AmCham Slovakia

I would like to take a moment to reflect on where we stand as a community and, more importantly, where we are heading together. The turn of the year is always an opportunity to pause, look back at what we have built, and refocus our energy on the priorities ahead. This year, that focus is clearer than ever: competitiveness.

For more than three decades, AmCham Slovakia has been guided by values that matter: gratitude, community, responsibility, and the willingness to share expertise and experience. These principles are not abstract ideas; they are the foundation of our daily work and the reason why AmCham has become a trusted partner for business, government, and society. Together, we help shape the pillars that matter most for the country’s future: institutional strength, talent and human capital, innovation, and regional development.

We do this in a world that is changing faster than ever. Europe and the global economy are navigating geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory pressure, demographic shifts, and rapid technological transformation. These changes create tension and complexity, but they also open space for innovation, creativity, and collaboration. History shows that countries and companies that succeed are not those that avoid change, but those that understand it early and respond with clarity and courage.

This is why competitiveness is not just a theme for us, it is a responsibility. Competitiveness does not emerge by accident. Like growth itself, it requires resilience, long-term care, and a shared vision. It demands cooperation across sectors, openness to new ideas, and the determination to invest in what truly matters. If nurtured consistently, competitiveness allows Slovakia not only to adapt to global change, but to thrive within it.

In 2026, AmCham Slovakia will remain committed to its core mission: helping make Slovakia a country where it truly pays off to invest, do business, and live. We want to help turn competitiveness from a slogan into a national agenda. Everything we do this year will be shaped by three cross-cutting topics that connect all our pillars, committees, and activities.

The first is trust and a predictable environment. Rule of law, quality governance, and trust in institutions are the foundations of a competitive economy. Investors, employers, and employees alike need confidence that rules are fair, stable, and consistently applied. Strong competitiveness begins with strong dialogue. Good regulation cannot be built in a hurry. It requires expertise, consultation, and partnership. This is where AmCham’s role as an independent, apolitical, transparent, inclusive, professional, and objective platform becomes essential.

The second cross-topic is technological progress and innovation. Digitalization, automation, and artificial intelligence are no longer future trends; they are practical tools shaping today’s business reality. Our goal is to support smart adoption of these technologies, paired with sensible regulation and the right skills, so they truly move Slovakia forward. Technology should enhance productivity, resilience, and quality of life, not create new barriers or inequalities.

The third focus is shaping the next electoral cycle. 2026 is a key bridge year. Together, we will prepare a data-driven competitiveness agenda so that political leaders enter the 2027 elections with clear, concrete recommendations on their tables. This is not about politics, it is about responsibility. Competitiveness must actively shape the programs and decisions that will define Slovakia’s direction in the years ahead.

These themes will not exist next to each other in isolation. They will run through everything we do: from regulation and rule of law, through digital transformation, skills for the future, sustainability and resilience, healthcare, to transatlantic cooperation. We are not starting from scratch. We are building on years of continuous work by our committees, pillars, and partnerships. 2026 is about consistency: connecting what we already have into one strong, coherent story.

For you, our members, this means a clearer narrative instead of many isolated activities. Every event, every position paper, and every discussion will answer a simple question: how does this help strengthen Slovakia’s competitiveness? It also means more opportunities to get involved.

Competitiveness is not a privilege, it is a shared responsibility. Thank you for being part of AmCham Slovakia and for contributing your expertise, time, and commitment. I look forward to continuing this journey with you and to making 2026 a year when competitiveness truly becomes the agenda for Slovakia.