Hungary
V4, Baltic and SEE states clock up strong new car registrations growth in H1
Growth in most Central and Southeast European member states outstrips modest 4.7% average increase in demand seen across the EU.
Nato still has a mixed reception in Emerging Europe
After 70 years of being told Nato was the enemy, most of the populations of the former Communist bloc continue to have mixed feelings about their former enemies – even if the geopolitics have changed radically.
EU turns up infringement pressure on Hungary’s NGO, higher education laws
First law unduly interferes with basic rights and free movement of capital, second runs counter to academic freedom, says Brussels.
Smaller cities more business-friendly than capitals in Bulgaria, Hungary
World Bank study reveals wide variations in business environment across cities in Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania.
 Cropped_1499938294.jpg)
Growth potential of CEE and SEE halved in crisis decade, says IMF official
Fund’s Europe head warns rapid outflows of skilled workers, ageing workforce and political turmoil are adding to dilemma.
Hungary backs down on "anti-semitic" Soros billboard campaign
Opposition claims government has caved to pressure over the demonising of liberal philanthropist seen as PM’s public enemy number one.
Czechs claim conclusive evidence of second-rate supermarket goods in CEE
Czech agriculture minister cites extensive research results in calling on EU counterparts to finally address issue of inferior consumer products being sold by multinationals in ‘second league’ member states.
CHINA RISING: Belt and Road Initiative helps shift Chinese investments to Eastern Europe
Chinese investments in Central and Southeast Europe are on an upward trend that is expected to accelerate as investors shift their attention towards the region.
COMMENT: Trying times for the WTO in Hamburg
Diplomats at the G20 summit in Hamburg managed to cobble together a compromise text promising not to resort to trade protectionism, but whether this will eliminate the threat of trade wars remains to be seen.
Central European PMIs remain robust in June
Central European manufacturing purchasing manager indices (PMI) remained robust in June, according to data released on July 3. However, the results were less impressive than forecast.
.jpg)
CONFERENCE CALL: IIB looks ahead to the next five years
By 2022 the Moscow-based development bank aims to double its assets, diversify its loan portfolio, and expand the geography of its operations.
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.
ALACO DISPATCHES: Russian pipeline dispute escalates as US enters the fray
American sanctions threat fuels tensions surrounding Russia’s plans to expand gas supplies to Europe.
Czech PM-in-waiting jumps aboard populist bandwagon 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.