Ryanair inks EUR 340mn deal to triple traffic at Modlin Airport
The Irish low-cost carrier will invest approximately EUR 340mn, its largest-ever commitment in Poland. Annual traffic at Modlin is expected to increase from 1.5mn to over 5mn by 2030.
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Serbian president rejects calls for early elections, as protests continue
Government supporters have established a counter-camp "Caciland" in Belgrade’s Pionirski Park, drawing participation from nationalist groups and rural unions. The Serbian government said the camp demonstrates “popular support for stability”.
Poland's Orlen ends Russian oil imports to Czech refinery
EC President Ursula von der Leyen said: "Russia has repeatedly attempted to blackmail us by weaponising its energy supplies. We have taken clear steps to turn off the tap and end the era of Russian fossil fuels in Europe for good."
CEE countries jointly oppose EU's 'flexible funding' plan
The signatories, including Poland, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, said the policy’s “visibility and predictability” would be compromised if merged into a broader single investment fund.
Albania, Montenegro could join EU by 2030 - EU commissioner
Albania is expected to have opened all the EU accession negotiation clusters by September, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said on 1 July at a Western Balkans leaders’ meeting in Skopje, North Macedonia.
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CEE must better coordinate on defence - Global Peace Index founder Steve Killelea tells CET
Global Peace Index (GPI) founder Steve Killelea spoke to the Central European Times on the day of the release of the GPI's 18th annual report. Despite the steep rise in militarisation in CEE, investment-led ambitions are currently limited by fragmentation, Killelea tells CET.
Serbs plan fresh protests as anti-gov't unrest grows
Demonstrations intensified over the weekend as student-led groups erected makeshift barricades at key intersections in central Belgrade. Police estimated turnout at 36,000, while independent observers cited figures as high as 140,000.
CEE distillers pivot to domestic sales as exports fall, tastes shift
Producers in Poland, Czechia and Moldova are rebranding locally and pursuing new strategies to stay afloat after the collapse of major foreign markets, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions on premium alcohol.
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.
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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
Poland, Hungary return to space for first time in post-Soviet era
Uznanski is now Poland’s first astronaut in space since 1978, when Miroslaw Hermaszewski flew under the Soviet Intercosmos programme. Kapu is Hungary’s first since Bertalan Farkas's 1980 mission aboard Soyuz 36 under the same programme.
Hungary's decision to quit international court triggers diplomatic fallout
The withdrawal will take legal effect on 2 June 2026, making Hungary the first EU member state to exit the Rome Statute, which underpins the ICC’s jurisdiction to prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
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.
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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
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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.