U.S. AMBASSADOR BRIDGET BRINK STATEMENT ON MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY “American hero Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote that: “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. ” Today, as the United States pauses to honor the legacy of …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 15 January, 2021 | Topics: Ambassador, Human Rights
BRATISLAVA, December 9th, 2020 — Today, on International Anticorruption Day, U.S. Ambassador reaffirms her commitment and support for anti-corruption efforts in Slovakia. Corruption obstructs economic growth and development, facilitates transnational crime, and fuels terrorism, robbing citizens around the world of their basic rights. Corruption enables and sustains autocratic leaders, weakens faith in democratic systems, creates opportunities for predatory actors to …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 9 December, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador, Human Rights, Political Affairs, U.S. & Slovakia
October 10, 2020, BRATISLAVA — Held over 4 days, GLOBSEC Forum 2020 welcomed hundreds of participants, including key governmental and EU decision-makers, experts and top business representatives, and U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink. The event took place in two different locations, in Bratislava on October 7-8, and in the High Tatras on October 9-10. Hosted by …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 15 October, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador
August 25th, 2020, BRATISLAVA — The U.S. Embassy, together with the daily SME and the city of Bratislava, marked 100 years of voting rights for Czechoslovak and American women in a successful online event with TED Talk-style addresses by extraordinary women. Ambassador Brink opened with remarks on the launch of the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 3 September, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador, Art & Culture, Education, Embassy, Events, Featured Event, Gender Issues, News
Minister of Health Marek Krajci and U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink signed an agreement for the United States to donate over 13,000 surgical masks, 650 N95 masks, 600 protective suits, and other personal protective equipment to the Slovak Republic. “The protective equipment donated by the U.S. military will be used by Slovak health workers as they …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 16 July, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador, Press Releases
Ambassador Bridget Brink visited another Slovak National Park, Slovensky Kras, where representatives of the State Nature Protection Agency, Ján Kilík and Ivan Koubek, showed her a site unique in Central Europe – the Silická Ice Cave. The Gemer region is very rich in natural beauty. Later, the Ambassador was warmly welcomed by the young Gömöri …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 14 July, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador, Art & Culture
July 10th, 2020, ROŽŇAVA — Ambassador Bridget Brink attended the new English Corner opening in Rožňava, on Friday. The new English Corner is located at the Kultúrno-kreatívne centrum Monastery in Rožňava, where the Ambassador stated, “Congratulations to the whole team of the Kultúrno-kreatívneho centra Kláštor in Rožňava for a successful opening! We are very proud …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 13 July, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador, News
By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 7 July, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador
While visiting Central Slovakia, Ambassador Brink took time to discover the natural beauty of the Hucul Highway, Fabova Hola, Burda Hut, Muráň Castle and the Muránská Planina. Muránska Planina National Park director Milan Boroš and Ivan Koubek from the State Nature Protection of the Slovak Republic gave her a personal tour of the Muranska Planina National …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 26 June, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador
Socially responsible entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship gives hope to the long-term unemployed and helps break stereotypes surrounding socially disadvantaged individuals. Ambassador Brink met Ivan Mak and the whole WASCO team, who have been pioneers of social entrepreneurship in Central Slovakia. The enterprise quickly shifted to the production of masks and protective equipment, contributing to the health …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 26 June, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador
After the outbreak of the Slovak National Uprising in the autumn of 1944, American special operatives from the Office of Strategic Services came to Central Slovakia, together with British Allies, to aid the partisans and assist downed Allied airmen trapped behind enemy lines. As German forces moved to suppress the uprising, the American and British …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 26 June, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador
Ambassador Bridget Brink honored the memory of nearly 900 victims of Nazi aggression in Nemecke. In January 1945, German troops executed innocent villagers as part of a revenge campaign following the Slovak National Uprising. This tragic event reminds us of the need to reject hatred and totalitarian ideologies. We pay tribute to all the freedom fighters of …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 26 June, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador
