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)
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
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
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged European countries to increase defence expenditures in alignment with the official 2% of GDP target for NATO members, as frequently cited by US President Donald Trump.
Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Tusk emphasised that the EU’s survival depends on its
Hungary’s political landscape is marked by a mix of economic uncertainty increasing opposition momentum and continued tensions with the EU, according to the annual report of independent Budapest-based think tank Policy Solutions.
“Fifteen years in power was supposed to be a key milestone when things could have mellowed for
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
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
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
Although Romania joined the Schengen free travel area at the beginning of 2025, international trains are still running on unchanged schedules and waiting at border stations due to the inaction of the Hungarian Transport Ministry, local transport website kozlekedotomeg.hu reported.
Free travel zone entry delayed in practice
Romania and
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
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
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
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
Romania and Bulgaria are set to become full members of the Schengen Area on 1 January, a significant milestone in their integration into the borderless zone. This represents the destination of a journey that began in 2011 when the European Commission (EC) first adjudged both countries as ready to join,
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