Central Europe / News
Czechia and Hungary block EU sanctions against Israeli settlers
Leading Czech figures sign open letter to the government to change its pro-Israel stance and stop ignoring the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip.
BaltCap manager suspected of embezzling and gambling away up to €30m
Scandal exposes supervision loopholes in the fund, banking and gambling industries.
Poland’s political stand-off could hurt budget consolidation, says Fitch
Rating agency says level and frequency of confrontation has exceeded its expectations and is starting to affect policy implementation.
US ambassador sends stark message to Orban after Fidesz boycotts vote on Swedish Nato membership
Sweden's accession to Nato is an issue that directly affects the national security of the United States and the security of the alliance as a whole, says Pressman.
Orlen sold Lotos assets for at least €1.15bn below market value, state auditor says
Warsaw-listed fuels and energy giant Orlen sold assets of peer Lotos PLN5bn (€1.15bn) below their market value, according to a report by the state audit body NIK.
Czech cabinet ministers clash over euro adoption again
European affairs minister appoints envoy for adopting the euro currency despite coalition agreement not to pursue the subject.
Orban tries to save face after EU summit
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was given assurances that the question of Budapest's blocked funds, around €22bn, would be handled impartially.
New Polish government dismisses Orlen chief as clean-up after PiS continues in state companies
Investigations launched into sell-off of assets in Lotos merger, and company’s lowering of fuel prices before the election last year.
Orban backs down again and lets Ukraine aid go ahead
The Hungarian strongman had come under huge pressure since he vetoed the EU package at a summit before Christmas.
Duda–Tusk war continues as president signs 2024 budget but sends it to top court for review
President refers budget to PiS-dominated Constitutional Tribunal because two of its MPs were prevented from voting because they were in jail.
CEE’s logistic giant building new base near CATL and BMW factories in eastern Hungary
Hungarian logistics company Waberer's is building a 20,000-sqm logistics centre in one of the most dynamic regions in eastern Hungary to serve the needs of automotive suppliers,
EU to renew Ukraine’s trade access, but introduces an agricultural “safety brake”
The European Commission intends to extend Ukraine’s access to EU markets at the summit this week but will introduce restrictions on some key agricultural products to protect members state’s domestic markets, UBN reported on January 31.
Favourite Westinghouse ejected from Czech nuclear tender
Czech premier announces French EDF and South Korean KHNP will be asked to submit binding offers for up to four new units at the Dukovany and Temelin nuclear power plants.
Hungary’s central bank opts for smaller-than-expected rate cut amid rising risks
MNB says risks surrounding global disinflation and volatility in international investor sentiment led the rate cut to be limited to 75bp.
Hungary remains most corrupt country in EU, Transparency International finds
Viktor Orban's government has made little effort to restore the rule of law and fight corruption, which are the preconditions to continue to enjoy EU funds.
Italians outraged at trial of antifa activist in Hungary
Meloni calls Orban after Ilaria Salis shown shackled as she goes on trial for attempted violent assault on neo-nazis.
EU denies blackmail of Hungary as Budapest indicates potential compromise
EU source claims reported threat to freeze aid to Hungary indefinitely was only 'background material'.
EU leaders threaten to punish Hungary for Ukraine veto
Orban is now being told that Hungary’s frozen EU funds will be suspended indefinitely unless he co-operates on Ukraine, according to a report in the Financial Times.
Czech government threatens Liberty Steel with legal action over stricken mill
Industry minister claims UK-based group took money out of the company and warns of 'possible legal repercussions for breaching duties'.
Poland’s Orlen denies reports that sale of Lotos assets to Saudi Aramco was below market value
The State Treasury, which holds a 49.9% stake in the company, will propose changes in Orlen’s supervisory board.