Samsung confirmed the closure of its television manufacturing facility in Galanta, Slovakia, slated to be completed by May 2026. The decision will result in a phased reduction of nearly 800 jobs starting at the end of June, with significant impacts on the local economy and approximately 800 additional workers in related supply chains. The company lightly attributes this transition to structural changes in the global market and its current corporate strategy.

Former Slovak Finance Minister Ivan Mikloš has weighed in on the situation, suggesting that the production of televisions in Slovakia has become too costly, as other countries can perform the same manufacturing tasks at lower expenses. While Samsung insists their decision is independent of the local business environment and government policies, labor costs and high energy prices are indeed factors that have influenced the company's decision-making process regarding its operational strategies in Slovakia.

The confirmation of the factory's closure highlights the ongoing challenges that manufacturers face in Slovakia, particularly concerning operational costs. The shift could signify a broader trend where companies might reevaluate their manufacturing locations based on economic viability, adding pressure to the Slovak government to foster a more competitive environment for manufacturing industries to thrive amidst changing global economic situations.