Central Europe / News
Hungary seeks to remove three Russian oligarchs from EU sanctions list, reports RFE/RL
The Russian investigative unit of Radio Free Europe, Systema, has published the names of Russian individuals Hungary seeks to remove from the EU sanctions list.
S&P warns of significant fiscal impact from Hungarian government's pre-election tax cuts
S&P Global Ratings warned that the government's measures of extending PIT exemptions to families and increasing welfare spending before the 2026 elections pose serious economic risks.
Relief in Emerging Europe at AfD’s election defeat, but concern over party's gains
Mainstream politicians across Central and Southeast Europe have expressed relief at the outcome of Germany's general election, which saw the far-right Alternative for Germany make gains but ultimately fall short of securing victory.
Hungarian judges demonstrate for freedom of judiciary
Thousands of judges and court workers held a demonstration in Budapest on February 22 for the freedom of the judiciary, organised by the Hungarian Judiciary Association (MABIE).
Hungary set to block extension of EU sanctions against Russia, citing peace talks
Hungary will not vote in favour of extending sanctions against Russian and Belarusian individuals at the upcoming meeting of the EU's Foreign Affairs Council, arguing that it would hinder US-Russian peace talks.
Potential US troop withdrawal from Europe to leave Kosovo exposed
Fears US may consider withdrawing its troops from Europe, including Kosovo, if Trump and Putin reach an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
EU endorses Hungary's revised medium-term fiscal plan
The European Council has endorsed Hungary's medium-term budgetary plan, which outlines a path for deficit reduction but reflects a more cautious economic outlook, National Economy Minister Marton Nagy announced after the Ecofin meeting.
EU Parliament joins lawsuit against Hungary over controversial Sovereignty Law
The European Parliament legal committee voted on February 18 to join the lawsuit against Hungary in the European Court of Justice regarding the controversial sovereignty protection law adopted in late 2023.
Leader of far-right SNS offers to give up party's ministries to keep Slovakia’s ruling coalition together
Populist Prime Minister Robert Fico's left-right coalition has been scrabbling for votes after three rebel legislators quit the SNS parliamentary grouping.
Ukrainian drone strikes Kazakhstan’s main oil export pipeline route in Russia
Attack comes on same day Hungarian and Kazakh top diplomats back idea of Ukraine conflict talks between Putin and Trump.
Poland’s Tusk warns European allies against making “empty promises” to Ukraine again
Europe must not make “empty promises” on security to Ukraine again, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk told reporters on February 17 just before flying to Paris for an emergency meeting of key European allies.
Hungarian e-commerce platforms falling behind regional peers on local turf
The Hungarian e-commerce market grew by 15% to HUF1.92 trillion (€4.8bn) in 2024, while sales generated by Hungarian and EU-based retailers increased at a slower pace, rising 10% to HUF1.6 trillion.
Hungary's opposition leader kicks off campaign at Tisza Party’s first congress with sweeping reform pledges
Peter Magyar, the leader of the opposition Tisza Party, delivered a scathing critique of the current political establishment and presented some clues to his party's election programme, with a focus on tackling the cost-of-living crisis.
Poland navigates alliance with US amid Trump’s diplomatic shake-up
Poland reaffirmed the long-standing commitment to its alliance with the United States as newly appointed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Warsaw on February 14 – his first bilateral trip since taking office.
Poland to play key role in EU Paris meeting to counter Trump’s Ukraine talks exclusion
Poland was the poor second cousin to its EU peers when it first joined the EU two decades ago. But a flourishing economy, its frontline position and growing military might means it’s been promoted to the top table in EU affairs.
Iraqi migrants face trial in Russia after EU-border jump to Latvia
Twenty-three men from Iraq's Kurdistan Region are awaiting trial in Russia following their detention at European Union borders, with one illegal migrant reportedly dying in custody.
Iraqi PM visits Czechia amid arms and security diversification push
Baghdad Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani arrived in Prague on February 13 for official talks focused on military deals.
BMW sets date for launch of serial production at Hungarian plant
Serial production at BMW's €1bn plant in Debrecen, eastern Hungary, will start in the autumn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto announced on February 13 after meeting with company executives.
Progressive Slovakia maintains lead as Fico pushes to keep his coalition together
The largest opposition party, centrist Progressive Slovakia, is maintaining its lead (24.6%) in the latest poll, by NMS Market Research, ahead of populist Smer.
German automotive industry crisis hits Hungarian suppliers
German-based automotive supplier ZF Hungary has announced plans to axe 110 jobs at its Hungarian base, citing the downturn in the European automotive sector and declining orders.