Central Europe / News
Orban’s new right-wing alliance meets legal threshold to set up faction in EP
The big question is whether France’s National Front is ready to join the new alliance with its 30 MEPs, following its defeat in the French general elections on Sunday.
Orban admits visit to Moscow was organized in utmost secrecy in days after visit to Kyiv
Hungarian leader heads to Beijing for next visit, exploiting platform as rotating European Council president to follow his own foreign policy, to fury of European Commission.
Hungarian PM Orban arrives in Moscow to meet Putin on “peace mission”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban posted a picture on social media of himself arriving at Moscow’s airport with the caption: “Peace mission continues, second stop – Moscow.”
wiiw sees brighter growth prospects for ‘resilient’ Emerging Europe
Growth is mainly driven by a strong rise in real wages, leading to higher private consumption, while EU members are showing resilience in the face of Germany's economic downturn.
Hungarian PM Viktor Orban makes surprise visit to Kyiv, calls for ceasefire
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on July 2, his first since the war began, for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expected to focus on peace and bilateral relations.
Orban forms radical right-wing EU faction with ANO and FPO
However, it is far from clear that the new grouping will become a formal political group in the EP, which must have MEPs from seven countries.
Orban is sole holdout in rejecting extension of von der Leyen's mandate
Hungarian premier also abstained on Kaja Kallas as high representative for foreign affairs.
Orban working on setting up new faction of CEE parties
The new group could include Hungary's Fidesz, Poland's former ruling party Law and Justice (PiS), former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis's ANO party, and former Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa's Slovenian Democrats.
Slovak parliament approves legislation restricting protests and strengthening security for high officials
Crackdown follows assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico last month.
Estonian PM’s nomination as EU high representative leaves vacuum in Reform leadership
Estonia remains mired in recession and the coalition is divided over austerity measures.
Slovak cabinet slams Czech police over inaction on online comments against Fico
Tensions between the two close neighbours have appeared since the formation of Fico's left-right government in October, notably over the two governments' divergent stances on the Russia-Ukraine war
First shipment of ammunition from Czech-led initiative arrives in Ukraine
The Czech government has said that the first 50,000 to 100,000 artillery shells would reach Ukraine in June, and half a million by the end of the year.
Orban begins mini-tour of EU capitals ahead of bloc presidency
Talks revolved around the divvying out of EU jobs and Hungary’s agenda for the upcoming presidency, and less about the role of Fidesz in the European Parliament.
Hungary receives exemption from Russian sanctions for Paks NPP project
Hungary receives exemption for the €12bn project by Rosatom to add two 1,200 MW blocks to Hungary's only commercial nuclear power plant.
Slovak Ministry of Defence files lawsuit against previous cabinet over donation of fighter jets to Ukraine
Ministry says decision against constitution and contractual obligations and left skies unprotected.
Slovak parliament approves dismantling of public broadcaster
RTVS employees have been on strike and many of them marched through Bratislava with taped mouths in protest at the law, which will allow the government to take tighter control of public TV.
Poland, Hungary and Slovakia set to enter EU's Excessive Deficit Procedure
Hungary, Poland and Slovakia breached the 3% of GDP budget deficit threshold in 2023 and are expected to continue to do so in 2024 and 2025.
Hungary wants to 'Make Europe Great Again' during its EU presidency
The incoming Hungarian presidency also unveiled the Rubik's Cube as its logo, described as "the essence of Hungarian genius".
Czech minister says two investors are interested in taking over Liberty Steel’s insolvent local unit
The government has refused to run to the aid of Liberty Ostrava and now appears determined to transfer its operations to a domestic investor.
Orban drops opposition to Rutte as Nato chief
Romania expected to drop candidacy of President Klaus Iohannis in time for defence alliance to make decision by consensus at July 9 summit.