V4 & Romania

A collection of 132 posts

EU unveils strategy to compete with China, US

EU unveils strategy to compete with China, US

The European Commission (EC) unveiled its flagship “Competitiveness Compass” initiative on 29 January, the first major project of its 2024-29 term. The initiative is designed to serve as a strategic roadmap to foster innovation in sectors such as AI, semiconductors, quantum tech and biotechnology in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)

CEE media outlets, civil groups count cost of Trump’s aid freeze

CEE media outlets, civil groups count cost of Trump’s aid freeze

The suspension of foreign aid by incoming US President Donald Trump on 24 January is causing major disruption in sectors including independent media and NGOs across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), with many institutions now frantically seeking alternative funding sources. The US has traditionally played a key role in funding

Wave of anti-gov't protests sweeps CEE

Wave of anti-gov't protests sweeps CEE

The year in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has begun with large-scale protests across the region, including in Serbia, Slovakia, Greece and Montenegro, amid rising geopolitical tensions. While the triggers vary, the demonstrations have the common thread of addressing government incompetence and demanding improved transparency, reforms and alignment with European

Czechia stars on Deloitte CEE Tech 'Fast 50'

Czechia stars on Deloitte CEE Tech 'Fast 50'

Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is emerging as a hub for innovation and growth with the achievements of its fastest-growing technology companies, according to the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Central Europe 2024 report. The global auditor’s annual report, now in its 25th year, ranks the 50 fastest-growing public or

As EU probes TikTok, precedent-setting Romania announces date for election rerun

As EU probes TikTok, precedent-setting Romania announces date for election rerun

Romania’s government has approved a repeat presidential election in May after institutional chaos and controversy saw the ballot in November annulled. The rerun vote is scheduled for 4 May and – if no candidate secures a simple majority – another will be held on 18 May. Romania’s Constitutional Court on

What Trump presidency means for CEE

What Trump presidency means for CEE

US President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on Monday, 20 January, broke with tradition and extended invitations to political leaders. However, footage of former Poland prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki attempting to cross a barricade into the ceremony site by showing US National Guard members his Wikipedia page, which went viral

Romania leads CEE for EV adoption

Romania leads CEE for EV adoption

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) remains uneven, with significant variations between countries in the region, according to new data from the European Environment Agency (EEA). Adoption rates in CEE lag behind Western Europe: the Western Balkans, for example, has just 1,540 public EV charging

Poland begins EU presidency with Orban snub

Poland begins EU presidency with Orban snub

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he will prioritise security, defence and support for Ukraine while strengthening sanctions on Russia, at the launch event of his country’s presidency of the Council of the EU on 3 January, 2025. The gala began with a speech from Tusk, who outlined the

RegioJet CEE’s best rail operator - T&E report

RegioJet CEE’s best rail operator - T&E report

Czechia’s RegioJet is the top-performing rail operator in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) for cost and quality, according to the latest report of the European Federation for Transport and Environment, or Transport & Environment (T&E). In the report T&E, an umbrella organisation for green and

Poland to focus on security, regional cooperation during upcoming EU rotating presidency

Poland to focus on security, regional cooperation during upcoming EU rotating presidency

Polish government representatives outlined the key priorities for its six-month stint holding the presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 January , at a press event at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister in Warsaw on Tuesday, 10 December. Unveiling the motto of its upcoming tenure “Security, Europe!”, Polish

Poland leads CEE on media subscriptions - Reuters institute report

Poland leads CEE on media subscriptions - Reuters institute report

Digital news consumption in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is transforming, driven by evolving audience habits, technology adoption, and growing mistrust in traditional media, according to Reuters Digital News Report 2024. Internet penetration and smartphone usage have enabled a rapid shift online, but challenges related to declining trust in news