Central Europe / News
EU states split on Commission mandate for Nord Stream 2
Thirteen of the 28 EU member states have given their backing to a request from the European Commission for a mandate to negotiate with Russia over the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.
Czech PM-in-waiting jumps aboard populist wave as he breaks foreign policy silence
The Czech Republic will not join the euro or the push for deeper EU integration, and will continue to resist migrant quotas, said Andrej Babis, who looks destined to become PM following elections in October.
Visegrad states react according to script to EU summit's calls for reform
While the Eurosceptic Poles and Hungarians were scathing of French President Macron’s efforts to kickstart reform of the bloc, the Czechs and Slovaks were more open minded.
Polish coalmining enjoys its good times while they last
The largely positive market environment, together with financial restructuring, have enabled Polish miners to turn in decent results in the first quarter.
A Pew poll finds conservative attitudes still rule in CEE
A poll by Pew Research found that attitudes to both democracy and homosexuality remain very conservative in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), including among the young.
Bell says no deal done yet to sell Czechs 12 military helicopters
Contrary to the opinion of some Czech MPs, the government tender to buy 12 multi-role helicopters is not a done deal in favour of Bell Helicopter. In fact, politics could intrude with elections set for October 20-21.
Polish regulator rejects RBI’s plea to postpone IPO of Polish unit
The KNF's decision forces the Austrian lender to float Raiffeisen Bank Polska in under three weeks in unfavourable market conditions.
Hungarian parliament approves controversial NGO bill
Defying international criticism and the threat of sanctions, Hungary's parliament passed a controversial bill on NGO's on June 13.
Russia dominates CEE region in global university ranking
Emerging markets are starting to feature more prominently on the QS World University Rankings, with Russia's top five universities all advancing more than 10 places on the latest index.
Brussels launches action against Visegrad states over migrant quotas
Growing in confidence that it has beaten the populist threat, the EU has launched infringement proceedings against the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland over their refusal to take part in the EU’s migrant quota scheme.
EU seeks a hard power boost
Officials insist enhanced EU defence co-operation should focus on terrorism and is not a reaction to the way President Trump has cast doubt over Nato guarantees.
Banking convergence returns to Central and Eastern Europe, says RBI
The banking downturn is over, with profitability surging last year, according to the lender's annual CEE Banking Report.
RBI suspends preparations for IPO of Polish unit
Austrian lender negotiates with regulator to postpone the flotation because of weak pricing, and may switch back to trade sale option.
Businessman linked to PM Orban acquires 49% stake in Hungary's MKB
A private equity fund controlled by a Hungarian oligarch regularly named as a proxy for the prime minister has agreed a deal to buy a 49% stake in MKB Bank.