The pandemic crisis was also an opportunity for the EU armies. In addition to their traditional tasks, all the bloc's countries had specific requirements. "European soldiers have shown that they can be helpful in non-traditional tasks," writes a Spanish army lieutenant-colonel who is an expert on military operations.

The Department of Defense found symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in only five of the 1,600 soldiers who returned from deployments in the military. According to the Union of War Veterans, this is a long-neglected problem, and the Ministry of Defence has no plans for systemic changes.

NATO is discussing how to set its defence strategy for the next decade. According to experts, Slovakia should push for reforms that will enable the development of its own defence capabilities. However, it should also pay attention to non-traditional military threats, including hybrid, cyber security and new technologies.

There are even fewer women in management positions in the energy sector than in other sectors. A new EU directive requires companies to demonstrate that they are enforcing gender policies and reducing the gender pay gap.