Nestle to fire 80 at Czech vegan meat plant due to low demand
The Czech Chamber of Commerce said on 22 June that the Nestle cuts should be viewed in the context of changing consumer priorities amid inflation and a shift toward simpler food products.
Central European Times
Protestors to target NATO summit in the Hague
The People for Peace coalition, which includes left-aligned Dutch lawmakers and activists with prior ties to Russian disinformation networks, is expected to stage events near the World Forum venue and at key traffic corridors.
Poland, Baltics plan EU-backed AI infrastructure hub
The InvestAI programme, presented by the European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in September 2024, earmarked EUR 20bn. The Polish-Baltic consortium is one of the first regionally coordinated bids submitted under the framework.
Baltics surge for household consumption, Hungary slumps
Hungary has now fallen to the lowest position in the EU for actual individual consumption (AIC), despite its starting position ahead of several regional peers two decades ago.
Polish gov't wins confidence vote but presidential veto remains
Tusk acknowledged the expected use of veto by President-elect Nawrocki, as did outgoing President Andrzej Duda during the first 18 months of the KO's term. The KO does not have the 3/5 supermajority, or 276 out of 460 seats, needed to overturn a presidential veto.c
Poland leads EU troop training effort for Ukraine
Polish Deputy PM and Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said in April that Poland’s defence strategy prioritises frontline support and rapid capacity building. He added that Poland “will not turn anyone away” from its training centres, including non-combat personnel.
Romanian parties must form gov't or lose EU recovery funds
The European Commission (EC) this month placed Romania under the excessive deficit procedure, warning that further delays risk triggering the suspension of EU funds.
Lithuanian gov’t pulls plug on Vilnius Rail Baltica link
The main RB corridor will connect Tallinn, Riga, Kaunas and Warsaw via a continuous standard-gauge line, ensuring uninterrupted north-south passenger and freight movement.
Bulgarians protest as EU okays eurozone entry
Petar Ganev, senior research fellow at Bulgaria’s Institute for Market Economics said “When you don’t trust the institutions in the country, it is much harder to make any transition … especially when it comes to joining the euro."
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
CEE leaders push for more weapons, NATO spending, at Vilnius summit
The summit reflected growing urgency in CEE ahead of the NATO meeting in The Hague scheduled from June 24-26. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the meeting in The Hague would demonstrate the alliance’s commitment to collective defence.c
Polish investors step up Romania acquisitions
Romania’s appeal for Polish investors includes its EU membership, consumer base, and steady economic growth, according to analysts.
Orbán receives Dodik, despite international warrant
The meeting took place despite an active arrest warrant issued in March by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) state court, following Dodik’s February conviction for defying rulings by the international envoy overseeing the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement.
New MOL oil well in west Hungary ups domestic output
The Som-8 well is Hungary’s first meaningful local oil addition since 2019. National demand averaged 167,000 bpd in 2024, while domestic crude output stood closer to 23,000 bpd, according to industry data.
Lithuania steps up defence as ex-CIA chief cites Russian threat
“If Ukraine falls, Lithuania is next. That’s not speculative. It’s consistent with everything Putin has said and done,” Petraeus said.