Poland leads EU funding recipients with EUR 123.3 bn in long‑term budget draft

The European Commission (EC) published long-term budget allocation plans on 17 July, showing Poland set to receive the highest national allocation under the 2028-34 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), totalling EUR 123.3bn.

CEE’s minimum wage surge spooks small business groups

2 min read Eurostat, Poland, North Macedonia, minimum wage, Romania, Bulgaria, czechia, Slovakia, Croatia, Estonia, 800 Plus, Hungary, Hungarian Chamber of Commerce, Portugal

Nominal minimum wages in Romania and Bulgaria have more than doubled in the last decade, with the sharpest growth before 2020. Czechia and Slovakia now apply EU-aligned benchmarks for annual adjustments.

Hungary pays neighbours to avoid blackouts: lessons from Spain’s recent energy crisis

3 min read Energy, European Commission, European Parliament, European Union, Paks 2, Portugal, Spain, Teresa Ribera, Economy, V4 & Romania, Hungary, EU

Hungary currently leads the world for share of solar energy in its energy mix, as it generated a quarter of its domestic electricity from photovoltaic panels in 2024. However, the recent massive blackout in Spain and Portugal served as a reminder of the challenges involved with high reliance on renewable