All five economic sectors regularly monitored by the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic recorded year-on-year turnover growth in February 2025. The pace of growth accelerated in four of the sectors, pointing to steady momentum in the early part of the year.

Industry, a key component of the Slovak economy, reported a 6.7% year-on-year increase in turnover at constant prices. Out of 16 industrial branches observed, 12 posted growth. Notable gains were recorded in the manufacture of transport equipment, which rose by 11%, and in the production of computer, electronic, and optical products, which increased by 42%.

Turnover in construction also grew significantly, rising by 17.7% compared to the same period last year. This marks the third month in a row that the sector has posted double-digit gains.

Other monitored sectors also recorded positive results. Market services saw turnover rise by 5%, while transportation and storage increased by 2.7%. The information and communication sector grew more modestly, with turnover up by 1.3% year-on-year.

Month-on-month results, adjusted for seasonal effects, also showed increases in four sectors. Industry led with 6.7% growth, followed by construction at 1.9%, market services at 1.2%, and information and communication at 0.7%. Transportation and storage was the only sector to decline compared to the previous month, with a 0.7% drop.

For the first two months of 2025 combined, turnover was higher year-on-year across all five sectors. Industry rose by 3.7%, market services by 4.4%, transportation and storage by 5.1%, information and communication by 0.7%, and construction by 13.8%.

The data reflects continued strength in several parts of the Slovak economy, with construction and industrial production playing leading roles in overall turnover growth.

Source: SOSR

A new OECD report titled Cities for All Ages underscores the pressing need for cities to adapt to significant demographic changes, especially the rapid ageing of urban populations. According to the report, while large metropolitan areas in OECD countries continue to attract younger residents, the share of people aged 65 and over is growing steadily, prompting a call for more inclusive urban policies.

Between 2000 and 2022, the proportion of older adults in cities increased across all OECD member states with available data. By 2040, the share of people aged 65 and over in urban areas is expected to rise from 20.9% to 27.9%. In response, the OECD outlines a comprehensive framework for governments to develop “age-inclusive” cities—urban environments that cater to the needs of all generations.

The report stresses that without age-inclusive planning, cities risk significant economic and social costs. These include increased healthcare expenses, reduced workforce participation, and growing social isolation. Older people, in particular, face challenges related to inaccessible infrastructure, unaffordable housing, and inadequate public transport, all of which can limit independence and well-being.

However, the report also highlights that adapting cities for ageing populations can create multiple benefits. Universal design in transport and public spaces, diversified housing options, and better digital access can promote both individual well-being and broader economic growth. For instance, investing in age-friendly urban design can reduce long-term healthcare costs, while reskilling older adults may address labour shortages and increase digital inclusion.

Drawing on best practices from cities worldwide, the report proposes a checklist of nine policy actions to help governments at all levels develop more inclusive urban environments. These actions include strategy setting, resource development, and stakeholder coordination—each aimed at promoting accessibility, housing security, economic opportunity, and intergenerational cohesion.

Examples cited in the report include Paris’s “15-minute city” model, co-housing initiatives for seniors in the United States, and digital health solutions in Barcelona. The report also calls for more integrated data collection and policy coordination to effectively meet the needs of all age groups.

Ultimately, the OECD concludes that cities that adapt now will be better positioned to address the twin challenges of demographic change and urbanisation, turning potential burdens into long-term strengths for sustainable, equitable, and inclusive growth.