June 16th, 2020, BRATISLAVA — In the lastest edition of Euro Policy, US Ambassador Bridget Brink shared her thoughs on the future of the North Atkantic Treaty Organization. Below is the exerpt of the Ambassadors addition to the paper. Click here for the full Euro Policy featuring the Ambassador. “NATO should emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic with a renewed commitment to the …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 16 June, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador, News
Ambassador Bridget Brink traveled to Polomka in Central Slovakia to honor fallen American, British, and Slovak fighters who were killed by Nazi forces in 1944. Seventeen American and British operatives came to Slovakia to assist the Slovak National Uprising and aid downed Allied airmen and seventeen before their capture in the hills above Polomak and …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 16 June, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador, News
May 20th, 2020, BRATISLAVA — The U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia, Bridget Brink, met yesterday with the Deputy Prime Minister of Slovakia, Veronika Remišová. Reflecting on the meeting with the Deputy PM, the Ambassador stated; “Important conversation today with Deputy PM. We agreed that and need to work together to fight corruption, protect our cyber infrastructure, …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 21 May, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador, News
May 17th, 2020, BRATISLAVA — Today marks the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia. We proudly stand behind our LGBTI friends, family, colleagues and neighbours. The rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people are human rights – all people deserve equal dignity and the right to live a life free of fear, …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 18 May, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador, Education, Events, News
May 8th, 2020, BRATISLAVA – U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia, Bridget Brink and the Embassy Defense Attache, Lieutenant Colonel Jakub Andrews, paid tribute to Allied troops with a 9 am candle lighting at Bratislava’s SNP Square to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe. “Seventy-five years after Victory in Europe, we are grateful to all Allied soldiers, sailors, pilots and citizens …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 12 May, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador, Press Releases
April 29th, 2020 — U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink met with Roman Mikulec, the new Slovak Minister of Interior (Ordinary People Party). The Ambassador was happy to talk politics, stating that it was “Great to meet Minister of Interior Roman Mikulec and talk about how we can work together to fight COVID-19 and corruption. Thank you police …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 4 May, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador
Combatting Covid-19 — Chargé d’Affaires Natasha Franceschi and Members of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs Team Present PPE to the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic in Malacky July 23, 2020 On behalf of the U.S. government, United States Chargé d’Affaires Natasha Franceschi and members of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs team based in Martin, handed over personal protective …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 23 July, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador, News
April 2, 2020 Ambassador Bridget Brink met with members of the new Slovak government during the first week of April. The Ambassador met with Martin Klus, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, as well as Defense Minister Jaro Naď – OĽANO (the Ordinary People and Independent Personalities …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 2 April, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador, Government Offices, Key Officials, Press Releases
Ambassador Bridget Brink visited the Sered Holocaust Museum on the site of a former concentration camp in western Slovakia and also visited the western Slovak city of Trnava. Ambassador Brink commemorated slain investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kusnirova with a candle-lighting outside the young couple’s former home in Velka Maca. In Trnava, …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 31 January, 2020 | Topics: Ambassador, News | Tags: Bridget Brink
Ambassador Bridget Brink and the whole Embassy wish you Happy holidays 2019!
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 30 December, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador | Tags: Bridget Brink
Ambassador Bridget Brink visits Košice for the second time. We enjoy visiting Eastern Slovakia. In Košice, hundreds of students welcomed the Ambassador at the high school – Gymnázium Park Mládeže. We thank the impressive folk dance by the school group and the introductory words in fluent English by student Alexandra. Ambassador Bridget Brink talked about …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 30 December, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, News | Tags: Bridget Brink
“The beautiful aspect of freedom of speech, assembly and thought is the freedom to follow your dreams. But it is very easy to forget how important these freedoms are for all of us. Read the first interview of US Ambassador Bridget Brink for Aktuality.sk.
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 20 November, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, News | Tags: Bridget Brink
Ambassador Bridget Brink spoke on November 19 to approximately 90 students at Bratislava’s Economic University on the legacy of 1989 and encouraged the next generation to consolidate democratic gains. Students of the Faculty of International relations asked great questions regarding trade wars, climate change and life of a diplomat.
