The Polish miracle: How did the “Poor man of Europe” become an economic leader?
Poland’s economic success lies in consistent reforms and smart EU fund use, while Hungary and Romania followed more volatile development paths.
V4 & Romania
A collection of 168 posts
Czechia starts the year under provisional budget as new government reworks fiscal plans
New year, new fiscal rules: The Czech Republic has entered a period of provisional budgeting after the new coalition rejected its predecessor's draft.
New waste incinerator: Warsaw follows the Scandinavian model
Warsaw has opened the city’s new waste-to-energy plant, which can incinerate over 300,000 tons of solid waste annually, nearly one-third of the city’s total waste production.
Polish domestic tensions: Education in the crosshairs
Poland’s education system, reformed in the 2000s, faces a new overhaul, fueling tensions between the government and the right-leaning president.
EU-Mercosur agreement: No unified regional position
Despite expectations, the EU–Mercosur deal was not signed and stances of CEE countries remain divided.
Caps and ceilings: Fighting inflation with price regulation in several countries in the region
Administrative interventions are used to curb inflation in numerous CEE countries, with Hungary adopting the most market‑interfering measures.
Anti-corruption bodies under pressure in Central and Eastern Europe
Recent corruption revelations in Ukraine and institution restructuring in Slovakia brings renewed attention to anti-corruption bodies in CEE.
Tisza Party widens lead in Hungary, poll suggests
Fidesz’s recovery stalls as a new 21 Kutatóközpont poll shows Tisza Party gaining ground ahead of Hungary’s 2026 election.
Polish pension anomalies: Waiting for reform
Policy reforms now allow the pension authority to retroactively review contributions and question their legality.
Romania outlines major military modernisation plans
Romania’s Ministry of National Defence has announced plans for a wide-ranging modernisation of the armed forces.
Babiš secures third term and steers Czechia toward Central Europe
Babiš has been officially appointed the Czech Prime Minister for the third time, following his ANO party’s success in the October 2025 elections.
How Wizz Air transformed the CEE region's way of travel
Wizz Air transformed CEE aviation since its 2003 founding by delivering ultra-low-cost, point-to-point flights from secondary airports, slashing fares and expanding connectivity.
Poland and the G20: Claiming a seat at the big table
From a post-communist economy to a European powerhouse, Poland is now seeking a role in global politics.
Slovakia’s Beneš decree dispute reopens old wounds, and new political calculations
Slovakia’s debate over the Beneš decrees resurfaces grievances about postwar property rights while serving new aims in domestic political bargaining.
Czech leader Babiš to surrender control of Agrofert ahead of expected premiership
Babiš unveiled a plan to resolve the Agrofert conflict of interest, a step required to secure his appointment as Prime Minister.