Slovak politician and lawyer; long-serving prime minister and leader of Direction – Social Democracy
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has outlined plans to deepen ties with Canada and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has been invited to address the European Parliament. Talks are focusing on security, Arctic cooperation, critical minerals, student exchanges and defence-industrial links, but officials say no formal new pact has been agreed and discussions remain at an early stage.
Poland's prime minister has warned intelligence indicates Russia is preparing hybrid drone and missile strikes that will be framed as "accidents" to weaken NATO's collective defence. He has announced a trip to Kyiv to coordinate defences. European governments are reinforcing air defences, closing airports temporarily and planning infrastructure protections.
A knife attack in Staskov near Slovakia's border has left a teacher dead and several others injured. Authorities have detained a 13-year-old suspect on suspicion of premeditated murder; officials say the situation is under control and investigations are ongoing.
Polish authorities have detained a 66-year-old man on suspicion of plotting attacks on Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. Officials have said an email to the State Protection Service triggered emergency security meetings. Investigators say the suspect admitted nothing; prosecutors have charged him with nine offences, including plotting to overthrow state authorities using explosives.
Protesters have gathered in Prague as the lower house advances a plan to fund Czech Television and Czech Radio from the state budget, cutting current fees by about 15%. The move, supported by PM Babis’s coalition, has drawn criticism that it could empower the government to influence public media; staff plan a strike on Nov. 3 and rallies are planned for Nov. 15.