Slovakia’s Economic Decline: From Tatra Tiger to the Slowest Growth in the V4
What happened — and how can it be reversed?
28 March 2026
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Hi, I'm Richard. On this blog, I share thoughts, personal stories — and what I'm working on. I hope this article brings you some value.
Why am I a Part of Volt Europa? Real Positive Change, and an Innovative Approach
Volt Europa party reform programme
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I am deeply rooted in my hometown, a place I cherish with pride. But, my identity as a local patriot is inseparable from my commitment to a broader, interconnected world. For me, being a local patriot also means being an engaged European.
Me, Richard Golian, with Volt Czechia board member Adam Hruška
In 2019, when I first learned about Volt Europa—a movement dedicated to driving positive change across Europe with a distinctly innovative approach—I was immediately intrigued. Volt Europa stands out as the most forward-thinking political project I’ve encountered.
It was this interest that led me, at the end of 2019, to attend a meeting of Volt Slovakia in Bratislava. At that time, it was a small civic association with just a handful of members in Slovakia. However, what I found was something profoundly logical: truly interesting and passionate people gravitate toward inspiring ideas. These individuals were dedicating significant energy and free time to the cause. My enthusiasm was so strong that I willingly spent five hours on a train to Bratislava for just an hour-long meeting in a café. That very day, I decided to join Volt Europa—a decision I have never once regretted.
Since then, Volt Europa has secured several seats in the European Parliament, grown to over 20,000 members across Europe, and is now registered as a political party in Slovakia. The community striving for positive change in Europe continues to expand.
Why am I a part of it?
A United Europe: A Stronger Voice on the Global Stage
Looking at today's world, I see no rational argument against making Europe more united and self-confident.
I want the world to take us seriously and to respect our opinions. I want China, India, and the United States to recognize Europe as an equal partner in every discussion.
Let's be honest: who in China would consider the Spanish Prime Minister an equal partner in a discussion? While someone might claim to, the reality is different. Either Europe speaks with a confident, unified voice, or we risk being seen merely as a tourist destination—a cultural monument for visitors from around the world. This is the stark reality we must confront.
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Summary
One programme, one membership, one funding model — across the entire continent. I joined Volt Europa in 2019 because there is no rational argument against making Europe more united. Without a confident unified voice, Europe risks being seen as nothing more than a tourist destination.
Common questions about this topic?
What is Volt Europa?
Volt Europa is a pan-European political movement that operates with a single common programme across the entire continent. Unlike traditional parties that exist only within national borders, Volt runs the same platform in every member state. By mid-2024, it had over 24,000 members across 30 countries, held 5 seats in the European Parliament after the June 2024 elections, and was registered as a political party in Slovakia since February 2024.
What democratic reforms does Volt Europa advocate?
Volt advocates for transnational lists in European elections — allowing citizens to vote for candidates from any member state, not just their own. It also supports giving the European Parliament the power to propose new laws (legislative initiative), which it currently lacks. In the article, the current system is described as producing over 100 different national programmes that are diluted by endless compromises after elections.
Why do most people not understand or care about European elections?
In the article, the answer is structural: citizens cannot choose European leaders through these elections, they do not vote on an ambitious common programme, and the representatives they elect cannot even propose new laws. The result is a system that feels distant and incomprehensible. Volt's solution is a single programme across the continent that promises real positive change and empowers elected representatives with genuine capabilities.
What motivated the decision to join Volt Europa?
In the article, the motivation came from encountering the most forward-thinking political project available — one that attracted genuinely interesting and passionate people who dedicated their free time to the cause. The enthusiasm was strong enough to justify a five-hour train ride to Bratislava for a one-hour meeting. The decision is described as one that has never been regretted.
Is Volt Europa active in Slovakia?
Yes. Volt Slovensko was officially registered as a political party in February 2024, having collected over 10,000 signatures to confirm public support. In the article, it is noted that when the first meeting was attended in 2019, Volt Slovakia was a small civic association with only a handful of members. Since then, the movement has grown substantially across Europe.
If you have any thoughts, questions, or feedback, feel free to drop me a message at mail@richardgolian.com.