Who pays more and at what cost? Financing models in CEE
As Hungary and Romania face higher interest burdens, Czechia, Slovakia and Poland benefit from stronger institutional and financing frameworks.
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The Beneš dilemma is drawing attention in regional and European public discourse
The issue of the Beneš Decree and the related Slovak–Hungarian disagreement have now appeared on the regional and European agenda as well.
Romania sees US as strategic partner, but stands with the EU in the Greenland case
Nicușor Dan said the United States remained a vital strategic partner for Romania’s security.
Record budget for defence requested in Romania
Romania’s Ministry of Defence has requested a record budget for 2026, seeking 57 billion lei in direct allocations.
MOL nears NIS takeover to build cross-border refining network
Hungary’s MOL nears a majority stake in Serbia’s NIS, bringing the Pančevo refinery and NIS assets under its control once U.S. sanctions lift.
Hungary in Gaza Board of Peace: Unity or doubts?
While Hungary expressed enthusiastic support, several major European powers rejected Trump’s latest initiative, the so-called Board of Peace.
American claims on Greenland: where should Poland stand?
In Poland, many fear the country could be caught between two fires if the United States were to take concrete steps toward acquiring Greenland.
Rain of money on Polish cities: capital-attracting capacity rises sharply
Fiscal autonomy and access to EU funds allow Polish cities to develop dynamically, while Budapest and other Hungarian cities are constrained by the solidarity contribution.
Military support for Ukraine: Ammunition continues to flow from Czechia, Slovakia waits and Poland shows continuing support
Contrary to initial interpretations, Czech ammunition deliveries to Ukraine have not been suspended and are continuing.
For industrialised, export-oriented CEE countries, the EU–Mercosur agreement is incrementally beneficial
Only Poland has strong structural reasons for concern, while Hungary, Czechia and Slovakia stand to benefit from expanded industrial exports.
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Fake crypto investment scandal in Poland: Many lost their entire life savings
Using fake advertisements featuring real public figures, they defrauded hundreds of people, in some cases of sums running into several million.
Slovakia’s new criminal code sparks constitutional challenge and ethnic tensions
Slovakia’s new criminal code triggered a constitutional challenge by the country’s Prosecutor General and ignited controversy at home and abroad.
Seismic shift in Venezuela – How it could affect Central and Eastern Europe
The aftermath of Trump’s Venezuela move remains unclear, but CEE states are likely to be impacted indirectly by oil prices and EU sanctions.
What’s next in 2026 for Central and Eastern Europe?
Can CEE develop a realistic policy response that shields the region from Europe’s structural decline?
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The Polish miracle: How did the “Poor man of Europe” become an economic leader?
Poland’s economic success lies in consistent reforms and smart EU fund use, while Hungary and Romania followed more volatile development paths.
Czechia starts the year under provisional budget as new government reworks fiscal plans
New year, new fiscal rules: The Czech Republic has entered a period of provisional budgeting after the new coalition rejected its predecessor's draft.
New waste incinerator: Warsaw follows the Scandinavian model
Warsaw has opened the city’s new waste-to-energy plant, which can incinerate over 300,000 tons of solid waste annually, nearly one-third of the city’s total waste production.
Polish domestic tensions: Education in the crosshairs
Poland’s education system, reformed in the 2000s, faces a new overhaul, fueling tensions between the government and the right-leaning president.
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EU-Mercosur agreement: No unified regional position
Despite expectations, the EU–Mercosur deal was not signed and stances of CEE countries remain divided.
Caps and ceilings: Fighting inflation with price regulation in several countries in the region
Administrative interventions are used to curb inflation in numerous CEE countries, with Hungary adopting the most market‑interfering measures.
Anti-corruption bodies under pressure in Central and Eastern Europe
Recent corruption revelations in Ukraine and institution restructuring in Slovakia brings renewed attention to anti-corruption bodies in CEE.
Tisza Party widens lead in Hungary, poll suggests
Fidesz’s recovery stalls as a new 21 Kutatóközpont poll shows Tisza Party gaining ground ahead of Hungary’s 2026 election.
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Polish pension anomalies: Waiting for reform
Policy reforms now allow the pension authority to retroactively review contributions and question their legality.
Swamp defence reimagined – natural tank traps in the Baltics
The Baltic states have increasingly been discussing ways to strengthen the protection of their borders by using natural terrain obstacles.
Romania outlines major military modernisation plans
Romania’s Ministry of National Defence has announced plans for a wide-ranging modernisation of the armed forces.
Babiš secures third term and steers Czechia toward Central Europe
Babiš has been officially appointed the Czech Prime Minister for the third time, following his ANO party’s success in the October 2025 elections.
Bulgarian Prime Minister resigns amid ongoing protests and no confidence motion
Zhelyazkov submitted his government's resignation minutes before the parliament was due to vote on a motion of no confidence against the cabinet.
How Wizz Air transformed the CEE region's way of travel
Wizz Air transformed CEE aviation since its 2003 founding by delivering ultra-low-cost, point-to-point flights from secondary airports, slashing fares and expanding connectivity.
Poland and the G20: Claiming a seat at the big table
From a post-communist economy to a European powerhouse, Poland is now seeking a role in global politics.
Bulgaria is arming itself – at sea as well
Bulgaria — for the first time in more than 100 years — has launched a newly built, domestically produced warship.