek, is spotlighted for protecting biodiversity after heading to Cameroon’s rainforests.