Friends of Slovakia

Friends of Slovakia Committed to friendship between the United States and Slovakia

Political Ties
Friends of Slovakia seeks to promote a greater understanding of Slovakia and its domestic, foreign and security policies by America’s decision-makers. Primary areas of activity include building networks and increasing Slovakia’s visibility in the United States through a series of Roundtables on major topics of interest. Economic Ties
Friends of Slovakia works with Slovak and America

n companies and entrepreneurs to explore and advance bilateral economic ties of trade and investment. Academic, Cultural, and Social Ties
Friends of Slovakia is committed to enabling Slovaks and Americans to share with each other the rich and diverse artistic and cultural heritage of both countries. In this area, Friends of Slovakia brings young Slovak leaders to the United States through a summer Slovak Scholars program and promotes a variety of cultural exchanges.

In Memoriam: Andrew P. RajecFriends of Slovakia joins with many others in grief at the news of the passing on August 13,...
08/15/2026

In Memoriam: Andrew P. Rajec

Friends of Slovakia joins with many others in grief at the news of the passing on August 13, 2026, of FOS Vice President, Executive Committee Member, and Board of Directors Member Andrew P. Rajec.

“Andy,” as we all knew him, came from deep Slovak-American roots. He served as Director of Independent Agents for the First Catholic Slovak Union (FCSU) and as President of Cleveland-Bratislava Sister Cities, an organization dedicated to developing and promoting the relationship between Cleveland, Ohio, its sister city Bratislava, and other regions of the Slovak Republic.

Prior to joining the FCSU, Andy was an integral part of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), where he served as International Cooperation Specialist for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and Romania, and as Deputy Director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. He was awarded USAID’s Meritorious Honor Award for exemplary service and leadership in furthering the Europe and Eurasia Bureau’s foreign policy interests and USAID programs.

Committed from the beginning to public service, Andy began his career in Washington, D.C., as a personal assistant to U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell. He later became Special Assistant to Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao and served as a member of the Secretary’s transition team.

Those who knew Andy knew how deeply he loved his faith, his family, his alma maters — Notre Dame and Marquette — his city, and the organizations to which he devoted his time and energy.

At Friends of Slovakia, Andy made important contributions over many years and was a constant voice of balance, reason, enthusiasm, and curiosity. Above all, he was a kind and thoughtful person — generous with his time, genuinely interested in others, and deeply committed to strengthening the ties between Slovakia and the United States. His presence enriched our organization and the many friendships formed through it.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy’s family and friends at this difficult time. The cause of Slovak-American relations has lost a genuine, lifelong advocate with Andy’s passing, and all of us at Friends of Slovakia have lost a dear colleague and friend.

We will miss him very, very much.

Due to an unexpected product outage, we will not be able to host today’s webinar as scheduled.We’re working to resolve t...
04/20/2026

Due to an unexpected product outage, we will not be able to host today’s webinar as scheduled.

We’re working to resolve the issue and will share a new date and time shortly.

Thank you for your understanding, and please stay tuned for updates.

Slovakia and Central Europe After the Hungarian ElectionsApril 20 | 11:00 AM ETRegistration: https://attendee.gotowebina...
04/17/2026

Slovakia and Central Europe After the Hungarian Elections

April 20 | 11:00 AM ET

Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/371276944080300125

Description
Hungary’s April 12 election has delivered a political shock across Central Europe. In a historic upset, Viktor Orbán and his long-dominant Fidesz movement have been unseated, potentially dismantling the informal bloc that has shaped regional politics in recent years.

For over a decade, Budapest served as the anchor of a loose Central European alignment skeptical of EU policies, ambivalent on Ukraine, and increasingly influential in shaping regional narratives. With Orbán’s departure, that center of gravity is now in flux — raising critical questions about what comes next for Slovakia and the broader region.

Will this moment accelerate a political realignment toward stronger EU cohesion and transatlantic unity? Or will new actors step in to fill the vacuum, reshaping alliances in unpredictable ways? Join us for a timely and forward-looking discussion on how Hungary’s election outcome is likely to reshape Slovakia’s positioning, regional cooperation, and the future trajectory of Central Europe.

At a moment when Central Europe’s direction is once again up for debate, this conversation brings together two seasoned diplomats to unpack the signals and the stakes.

Speakers
Adam Sterling (Moderator) – Former U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia (2016–2019)
Miroslav Wlachovský – Former Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia; Distinguished Fellow at GLOBSEC

What We’ll Explore

The regional impact of Orbán’s defeat and what it means for Central Europe’s political balance
Whether Slovakia emerges as a bridge, follower, or new focal point in regional dynamics
Implications for EU alignment, NATO posture, and support for Ukraine
How Washington and other external actors may recalibrate engagement in the region

Address

Washington D.C., DC
20001

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