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 20 November, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, News | Tags: Bridget Brink
“Just returned from eastern Slovakia and I already want to go back! Deeply touched by the beauty of Kosice, the history of Kezmarok, Bardejov, and Medzilaborce, and the warmth and hospitality of all the people I met.” Ambassador Bridget Brink had a full program in Kosice. In addition to cheering on the Kosice Peace Marathon, …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 11 October, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, News | Tags: Bridget Brink
Ambassador Bridget Brink had her first meeting with Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini on September 24, 2019. Ambassador Brink presented her diplomatic priorities in Slovakia, emphasizing the further development of transatlantic bonds, energy security and promotion of mutual trade and investment.
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 27 September, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, News | Tags: Bridget Brink
It is great to be in the Slovak Republic! I begin my service as the United States’ Ambassador to Slovakia with deep appreciation for the efforts of those that have come before me. I have dedicated most of my twenty-plus year career as a diplomat to strengthening the transatlantic alliance. From that experience, I am …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 13 September, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Bridget Brink
Hello! Dobry den! My name is Bridget Brink and I am so humbled and excited to be the new U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia. Over my career as a diplomat, I’ve called Washington DC, Uzbekistan, Georgia, and Serbia home. Now, I am absolutely thrilled to work and live in your beautiful country in the heart of …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 23 August, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, News | Tags: Bridget Brink
“It is with a deep love of country and a family spirit of resilience and creativity that I am so humbled and excited to lead our talented team in Slovakia to advance our shared values and interests.” On August 20, 2019 Bridget A. Brink presented her letter of credence as President Donald J. Trump’s representative …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 20 August, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, News | Tags: Bridget Brink
Ambassador Bridget A. Brink arrived in Slovakia on August 15, 2019. View her Senate Confirmation Hearing Remarks and Swearing- in Ceremony Remarks : Thank you, Under Secretary Hale, for your very kind remarks and for your presence today, which reflects the importance that the United States places on our relationship with the Slovak Republic. Dear Distinguished Guests, Colleagues, and Friends. Thank you for …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 15 August, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, News | Tags: Bridget Brink
Statement of Bridget A. Brink Ambassador-Nominee to the Slovak Republic Senate Foreign Relations Committee Thursday, May 16, 2019 Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Shaheen, distinguished members of the Foreign Relations Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I am honored to be President Trump’s nominee for the position of U.S. Ambassador to …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 15 August, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, News
Ambassador Adam Sterling Bids Farewell To Slovakia (video) Three years ago, I came to Slovakia and said hello to all of you right here on our Facebook page. Today, it is time for me to bid farewell to all of you who have followed my travels and activities, to the countless Slovak partners and friends I have come to know, and to this …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 7 August, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, News
In August of 2018, I spent a hot and memorable evening on the town square in Sabinov. As part of our embassy’s caravan tour of 26 towns across Slovakia, we were screening a film about how rock ‘n’ roll helped bring down communism. I spoke after the film to some of the citizens of Sabinov …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 24 July, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
“On my trip home from Košice, I got to enjoy my first visits to Rožňava, Betliar, Pašková, Krásnohorské Podhradie, and Lučenec, as well as a return visit to Rimavská Sobota. As happens nearly everywhere I visit in Slovakia, I was deeply impressed by the dedicated and imaginative civil society activists I met. The group from …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 17 May, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, Embassy | Tags: Adam Sterling
On May 10 in Kosice, the United States and Slovakia will face off on the ice in the opening game of the 2019 World Hockey Championship. What does this have to do with freedom? Well, I am sure that both sides will play for pride and play for country in a hotly contested struggle at …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 10 May, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
Ambassador Adam Sterling visited spa city of Piestany on April 16 to meet the new elected mayor Peter Jancovic and hear his visions on future developments. Ambassador Sterling used this opportunity to talk to 30 high school students of Gymnasium Pierre de Coubertine on tolerance, extremism and further debated on current issues and foreign affairs. …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 23 April, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, Embassy, Events | Tags: Adam Sterling
