Central Europe / News
Tensions in the Baltic Sea: Russia detains oil tanker that left Estonian port
Russian authorities detained a Greek-owned oil tanker, Green Admire, on May 18 after it departed from Estonia’s Port of Sillamae en route to Rotterdam, and was transiting Russia’s territorial waters along a previously agreed shipping corridor.
Nationalist gains upper hand in Polish presidential race despite first-round defeat
Historian Karol Nawrocki, running as independent with the backing of radical right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, came second in last night’s first round of presidential election in Poland that will make the run off a tight race.
Hungarian fertilser maker agrees with bondholders on extending €200mn debt
Hungary’s leading fertiliser maker Nitrogemuvek, owned by businessman Laszlo Bige, has reached an agreement with investors holding 75% of its €200mn bond package on a 60-day extension of the debt after the company missed a deadline last week.
Poles to hint if they want to hand Tusk more power in presidential election's first round this Sunday
Voting is underway in Poland and Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski is poised to advance to the second round of Poland’s presidential election on May 18, according to multiple opinion polls ahead of the first-round vote on May 18.
BYD moves European HQ to Hungary, sets up €250mn business and development
Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD will relocate its European headquarters from the Netherlands to Hungary as part of a newly signed strategic cooperation agreement with the Hungarian government on May 15.
Viktor Orban's "bullet shield" and long-time chief prosecutor leaves post to secure job at Constitutional Court
Peter Polt is stepping down as chief prosecutor after more than two decades in the role, three years before his mandate was due to end, to take up a seat on the Constitutional Court, an institution already stacked with figures loyal to Viktor Orban.
Viktor Orban escalates crackdown on civil society and media with sweeping Russian-type foreign agents law legislation
Hungary's ruling Fidesz has unveiled a draft law that critics warn could cripple the country's remaining independent media outlets and civil society organisations, deepening fears over democratic backsliding and growing estrangement from the EU.
Central Europeans overwhelmingly oppose Trumpist narratives about free speech, 2025 Media Freedom Poll shows
Citizens of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia oppose the Trump administration’s narratives about free speech as allegedly not requiring the regulation of social media, with nearly 90% demanding that online platforms act against hate speech.
Hungary’s Richter expands US footprint with strategic investment in biopharma company
CEE’s leading pharma Richter Gedeon has acquired a "significant stake" and entered into a business development partnership with Granata Bio, a US-based company specialising in reproductive health.
Magyar Telekom to spin off mobile towers unit
Magyar Telekom will spin off its passive mobile infrastructure into a separate unit, the company announced on May 13. The transaction, pending approval by shareholders at the June 26 EGM, could be closed in the last quarter.
Hungary's annual vehicle output set to reach 1mn soon, Foreign Minister says at automotive conference
Ongoing projects in Hungary's vehicle sector will push annual output above 1mn cars and 2mn engines, and Hungary will have the world's second-largest EV battery production capacity, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said.
Viktor Orban meets Bank of China chairman amid deepening financial ties with Beijing
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with Bank of China chairman Ge Haijiao in Budapest on May 12. The talks focused on expanding the Chinese banking giant’s operations in the country, according to a brief government statement.
EU Commissioner asks Czechs to wait to sign Dukovany nuclear contract
Czech media speculated that the European Commission could take action over the Dukovany nuclear tender, including a possible review of the selection of KHNP.
EBRD cuts 2025 growth forecasts citing tariffs and global uncertainty
Development bank lowers forecasts for Emerging Europe, Central Asia and North Africa as slowdowns in Germany and China take their toll.
Orban backs away from far-right Romanian presidential candidate Simion
Hungarian PM Orban’s apparent support for ultranationalist politician George Simion sparked a backlash from Romania’s Hungarian minority.
COMMENT: Slovak Prime Minister Fico hits back at EU foreign policy chief Kallas criticism of his Moscow trip in a scathing letter
A war of words between Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and EU foreign policy chief and former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas escalated with a scathing letter following Fico Moscow trip to attend Putin's V-Day celebrations.
Poland and France seal landmark defence and cooperation treaty
The agreement, which includes mutual military assistance, marks the first time France has extended such a commitment to a non-neighbouring country.
EU leaders demand Putin end hostilities or face crushing sanctions
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a rare midnight press conference on May 10 and called for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in the Istanbul format, as the key EU members of the coalition of the willing met Ukrainian President Zelinskiy.
Lithuanian activists hand out condoms on Victory Day to prevent 'another Putin' from being born
Activists gave out condoms at the entrance to the Antakalnis Cemetery in Vilnius, where the city’s Russian community were marking Victory over Fascism Day.
Police issue dire warning after bear spotted in Tallinn, the Estonian capital
The Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) issued a public safety warning following the sighting of a bear in the Nomme district of Tallinn on May 8, ERR.ee reported on May 9.