Central European Times

Central European Times

As EU slaps new tariffs on Chinese BEVs, VW rolls out 'gamechanging' electric vehicle

As EU slaps new tariffs on Chinese BEVs, VW rolls out 'gamechanging' electric vehicle

The European Commission (EC) has announced that it will impose additional import tariffs on Chinese battery electric vehicles (BEVs) following a vote among member states on Friday, 4 October, after a year-long investigation. The EC, which suspects China of undercutting European carmakers by subsidising its EV industry, wrote that it

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland to ask EU to cofund 'Baltic Defence Line'

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland to ask EU to cofund 'Baltic Defence Line'

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland are seeking EU financial support for a coordinated network of military fortifications along their borders with Russia and Belarus. “The security situation demands comprehensive defences,” Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said, adding that “the Baltic Defence Line supports NATO’s forward defense and is vital

Mishandling of immigration has propelled a party with direct Nazi roots into power in Austria - CET Opinion

Mishandling of immigration has propelled a party with direct Nazi roots into power in Austria - CET Opinion

The outcome of Austria’s election is undeniably historic—not just for Austria, but for the whole European Union. The Freedom Party of Austria (FPO) is not the first far-right party to gain power in the EU in the 21st-Century, nor will it be the last, but it is unique

CEE think tank envisages 'pivotal role' for region

CEE think tank envisages 'pivotal role' for region

The incoming EU administration should ensure that countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) lever more influence in the bloc, Slovakia-based think tank Globsec writes in a new report on the interests and security of CEE nations and increasing Europe’s global influence from 2024-29. “Until now, Central and Eastern

Slovakia hikes VAT to among EU's highest

Slovakia hikes VAT to among EU's highest

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Wednesday, September 18, reversed decades of opposition to tax hikes as his government amended VAT laws, effective 1 January, 2025. As recently as April, the leader of Slovakia’s nominally left-wing Smer-SD party, positioned himself as a champion of low-income earners, saying “I oppose

Lufthansa mulls AirBaltic purchase - report

Lufthansa mulls AirBaltic purchase - report

Deutsche Lufthansa AG is looking into acquiring a stake in AirBaltic before the Latvian state-owned airline launches an initial public offering (IPO), insider sources told Bloomberg. Talks are still in the early stages, and no final decision has been made regarding the investment, said the sources, speaking to the news

Rheinmetall to build EUR 180mn factory in Lithuania

Rheinmetall to build EUR 180mn factory in Lithuania

Germany’s Rheinmetall will spend more than EUR 180mn on an ammunition manufacturing facility in Lithuania, the Lithuanian Economy and Innovation Ministry said. The production unit is expected to produce tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition per year. Last week the Lithuanian economy and finance ministries said another EUR