Shortly after gaining independence 26 years ago, Slovaks decided to seek membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as the best means to secure the sovereignty, security, and stability of their new country. NATO, the most successful alliance in history, was also the natural home for a free and democratic Slovakia. As Slovakia marks …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 8 April, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
Like everyday citizens, nations enter into agreements with the expectation that all parties will live up to their end of the bargain. In arms control treaties, it is especially important that all sides comply, as these agreements concern our safety and security – even our very existence. The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signed in …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 28 March, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
Ambassador Adam Sterling’s address to 17 and 18 year old high school students in Senica highlighted his recent visit to the Zahorie region of western Slovakia near the Czech border. Sterling spoke about his native New York and experiences with diversity in an appeal to young people to reject hate-based ideologies. Sterling also had meetings …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 18 March, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, Events | Tags: Adam Sterling
Later this month, Slovakia will celebrate its 15th anniversary in NATO. Your great success over this period as a stable, economically dynamic democracy is no coincidence. For a small country like Slovakia, NATO’s guarantee of “all for one and one for all” means not only peace, but peace of mind for its citizens. Slovakia’s economic …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 8 March, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
Ambassador Adam Sterling opened a photo exhibit “Atlas of Women,” which tells the stories of women in eastern Slovakia that have fled domestic violence. Ambassador Sterling opened the showing at Bratislava’s Central European Photography Gallery on March 6 to highlight International Women’s Day. The photos and accompanying biographical information were prepared by Slovak photographer Dorota …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 6 March, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, Culture, Embassy | Tags: Adam Sterling
As the humanitarian crisis created by Nicolas Maduro, the illegitimate self-proclaimed president of Venezuela, deepens, the de facto Maduro regime and its supporters have accused the United States of attempting a coup and targeting Venezuela’s oil reserves. This is a cynical lie told by a failing regime to maintain its repressive control over the Venezuelan …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 4 March, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
As prepared for delivery by Ambassador Adam Sterling Bratislava, Slovakia February 5, 2019 I am Ambassador Adam Sterling, the U.S. Ambassador to the Slovak Republic. I am honored to appear before you all with the full support of President Trump and Secretary of State Pompeo. The United States thanks the Slovak Chairmanship for hosting this …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 7 February, 2019 | Topics: Ambassador | Tags: Adam Sterling
On December 13, Slovakia and other European Union nations voted to extend comprehensive sanctions against the Russian Federation. This decision reflects not only Russia’s failure to make progress on its commitments in Ukraine under the Minsk Agreements, but also its increasingly aggressive and illegal behavior against Ukraine. Russia’s unwarranted attacks against Ukrainian vessels in the …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 21 December, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
Ambassador Sterling told approximately 250 high school students about how study abroad changed his life as he opened a “My American Story” panel discussion in the southern Slovak city of Levice on December 6. A panel of successful young former U.S. exchange students held a presentation about their experiences studying in the United States at …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 7 December, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Events | Tags: Adam Sterling
Ambassador Adam Sterling officially closed the Embassy’s 2018 “Courage to be Free” campaign marking the centennial anniversary of Czeschoslovakia and twenty-five years of Slovak independence with a keynote address to approximately 300 students, faculty, business leaders, and media figures in Kosice on November 29. Safarik University’s Department of British and American studies, which received an …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 30 November, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Embassy, Events | Tags: Adam Sterling
As Slovakia marks the Day of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy on November 17, we should pause to consider the ongoing relevance of the protests of 1989 and the Velvet Revolution. Ordinary Slovak and Czech students, later joined by their fellow citizens, courageously took to the streets to protest Soviet-backed authoritarianism and call for democracy …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 16 November, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
On May 31, 1918, approximately two dozen Slovak and Czech patriots gathered at the Loyal Order of Moose building in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to sign the Pittsburgh Agreement, also called the “birth certificate” of the first Czechoslovak Republic. From that beginning, the people of the United States and the people of Slovakia have shared history, …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 16 October, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
In 1776, the founders of my country had the courage to declare their independence and commit to a national project grounded in democratic governance and liberty for all citizens. Over a century later, communities of Slovak and Czech immigrants in the United States had the courage to seek for their compatriots in Europe the blessings …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 4 September, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
