Slovakia will revive primary aluminum production at Slovalco's smelter, which once ranked among Europe's biggest producers of the metal. Prime Minister Robert Fico said the government signed support and power-supply agreements with the company, enabling furnace operations to begin around the turn of August and September.

The restart marks a significant shift for Slovakia's industrial sector, which lost major aluminum capacity when the plant previously shut down. Government backing through power supply agreements suggests officials view the revival as strategically important for domestic manufacturing and energy security.

European aluminum markets have faced supply disruptions in recent years, making regional production restarts economically attractive. Slovakia's move reflects broader efforts across Central Europe to rebuild critical industrial capacity and reduce dependence on imported raw materials.

The timing coincides with renewed focus on domestic energy sources and industrial sovereignty in the EU. This restart could signal further European aluminum capacity additions if energy costs remain manageable and demand stays strong.