Central European Times

Central European Times

The Rozvadovska spojka building of the Czech intelligence agency

Czech intel reveals Chinese plan to intimidate Taiwanese veep

The Czech Security Information Service said individuals linked to China’s embassy followed Hsiao’s convoy and considered a “demonstrative kinetic action” intended to unsettle, but not harm, her. Hsiao had been on her first foreign trip as veep, with Taiwanese President Lai Ching‑te.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addresses members in The Hague

NATO endorses 5% defence spending framework at The Hague summit

Under the Hague Investment Plan adopted on 25 June, NATO members committed to raise annual defence-related spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. The 5% comprises 3.5% on conventional military capability and 1.5% on infrastructure, cyber-defence and civil preparedness; including support for Ukraine. cet

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office

CEE diversifies on gas, as Merz decries Nord Stream 2 'mistake'

In late May, Merz said Nord Stream 2 must stay closed to “weaken Moscow's war machine” and also declared that his government would “do everything” to prevent the pipeline from going online.ce