I am always delighted to talk to Slovak citizens who have visited the United States and want to share their experiences with me. However, I know that making the long flight across the ocean simply is not possible for everyone. That is why, starting August 13, the U.S. Embassy will bring a little bit of …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 15 August, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
On July 19, Ambassador Sterling led a diplomatic peloton, with participants from the U.S., European and Asian embassies as well as the Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on a twenty-five kilometer bicycle tour to commemorate Slovakia’s twenty-fifth anniversary as well as the 138th anniversary of the birth of Slovak hero M.R. Stefanik. Stefanik played a …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 24 July, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Embassy, Events | Tags: Adam Sterling
On July 14, the U.S. Embassy building in Bratislava will light up in the colors of the rainbow and a rainbow flag will hang prominently from the Embassy’s balcony. These are symbols of the United States’ firm commitment to the human rights of LGBTI people everywhere. The same day, I will join people from across …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 14 July, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds
The late American Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan once said, “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” I was reminded of that quotation as I read the interview with Viacheslav Nikonov, Head of the Committee for Education and Science of the Russian Duma, in Hospodarske Noviny (June 13, 2018). Mr. Nikonov …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 22 June, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
One hundred years ago today, representatives of Czechs and Slovaks living in the United States came together in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and signed the “birth certificate” of the first Czechoslovak Republic. The document, primarily authored by T.G. Masaryk, is elegantly simple and clear in its intent: that the Slovaks and Czechs would endeavor to form an …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 31 May, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
Ambassador Sterling and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lajcak unveiled a bust of President Woodrow Wilson on the grounds of the Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on May 18. Wilson’s inclusion of self-determination for the peoples of the Austro-Hungarian Empire played a key role in the creation of the first independent, democratic Czechoslovakia. Minister of …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 23 May, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Embassy, Events, Exclude | Tags: Adam Sterling
Ambassador Adam Sterling laid a wreath together with Slovak president Andrej Kiska and other host country and foreign representatives at the Makov War Memorial on May 8 to commemorate the end of World War II. The Makov War Memorial, near the border with the Czech Republic, commemorates the actions of a Czechoslovak guerilla brigade and …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 9 May, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Embassy, Events | Tags: Adam Sterling
Jazz pianist, composer, and member of the American Jazz Hall of Fame Kenny Barron performed for approximately eighty music lovers, including MFA at Ambassador Sterling’s residence on April 23 in honor of Jazz Appreciation Month. Barron has a personal tie to this years, Jazz Appreciation Month honoree, having recorded under legendary producer and civil rights …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 24 April, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Embassy, Events | Tags: Adam Sterling
The morning of February 26, 2018 shocked me as it did all of Slovakia. The brutal murder of a talented young journalist and his fiancée in their home provoked a combination of sadness, disbelief, and anger. If the killing of Jan Kuciak is related to his work, as Slovak investigators suggest, the murder is an …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 3 April, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
Ambassador Sterling delivered opening remarks for the Pianos Americanos performance at the Slovak Academy of Performing Arts on March 24, noting the importance of the people-to-people connections between our countries. The annual event features two pianists playing simultaneously and focuses on the music of a different country or region each year. This year’s performance featured …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 29 March, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Embassy, Events | Tags: Adam Sterling
Ambassador Sterling traveled to Banska Bystrica, Poprad, Kezmarok and Stara Lubovna from February 28-March 2. In Banska Bystrica, he met with regional Governor Jan Lunter and discussed the governor’s agenda for the region following his recent election. The Ambassador also participated in a town hall with local community activists, students and business representatives, to discuss …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 13 March, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Embassy, Events | Tags: Adam Sterling
It is one of the most iconic images of the Second World War. Six United States Marines, in the midst of heavy fighting on the small island of Iwo Jima, struggle to raise the American flag above Mt. Suribachi. Among the six men captured in the iconic photograph, and later permanently memorialized in bronze for …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 22 February, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
