Central Europe / News
Europe's troublemakers meet in Belgrade
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade on May 23, in a display of solidarity between two of Europe’s most defiant political figures.
Hungary's richest see €5bn surge in wealth, with Orban allies among biggest gainers
Hungary’s 100 wealthiest individuals saw their combined fortunes surge by a record HUF2tn (€5bn) over the past year, lifting the total above HUF11tn for the first time, according to the 24th annual edition of the 100 Richest Hungarians ranking.
Whose is bigger (march)? Poland’s presidential race becoming ever tighter
Liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski and his radical right-wing rival Karol Nawrocki will each lead separate marches through the capital on May 25, as both candidates escalate their campaigns before Poland’s presidential run-off on June 1.
The EU prepares a Plan B to sidestep Hungary's veto of Ukraine's accession bid
Brussels is preparing Plan B to side step Hungary’s veto of Ukraine’ accession to the EU, European Pravda reported on May 21. The initial legal steps have already been taken, though they remain undisclosed, according to multiple EU sources.
Russian authorities release Green Admire tanker after seizure near an Estonian port
The Liberian-flagged tanker Green Admire, detained by Russian authorities on May 18 after departing the Estonian port of Sillamae, has been released and is now en route to its original destination, Rotterdam.
Opposition calls on health minister to resign after Slovakia fails to back WHO pandemic treaty
Prime Minister Robert Fico and other officials from the senior ruling Smer party have adopted a hardline conspiratorial line on Covid-19.
US envoy urges Europe to reduce reliance on Moscow and Beijing at Budapest security conference
US chargé d'affaires Robert Palladino in a Budapest conference said the US wants Europe to step up and contribute more significantly to Ukraine’s defence, and he wants a Europe that is not dependent on Moscow or Beijing.
Slovak Supreme Court cancels acquittal of main suspect in murder of journalist Ján Kuciak
Kuciak’s murder rocked the country and sparked the largest mass demonstrations in the history of independent Slovakia.
Hungarian lawmakers approve withdrawal from ICC
Lawmakers approved Hungary’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) on May 20 with 134 votes in favour and 37 against. The Orban government has become the first EU country to leave the Hague-based institution.
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Brazil poultry sector hit as bird flu prompts global export bans
Brazil, the world's largest poultry exporter, has confirmed its first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza on a commercial farm, triggering immediate import bans from major markets including China and the EU.
Polish presidential frontrunners begin scrambling for support outside their natural environs
Karol Nawrocki and Rafał Trzaskowski are scrambling to win over voters who backed neither of them in the first round of Poland’s presidential election. The decisive second round will take place on June 1.
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.