News by country

A collection of 65 posts

Hungarian consortium’s purchase of Talgo blocked by Spain on security grounds

Hungarian consortium’s purchase of Talgo blocked by Spain on security grounds

The Spanish government has vetoed Hungarian consortium Ganz-MaVag’s attempt to purchase Spanish train manufacturer Talgo, citing national security concerns, local media reported. Ganz-Mavag, which includes Hungary’s state fund Corvinus, made a EUR 619mn public tender offer for the maker of the iconic Alta Velocidad Espanola (AVE) high-speed trains

South Korea influence grows in CEE defence

South Korea influence grows in CEE defence

As the EU assesses its defence strategies amidst escalating geopolitical tensions, South Korea has emerged as a significant player in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) defence market. Korea makes strategic defence exports to CEE South Korea’s defence industry has gained notable traction in CEE, where countries are upping

Romania asks EU for top commissioner post, as Poland, Czechia, Austria, Slovenia jostle for position

Romania asks EU for top commissioner post, as Poland, Czechia, Austria, Slovenia jostle for position

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has requested that his country’s upcoming European Commissioner focuses on economic policies, following a meeting with European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Thursday. “I want a portfolio that is highly relevant, given that we are the sixth largest country

Hungary nears energy deal in wake of Lukoil sanctions - FM

Hungary nears energy deal in wake of Lukoil sanctions - FM

Hungary is rushing to safeguard its energy security following Ukraine’s sanctions on Russian oil company Lukoil, and is in active discussions to guarantee alternative supply routes, according to the country’s top diplomat. Szijjarto concerned over energy supplies Despite protests from Budapest and Bratislava, the European Commission (EC) has

Baltics ranked #2 region for internet speed, Eastern Europe #4

Baltics ranked #2 region for internet speed, Eastern Europe #4

In total 6 of 17 countries from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) made the top 50 for fastest internet speeds, with an average download speed of 76.58 Mbps, placing it the 4th global region. CEE’s top performers were Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania, with average speeds of 145.19

Rail Baltica in focus as Baltic leaders meet

Rail Baltica in focus as Baltic leaders meet

Transport was on the agenda when Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, Latvia Prime Minister Evika Silina, and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal met in Klaipeda, west Lithuania, at the weekend. The Rail Baltica, a high-speed rail connection across the Baltic states, is encountering significant challenges and rising costs, drawing concern

As Serbia mulls lithium mine, Bulgaria, Slovenia explore sodium-ion as alternative

As Serbia mulls lithium mine, Bulgaria, Slovenia explore sodium-ion as alternative

As tens of thousands of Serbians rally in opposition to the contentious lithium mining project planned by company Rio Tinto in Jadar, west Serbia, an alternative is being investigated elsewhere in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). A crucial material for enabling the EU to meet its 2030 climate goals may

Belgrade protests planned lithium mine in Jadar

Belgrade protests planned lithium mine in Jadar

Serbian police forcibly removed demonstrators from railway stations protesting the lithium mining project planned by company Rio Tinto, in the country’s capital Belgrade on Sunday August 11. President Aleksandar Vucic’s government last month authorised the British-Australian global mining group to establish Europe’s largest lithium mine – and reportedly

Erste sees moderate economic growth in CEE

Erste sees moderate economic growth in CEE

Adoption of zero-emission vehicles gaining traction in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), according to Erste Group’s macroeconomic report for August 2024. The Austrian financial service provider’s analysis sees varied economic trajectories and fluctuating trade balances across CEE, as Slovenia reported a trade deficit of EUR 0.64bn in

Romania increasingly key strategic ally for US - analysis

Romania increasingly key strategic ally for US - analysis

The expansion and modernisation of the NATO air base in Constanta, south-east Romania, symbolises the country’s growing strategic importance to NATO and the US, regional expert Ronald H. Linden writes in an article entitled “Romania is America’s new indispensable ally in Eastern Europe” in US politics daily The