On New Year’s Eve 1992, thousands of Slovaks gathered on SNP square in Bratislava, counting down the minutes to the start of 1993—and with it, the birth of the Slovak Republic. Alongside thousands of jubilant Slovaks stood an American named Paul Hacker, Consul General of the United States. As the celebrations continued into the early …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 3 January, 2018 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
Ambassador Sterling delivered opening remarks at a discussion on “Education and Entrepreneurship” on December 1 during Slovakia’s annual Startup Awards event. The discussion, which was organized by the EuroPolicy NGO with funding from the Embassy, brought together representatives from government, academia and the private sector to examine the nexus between higher education and business in …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 4 December, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Embassy, Events | Tags: Adam Sterling
Together with our Slovak friends and partners, the U.S. Embassy marked one of the most meaniningful of Slovak public holidays on November 17: the day of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy. This day reminds us of the heroic struggles of ordinary Slovak and Czech students against Nazi occupation in 1939, and the calls for freedom …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 22 November, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
As Slovakia prepares to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of its independence next year, it will also be celebrating twenty-five years of a close diplomatic relationship with the United States as a friend, partner, and ally. The ties that bind the United States of America and Slovakia are strong, encompassing cooperation in the fields of international …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 22 November, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
Twenty four-hour news broadcaster TA3 and state newswire TASR covered the Embassy’s third annual Summer Work and Travel (SWT) Thanksgiving dinner and photography contest, hosted by Ambassador Sterling at the Chief of Mission Residence (CMR). Approximately 25 finalists from the Embassy’s SWT photo contest as well as representatives from local SWT agencies came to the …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 21 November, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Embassy, Events | Tags: Adam Sterling
Ambassador Sterling visited Trnava, Slovakia’s 7th largest city (pop. 68,000), on October 12 to meet with the Mayor following his recent IVLP and to re-connect with our closer partners at Trnava University’s Faculty of Law. Trvana’s Mayor, Peter Brocka, returned to Slovakia on October 8 following a three-week IVLP in the U.S. on State and …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 13 October, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Embassy, Events | Tags: Adam Sterling
As Slovakia approaches the 25th anniversary of its independence, it can count its decision to join NATO as an essential element of its impressive success, both until now and well into the future. Slovakia chose a future with NATO not long after gaining its independence primarily to secure the sovereignty and freedom that it had …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 13 October, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
August 29 marked the 73rd anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising which was launched from Banksa Bystrica in 1944 against Nazi troops and the wartime collaborationist government of Jozef Tiso. All media outlets heavily cover the attendance of President Andrej Kiska, Prime Minister Robert Fico, and Head of Parliament Andrej Danko at commemorative events in …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 29 August, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Embassy, Events | Tags: Adam Sterling
This year’s Slovak International Air Fest (SIAF) took place at the Sliac airport on August 26 and 27 and was visited by approximately 150,000 people. Among the big draws included fly-bys of U.S. B-52 and B-1 strategic bombers, which in the past had only been on static display at the Slovak airshow. Other highlights were …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 26 August, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Embassy, Events | Tags: Adam Sterling
Support for human rights and democratic values has long been a top priority of the United States, in our own country and around the world. Respect for human rights is not only the right thing to do; it makes the world a safer place. As Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson recently said, “when all …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 16 August, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is a threat to all countries that care about freedom, democracy, and human dignity. The liberation of Mosul on July 10th was a major step toward defeating ISIS and eliminating this global threat. The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS includes 72 members, including Slovakia, the United States, …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 24 July, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
On my recent trip to the United States I met with people across the country, from New York to Pittsburgh to San Francisco, who care passionately about Slovakia. I met descendants of 19th century immigrants, Czechoslovaks who left in the 1960s, Slovaks recently arrived in Silicon Valley, and Americans long committed to strong partnerships with …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 14 June, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
