MORNING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - Monday, September 2, 2024 - 9 a.m.

TASR brings a quick morning overview of the most important events seen in Slovakia on the previous day (Sunday, September 1): BRATISLAVA - President Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) and House Vice-chair Peter Ziga (Voice-SD) on Sunday signed a joint declaration on a common approach on foreign policy issues, declaring that Slovakia is firmly anchored in the EU and NATO in the document. The signatories stressed that Slovakia will be a country that will sovereignly assert its foreign policy positions without questioning its firm membership in the EU and NATO. They declared to support and promote this anchorage, including raising issues that can improve relations within the EU and NATO. "Slovakia wants to remain a valid member of the EU and NATO, fully aware of its rights, but we want to be a proud member of these communities," the president stressed after signing the memorandum. "Let us never be afraid to speak abroad with a sovereign voice, because even a small state like Slovakia has the right to promote the interests of its people abroad," Pellegrini added. BRATISLAVA - The Slovak Constitution is a guarantee of equality, social justice and a meaningful life for everyone, said Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Voice-SD) on the occasion of Constitution Day on Sunday. "Our Constitution, adopted in 1992, reminds us that Slovakia is based on the values of freedom, justice, social equality, solidarity and a meaningful life for everyone. These values are the pillars on which we can build a future in which everyone will have the opportunity to live a safe and fulfilled life," Sutaj Estok noted. The challenge, he said, is to ensure that Slovakia is a place where human dignity is valued, where equality of opportunity is a reality and where social justice is a reality of everyday life. BRATISLAVA - The new academic year will be marked by a "gentle revolution in education", Education Minister Tomas Drucker (Voice-SD) said on the eve of the 2024/2025 school year on public broadcaster STVR. "We want to develop the education system to better serve children, pupils, students and teachers. Without forgetting that many good things are already working," the minister noted, explaining that practical changes will bolster what has been working instead of eliminating old processes. According to him, a further 400 primary schools will adopt the latest curriculum this academic year. Schools that equip children with practical skills and critical thinking are needed, and so is a young generation that can solve problems and adapt to new challenges, the minister remarked. BRATISLAVA - Speaking on public broadcaster STVR's discussion programme 'Five Minutes on to Twelve' on Sunday, head of the coalition Slovak National Party (SNS) Andrej Danko claimed that the coalition last week discussed taxing banks, a measure proposed by his party. According to Danko, the measure could immediately ensure €500 million for the consolidation of public finances. "I say that banks are doing as they please and it's high time for Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky [Smer-SD] to come up with a stern measure concerning banks," said Danko, claiming that four to five of the largest banks in Slovakia generate profits of €300-500 million, but they've increased interest rates on loans despite these profits. ko