US-Russia Sanctions Push: Trump urges Republicans to add Iran to a Russia sanctions bill that would impose 100% tariffs on top Russian oil buyers, naming countries including Slovakia and Azerbaijan—while Democrats resist the Iran addition after long negotiations. Slovakia Visa Policy: Slovakia has published its 2026 visa-free entry list, with rules varying by passport type (ordinary vs diplomatic/service), shaping who can travel without visas. Bratislava Pride Under Pressure: Thousands marched in Bratislava despite tightening LGBTQ+ laws, including a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and denying legal recognition for transgender people. Ombudsman on Sterilisation Compensation: Slovakia’s ombudsman welcomes a planned draft law for one-off compensation for victims of unlawful sterilisations, but warns past promises have stalled. EU Budget Relief via Google Fine: The EU plans to use the €4.6bn Google antitrust payment to ease budget pressure amid higher military spending and Ukraine aid. EU Rule-of-Law Debate: Opposition argues the EU’s rule-of-law reporting shows Slovakia’s decline, while the government rejects the Commission’s corruption prosecution assessment. EU Culture Jobs: EU data shows cultural employment is rising, with Slovakia among the lower-share countries. Roma Living Conditions: Slovakia reports nearly €1bn for marginalized Roma communities, but local accounts still flag gaps like water and sanitation.