Central Europe / News
Former Hungarian PM Ferenc Gyurcsany, long-time adversary of Viktor Orban, quits politics
Ferenc Gyurcsany, Hungary's former PM and longtime figurehead of the Democratic Coalition, is stepping down from all political roles and retreating from public life, marking the end of a polarising two-decade career that shaped Hungarian politics.
Slovak Prime Minister Fico forced to fly around the houses on his way to Moscow
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was forced to take the long way round on his trip to Moscow to attend Russia’s Victory Parade on Red Square on May 9.
Warsaw University in shock as student kills woman, injures man with axe
Poland’s leading University of Warsaw is in mourning after a 22-year-old law student killed a woman working as a porter and nearly fatally injured a man who attempted to assist her using an axe on May 7.
Brussels refers Hungary to EU Court over release of human smugglers
The European Commission has referred Hungary to the European Court of Justice over its controversial policy of releasing convicted human smugglers from prison before they complete their sentence, citing violations of EU criminal law obligations.
EU allies prepared to back Moldova’s EU accession bid without Ukraine if Hungary’s veto not lifted
EU member states most supportive of Ukraine are ready to move forward with accession talks for Moldova without Ukraine, if Hungary continues to block progress for Kyiv.
Hungarian Commissioner delays EU plan to curb Russian energy dependence
Hungary's EU Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi raised a last-minute objection to delay the approval of the EU's roadmap for ending the bloc's Russian energy reliance.
Hungary's Fiscal Council raises red flag over government 2026 draft budget plans
Hungary's Fiscal Council has raised concerns over the government's draft budget for 2026, warning that it rests on overly optimistic growth assumptions and contains multiple risks.
Press freedom declines sharply in several Balkan countries
Declines reported in Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania in the latest global ranking from Reporters Without Borders.
Hungary requests activation of national escape clause
Hungary is one of a dozen EU members to have formally requested the activation of the national escape clause under the bloc's Stability and Growth Pact, according to a statement by the European Commission.
MOL and TPAO bring upstream partnership to Hungary
Hungarian oil and gas company MOL and Turkish peer TPAO are partnering on hydrocarbon exploration and production in the west of Hungary, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said.
Hungarian policymakers keep rates on hold at 6.5%
The Monetary Council of the National Bank left the base rate unchanged at 6.5% with the overnight deposit and lending rates maintained at 5.50% and 7.50% respectively at a monthly policy meeting on April 29, in line with expectations.
Hungary faces potential EU legal action for quitting ICC
Hungary may face infringement proceedings from the European Commission after announcing to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, a move that could breach EU law despite the ICC not being an EU institution.
Croatia to prioritise economic cooperation as chair of Three Seas Initiative
Zagreb will focus on boosting economic, energy and infrastructure cooperation as it assumes the rotating presidency of the Three Seas Initiative, announced Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
Poland imposes sanctions on MyPrice Russian discount supermarket chain
Poland has imposed sanctions on the MyPrice Russian discount supermarket chain, which recently returned to operate in two locatiosn in Poland.
Hungarian analysts are split on MNB’s future course as rate hold looks imminent
The National Bank is widely expected to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 6.5% at Tuesday's policy meeting, but analysts are split on the course of monetary policy for the remainder of the year.
Hungarian opposition MPs banned from Parliament for first time since regime change
Hungary’s parliament on April 28 approved the suspension of six opposition lawmakers for their role in the chaotic March 18 session, when they protested against legislation restricting assembly rights, specifically banning Budapest Pride.
Hungary and Slovakia warn EU against scrapping unanimity rule over Ukraine membership bid
The leaders of Hungary and Slovakia warned on April 28 against changing the European Union’s unanimity rule, after proposals emerged to bypass their opposition to Ukraine’s EU accession bid.
Donald Trump Jr. tells business forum in Budapest: My job is to connect governments and the private sector
Donald Trump Jr has hailed the strong personal relationship between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and US President Donald Trump as a potential foundation for deepening economic ties between the two countries.
OTP’s AGM approves record dividend, board decides to split CEO and chairman posts
The board of OTP Bank, Hungary's biggest commercial lender, has decided to split the roles of chairman and CEO effective May 1, chairman-CEO Sandor Csanyi told shareholders at the AGM on April 24.
Russian and Belarusian agents accused of plotting attacks on exiled Belarusians in Lithuania
Lithuania’s domestic intelligence agency has accused Russian and Belarusian intelligence services of plotting to carry out violent attacks on Belarusian exiles residing in the country.