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.
Central European Times
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.
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.
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.
Dodik allies plan referendum after Bosnian court upholds president's impeachment
Dodik, once seen as a moderate reformer, has shifted over two decades into a hardline nationalist who consistently tests BiH's post-war settlement.
Estonia reduces Rail Baltica scope, sets 2030 deadline
RB is the largest infrastructure project in the Baltics since independence, designed to connect Tallinn, north Estonia, Riga, north Latvia, and Vilnius, south-east Lithuania, to the European standard-gauge network. The railway has also been described as a NATO corridor.
Polish domestic stand-offs threaten role as EU player
Having spent big on defence, Poland's growing role as a European player is at risk from political infighting, resource strain, and public fatigue.