From record R&D to CERN: Slovenia’s innovation surge
Slovenia has more than doubled its public R&D spending in a decade, to nearly 0.9 % of GDP, the highest share in CEE, an Erste Bank Research report published on 6 August found.
Romania
A collection of 207 posts
CEE developers offer better value than Western Europe
Research by TechBehemoths shows that strong education systems, multilingual talent pools and EU-level legal protections keep CEE competitive for global tech outsourcing and nearshoring.
Balkan economies weigh cost of US-EU tariff 'compromise'
The World Bank forecasts regional growth of 3.1% in 2025, and finance ministries say cushioning the tariff shock will be essential to meeting that target. However, regional industry groups are warning of mounting pressure on Balkan economies.
Polish gov’t creates economy superministry in major cabinet reshuffle
The model reflects past moves in Hungary and Romania to centralise economic power, often justified as way to improve implementation. Poland’s approach, however, appears more technocratic, with few political figures outside the prime minister and foreign minister elevated.
EC unveils EUR 2tn 2028-34 budget draft, tilting funding model towards CEE countries
The EC is expected to present the proposal formally as part of its mid-term budget review later this year. The plan must be approved unanimously by all 27 member states and endorsed by the European Parliament. Opposition is expected from net contributor countries and regions facing cuts.
Poland, Czechia, Baltics lead Ukraine recovery push, Hungary, Slovakia reject plans
CEE contributions include cross-border logistics, public-private coordination platforms, and green recovery initiatives. Regional forums such as the Three Seas Initiative are also expected to play a larger role in financing and implementation.
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.
Balkan ministers back Ukraine’s NATO bid at Dubrovnik summit
Serbia and Bulgaria did not sign the Dubrovnik declaration. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has maintained a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding NATO, while Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has voiced concerns about deepening military support for Ukraine.
CEE countries jointly oppose EU's 'flexible funding' plan
The signatories, including Poland, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, said the policy’s “visibility and predictability” would be compromised if merged into a broader single investment fund.
Albania, Montenegro could join EU by 2030 - EU commissioner
Albania is expected to have opened all the EU accession negotiation clusters by September, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said on 1 July at a Western Balkans leaders’ meeting in Skopje, North Macedonia.
CEE distillers pivot to domestic sales as exports fall, tastes shift
Producers in Poland, Czechia and Moldova are rebranding locally and pursuing new strategies to stay afloat after the collapse of major foreign markets, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions on premium alcohol.
NATO endorses 5% defence spending framework at The Hague summit
Under the Hague Investment Plan adopted on 25 June, NATO members committed to raise annual defence-related spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. The 5% comprises 3.5% on conventional military capability and 1.5% on infrastructure, cyber-defence and civil preparedness; including support for Ukraine. cet
Baltics surge for household consumption, Hungary slumps
Hungary has now fallen to the lowest position in the EU for actual individual consumption (AIC), despite its starting position ahead of several regional peers two decades ago.
CEE diversifies on gas, as Merz decries Nord Stream 2 'mistake'
In late May, Merz said Nord Stream 2 must stay closed to “weaken Moscow's war machine” and also declared that his government would “do everything” to prevent the pipeline from going online.ce
CEE auto industry powers exports, stalls on e-mobility
While Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia continue to attract foreign capital, structural delays in electrification and infrastructure risk diminishing long-term value, according to the International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map.