Central Europe / News
Record turnout reported as Hungarians vote in pivotal election that could end Orbán era
Hungarians turned out in record numbers in a closely fought parliamentary election that could end Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule and reshape the country’s relationship with the European Union.
Slovenia’s NLB announces €29 per share takeover bid for Addiko Bank
CEO Blaz Brodnjak says acquisition would complement NLB Group’s universal banking model and support its long-term strategic priorities.
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Viktor Orban makes last-ditch appeal for unity in final campaign push
Looking tired and weary, Hungary’s veteran leader, trailing in the polls behind, praised Fidesz’s achievements, including transforming a crumbling nation into a stable, secure homeland.
Zelenskiy proposes a new European version of Nato
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has proposed the creation of a new European-centred security bloc that would include Ukraine, the EU, the UK, Turkey and Norway, as concerns mount over the future of US support for Nato.
Hungary signs major US energy, defence, and technology agreements during Vance’s visit
Hungary signs $22bn in deals with the US during VP Vance's Budapest visit, including $700mn in HIMARS rockets, a $20bn SMR nuclear study and $500mn in crude oil purchases by MOL from American suppliers.
Hungary shared intelligence with Iran after 2024 Hezbollah pager incident
Shortly after Israel detonated thousands of pagers used by members of the Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah in a deadly operation in September 2024, the Orban government offered its assistance to Iran.
Lithuania’s ruling coalition holds despite mounting dispute over new training ground
Lithuania’s governing coalition is expected to hold together despite mounting disagreements over plans to build a new military training ground in Kapciamiestis, leaders of the ruling parties, the SD.
JD Vance praises Viktor Orban, accuses EU and Ukraine of meddling in Hungarian elections
Vance paid a visit to Budapest to endorse Donald Trump's strongest EU ally, just days before the pivotal elections on April 12.
Hungary's Orban says friendship elevated to new level in leaked talk with Putin
Leaked conversation reinforced narratives that Hungarian PM Viktor Orban, long seen as Russia’s strongest ally within the EU, often aligns with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s interests.
Hungarian election outcome may do little to ease EU funding deadlock for Ukraine
Ukraine’s access to tens of billions of euros in European Union support may remain uncertain regardless of the outcome of Hungary’s closely contested election this month.
Hungary urges end to Russian energy sanctions as energy crisis builds
Hungary has called for the lifting of sanctions on Russian oil and gas imports, as Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned that Europe faces a potential energy crisis and ordered military protection for a key pipeline.
Slovak PM Fico to visit Moscow for Victory Day
Robert Fico was the only EU leader to attend the Moscow parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII last year.
JD Vance heads to Budapest to give final campaign push for Orban
The visit comes just days ahead of the pivotal April 12 election and is widely viewed as a demonstration of support for Orban and his Fidesz party, which is currently trailing the opposition Tisza Party.
Explosives found near Serbia gas pipeline ahead of Hungary vote
Powerful explosives were discovered near a key gas pipeline in northern Serbia that supplies Russian gas to Hungary, raising concerns about energy security a week before Hungary’s parliamentary election.
Lithuania warns demographic decline could shrink economy by 7.2%
Economy and Innovations Minister Edvinas Griksas says due to negative demographic factors, Lithuania’s economy could be up to 7.2% smaller over the next 20 years than it would be under stable demographic conditions.
Erdogan lobbies Fico in campaign to lift EU sanctions on Uzbek tycoon Usmanov
Media outlet publishes full text of letter written to Slovak PM by Turkish president.
Lithuania’s PM downplays concerns over Nato unity after Trump’s threat to dump alliance
US president suggested Washington could reconsider its membership of Nato after the alliance declined to support his military action against Iran.
Wiretaps reveal Hungary colluded with Russia to delist oligarchs from sanctions list
Secretly recorded calls between Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjarto and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov also show diplomats' shared criticism of the European Union.
Polish defence major Niewiadów PGM secures approval for WSE main market debut
CEO Adam Januszko says Niewiadów PGM aims to become a key partner in the expansion of Polish and Nato defence capacities.
Editors of leading Czech outlets call on PM Babiš to respect press freedom
The joint statement issued in response to barrage of attacks by PM Andrej Babiš against independent media outlets.