Slovalco aluminum plant restarts production in Slovakia

Slovalco aluminum plant Robert Fico Slovak regional development primary aluminum production central Slovakia investment

The Slovalco aluminum plant in Žiar nad Hronom has begun the gradual restart of its production furnaces. Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that once at full capacity, the facility will account for 17% of Europe's primary aluminum production. This move is described as a strategic step for European competitiveness and resource security. The restart follows an agreement between the Slovak government and Norwegian owners, involving a reform of state aid mechanisms and a long-term electricity supply contract. Owners have committed 100 million euros toward the resumption of operations.

In conjunction with industrial developments, the Slovak government is conducting mobile cabinet meetings to address socio-economic challenges in central Slovakia. The administration has approved over 3.3 million euros in funding for various regional projects, including infrastructure modernization, healthcare improvements, and tourism development in districts such as Lučenec, Brezno, Detva, and Revúca. These investments aim to boost economic activity, create jobs, and mitigate the outflow of young people from these regions.

Separately, in Slovenia, the National Assembly has called for four referendums to be held on October 11, 2026. These include advisory votes on the mandatory RTV fee, social assistance linked to community work, and voting rights for third-country nationals in local elections, alongside a legislative referendum on parliamentary investigations.

Entities

European Union · National Council of the Slovak Republic · Robert Fico · Slovak government · Slovakia · Slovalco · Tomáš Taraba

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] With the resumption of production, Slovakia will become approximately one-fifth of the EU's producer of primary aluminum. napalete.sk · www.info.sk · www.topky.sk
[● 3 SOURCES] At full capacity, the Slovalco plant will produce 17% of Europe's total primary aluminum. napalete.sk · www.info.sk · www.topky.sk
[● 3 SOURCES] The owners of the Slovalco plant have committed to investing 100 million euros to resume production. napalete.sk · www.info.sk · www.topky.sk
[● 3 SOURCES] The Slovak government has approved over 3.3 million euros for development projects in central Slovakian regions. www.hlavnespravy.sk · sita.sk · www1.pluska.sk
[● 3 SOURCES] The government's mobile meeting will focus on the socio-economic development of the Veľký Krtíš, Krupina, Žiar nad Hronom, and Zvolen districts. ereport.sk · www.aktuality.sk · www1.pluska.sk
[● 3 SOURCES] The restart of the Slovalco aluminum plant is a positive development for both Slovakia and Europe. napalete.sk · www.info.sk · www.topky.sk