Bratislava, Slovakia – Slovakian Minister of Culture Martina Simkovicova has taken a bold step, lifting a ban on cultural cooperation with Russia and Belarus that was imposed in the wake of the Ukraine invasion in March 2022. This decision signals a shift in policy for the central European nation, marking a departure from the cultural freeze implemented by the previous administration.
Simkovicova, a member of the Slovak National Party which took power after recent elections, cited her belief that “artists and culture must not suffer because of” ongoing conflicts. Her spokesperson, Pavol Corba, confirmed the cancellation of the decree on January 12th, with its official nullification taking effect on January 15th.
The previous ban, implemented by Natalia Milanova of a liberal party that lost power in the elections, was justified as a condemnation of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. Now, Simkovicova’s decision breaks from that stance, raising questions about Slovakia’s future approach to the cultural dimension of the ongoing war.