We’re pleased to announce the Ambassador’s new travel map ! Ambassador Sterling makes traveling around Slovakia to visit new regions and towns a high priority, and he has already managed to see over 30 towns and municipalities in the eight months he has lived in Slovakia. Now you can follow him on his new travel map, which shows where …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 6 June, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Embassy | Tags: Adam Sterling, travel
Ambassador Adam Sterling hosted a reception on April 20 to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) and introduce his new Art in Embassies (AIE) collection . Art in Embassies is a program that was established in 1963 by the U.S. Department of State to showcase American art at official residences overseas. The jazz performance and reception was a perfect venue for …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 27 April, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Embassy, Events | Tags: Adam Sterling
“He was a strict commander who required discipline. But he also had a big heart, and he loved fun. If there was laughter, Michal was guaranteed to be there.” This is how one of U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Michal Strank’s former colleagues described him in a documentary about Strank’s life. Strank was a Rusin, who …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 18 April, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador | Tags: Adam Sterling, travel
International Roma Day – celebrated on April 8 each year – is an opportunity to celebrate Roma, who have been an integral part of the rich cultural tapestry of Slovakia for hundreds of years. Roma number an estimated 10 to 12 million across Europe, while one million American citizens of Romani descent live in the …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 10 April, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
In the town of Velky Krtis in southern Banska Bystrica province, the Ambassador spoke to 60 high school students about his personal encounters with intolerance and anti-Semitism on March 16. Responding to questions from the audience, the Ambassador noted the shared commitment of the United States and Slovakia to the values of tolerance and diversity, …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 21 March, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador | Tags: Adam Sterling, travel
On March 14 to 16, Ambassador Sterling visited Kosice, Moldava nad Bodvou, Rimavska Sobota, and Velky Krtis during a trip devoted largely to Roma and anti-extremism issues. The Ambassador visited the Romani community in Kosice’s Lunik IX district, home to one of the largest marginalized Romani communities in Slovakia, and the marginalized Budulovska settlement in …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 21 March, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador | Tags: Adam Sterling, travel
In my trips across Slovakia over the six past months, I’ve met with government representatives, business leaders, civil society activists, artists, educators and journalists. I’ve been impressed by the talent and energy of the Slovak people, and by the pride you take in your country. Yet, if there is one area that all parties agree …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 28 February, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
As the Obama Administration comes to a close, it’s important to look back at the past eight years to appreciate how far America and its global partners have come, as well as to better understand the challenges we will face over the coming years. Today, America’s unemployment rate is 4.6 percent versus 10 percent in …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 17 January, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
Education is the essential foundation for prosperity and opportunity. It strengthens our democracy, enriches our civic life, and serves as a pathway to economic success. It also cultivates young people’s talent and creativity, encourages them to connect with other people, and inspires them to discover and analyze the world in which they live. Everyone – …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 2 December, 2016 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
As prepared Good morning. It is a pleasure for me to be here today at Matej Bel University and to meet all of you. I’d like to begin by thanking Branislav Kováčik, Dean of the Faculty of Political Science and International Relations, and Martina Šinkovičová from the GLOBSEC Academy Center for inviting me here to …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 23 November, 2016 | Topics: Ambassador, Speeches | Tags: Adam Sterling
Entrepreneurship and innovation are key economic drivers in Slovakia. The first reception I hosted as Ambassador was a kick-off event for this year’s Startup Awards, and in the short time I’ve been here, I’ve already heard a lot about how Slovakia is on the move – cybersecurity companies, offline navigation systems, and gaming giants …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 16 November, 2016 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
In my first month in Slovakia I have been struck by the depth and dynamism of U.S.-Slovak economic ties. But even more so by the potential for the future. Nearly 150 American companies operate here, companies such as U.S. Steel, Microsoft, AT&T, IBM and Cisco Systems. They have created around 50,000 jobs and have contributed …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 11 October, 2016 | Topics: Ambassador, Op-Eds | Tags: Adam Sterling
On September 15 the European Union extended its asset freeze and travel ban against Russian officials and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. The United States welcomes this step and believes that sanctions are the most important tool the international community has for convincing Russia to end its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine and ensuring …
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By U.S. Embassy Bratislava | 21 September, 2016 | Topics: Ambassador, Press Releases | Tags: sanctions