Overview
Capital: Bratislava
Official EU language(s): Slovak
EU member country: since 1 May 2004
Currency: euro. Slovakia has been a member of the Eurozone since 1 January 2009.
Schengen: Slovakia joined the Schengen area on 21 December 2007.
Figures: Geographical size – population – gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in PPS
Political system
Slovakia operates as a parliamentary democratic republic with a prime minister serving as the primary executive authority and a president as the formal head of the executive, albeit with limited powers. The country is divided into 8 regions, each named after its principal city, and has enjoyed a degree of autonomy since 2002.
Trade and economy
In 2020, Slovakia’s economy was characterized by key sectors including industry (24.1%), wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation, and food services (18.4%), and public administration, defense, education, human health, and social work activities (16.8%).
Within the EU, Slovakia’s exports primarily target Germany (22%), Czechia (11%), and Poland (8%), accounting for 79% of total exports. Outside the EU, 4% of exports are directed to both the United States and the United Kingdom, with an additional 3% going to China.
Imports predominantly originate from EU countries, representing 80% of total imports, with Germany (20%), Czechia (18%), and Austria (9%) being significant contributors. Beyond the EU, 4% of imports are sourced from South Korea and China, while 3% come from Russia.
Slovakia in the EU
European Parliament
Slovakia is represented by 14 members in the European Parliament.
European Parliament office in Slovakia
Council of the EU
Slovak government representatives actively participate in Council meetings to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies.
Presidency of the Council of the EU
Slovakia held the Presidency of the Council of the EU in July-December 2016.
European Commission
Maroš Šefčovič represents Slovakia as the Commissioner nominated to the European Commission, overseeing the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations, and Foresight.
European Economic & Social Committee
Slovakia contributes 9 representatives to the European Economic and Social Committee, offering consultation on proposed laws affecting work and social situations.
European Committee of the Regions
With 9 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, Slovakia ensures regional perspectives are considered in proposed laws.
Permanent representation to the EU
Slovakia maintains communication with EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels, ensuring effective pursuit of the country’s interests and policies within the EU.
Budgets and Funding
Slovakia’s contributions to the EU budget are determined based on its economic capacity, supporting various programs and projects across EU countries. The EU budget prioritizes the needs of Europeans as a whole.
