V4: the presidential summit did not bring a renaissance
The presidents of the V4 countries gathered in Esztergom —but the differing views on Russian aggression undermines regional unity.
advertise
Polexit – a little more than a bad joke
Support for EU membership in Poland remains high, but the share of those who would favour leaving the Union now exceeds 10 percent.
Press freedom in Central Europe: Rising in some places, falling in others
The media landscape in the V4 countries does not show a uniform picture, sending varying messages for potential investors as well.
Serbia's oil refinery to close after U.S. refuses to extend NIS license
Serbia failed to remove Russian capital from NIS despite extensions; leaving its refinery unlicensed and oil reserves secure only until year-end.
Neptune, the Ray of Light for Romanian energy dependency
The Neptun Deep project is viewed as a pivotal opportunity for Romania's economy and energy independence.
Fur industry phased out due to Polish animal protection
The President has signed the recently adopted parliamentary bill banning the breeding of animals kept for their fur.
Romania’s defence minister steps down over false CV claims
The minister highlighted by resigning he aimed to prevent further distractions from national security concerns.
War fatigue in the region: how perceptions of the conflict in Ukraine have changed
Public attitudes toward the war in Ukraine vary highly and have shifted significantly across the CEE region.
Polish railway sabotage: Similar attack attempts becoming more frequent
Polish police have made another arrest in connection with a serious railway sabotage case.
Human error caused the crash of the Hungarian Armed Forces' H145M helicopter in Croatia
Croatia has concluded that the June 2023 Hungarian military helicopter crash was caused by human error after the crew deviated from its flight path.
advertise
Central European euro strategies: Stability versus sovereignty?
CEE countries differ on euro adoption, some view it as a path to convergence, while others wary of potential negative effects.
Poland: A new regional power center in search of its role
Poland’s economic weight is undoubtedly increasing in the region, with Polish-German economic relations and political tensions deepening.
EU forecasts point to weak growth and slow deficit reduction in Romania
Romania is projected to see modest growth and a gradual narrowing of the budget deficit over the next three years.
The Polish problem: On the frontline of migration
More and more migrants enter the EU via its northeast border, making Poland a buffer against Moscow’s politically driven bid to destabilize Europe.
advertise
Silent tribute in Novi Sad marks anniversary of tragic roof collapse
After the one-year anniversary of the Novi Sad canopy collapse, the political repercussions continue to unfold.
Orbán’s Washington play: siding with Trump, challenging Brussels
Orbán’s White House visit secured Hungary’s US sanctions exemptions and imply the start of a golden era in bilateral ties.
Romania bolsters NATO security role amid Black Sea tensions
Romanian and NATO leaders held talks focusing on strengthening Romania’s security amid ongoing regional tensions.
Between Brussels and Budapest: the new Czech government’s pragmatic populism
Andrej Babiš’s ANO movement returns to power in coalition with nationalist allies, promising social protection, lower energy prices, and a tougher stance toward Brussels.
advertise
Bolojan: Security Is a shared responsibility of the entire society
Romanian PM Ilie Bolojan warned that peace is no longer guaranteed, stressing that ensuring security is a shared responsibility of society.
Central Europe divided on EU sanctions against Russia
As the EU tightens sanctions on Russia, Central European states display contrasting political stances rooted in their priorities and capacities.
Austria’s aviation sector losing ground amid rising costs, industry warns
The competitiveness of Austria’s aviation market is under increasing pressure, with industry leaders warning that the country risks falling behind its European peers due to mounting costs and taxes.
Sanctions oil shock: What awaits Central Europe’s markets
The Central and Eastern European oil market is entering a new era as a result of the US measures aimed at restricting Russian crude exports.
advertise
Overtaking on the bend – are the Poles really catching up with Japan?
Over the past decade and a half, Poland has undergone a remarkable economic transformation, and in several key indicators it is now comparable with Japan. The question many economists are asking is: what is Poland’s secret, and how has it managed to outpace its Central European peers?
Refinery fire tests MOL’s resilience and regional supply
A fire broke out last Monday night at MOL Group’s Danube Refinery in Százhalombatta, damaging one of the largest of its three distillation towers. The incident can have significant impact on regional oil supply and prices.
Von der Leyen tours NATO frontline countries
Von der Leyen's visits to frontline NATO states aims to deliver a message of solidarity while boosting Europe’s defence capacity, promoting joint procurement and galvanising industrial support through the EU’s SAFE mechanism.
Ruginiene confirmed as Lithuania’s new prime minister
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda described Ruginiene as “a constructive negotiator who seeks compromise”, adding that foreign policy continuity, especially support for Ukraine, would be maintained. Nauseda signed a decree on 27 August formally appointing her.
NATO allies all meet defence spending target, as CEE leads
The alliance’s biggest spenders are all on the Eastern flank and neighbouring Russia, with Poland leading the pack (4.48%) ahead of Lithuania (4.0%), Latvia (3.73%), and Estonia (3.38%). The US is sixth at 3.22% of GDP.
Fico quotes Hitler, confirms Xi, Putin meet-up
Fico’s Moscow visit and rhetoric at the recent commemoration have deepened tensions with Brussels over his approach to Russia. The forthcoming Beijing trip highlights his efforts to expand ties with China.
Hungary, Slovakia urge EC to stop Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil pipeline
Ukrainian drones have struck at least 10 key Russian energy facilities this month alone, according to US news channel CNN. Attacks on 12, 17 and 21-22 August all targeted Druzhba's same pipeline’s southern leg.
KHNP pulls Polish nuclear plans, clearing way for US
Polish Energy Minister Milosz Motyka confirmed KHNP’s withdrawal but downplayed speculation of a diplomatic rift. “KHNP’s decision does not stem from any government actions and pertains to several European countries,” Motyka posted on X on 20 August.