Central Europe / News
COMMENT: Fico hints Slovakia won’t spend 5% GDP on Nato defence under his watch
Prime Minister Robert Fico said that Slovakia would not increase defence spending to 5% of GDP as demanded by Nato, as his country has better things to spend budget money on.
Czech Supreme Court cancels acquittal of populist leader Babiš in EU subsidy fraud
The Czech Supreme Court in Prague has cancelled the acquittal of Czech populist leader and billionaire ex-Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and his ex-manager and MEP, Jana Nagyová, over the alleged €2mn Stork's Nest subsidy fraud.
Slovak ultranationalist leader Danko stirs rows inside Fico’s ruling coalition with talk about Nato exit
Andrej Danko's seeks to boost SNS’ faltering popularity in the radical anti-establishment electoral waters with anti-Nato rhetoric.
Hungary in talks with US on major business agreement to offset tariff impact
Hungary and the United States are holding behind-the-scenes negotiations on a potential business agreement aimed at mitigating the negative effects of US tariffs.
Russian ghost ship towed from Gdynia for scrapping in Denmark
Polish authorities began the removal of the derelict Russian oil tanker Khatanga from the Port of Gdynia after years of abandonment.
Budapest municipality to host Pride March on June 28 despite government opposition
The Municipality of Budapest will organise the 30th Budapest Pride event on June 28 as planned, reviving an earlier local tradition of holding a "freedom celebration" coinciding with the anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops.
European Commission targets Hungary’s mandatory markup caps
The European Commission on June 18 launched infringement procedures against Hungary over mandatory markup caps on a range of food and non-food products that the government introduced to counter inflation.
Ruling Fidesz prepares for spending blitz as Hungary lifts campaign limits
Hungary's ruling Fidesz party has pushed through legislation to scrap campaign spending limits, paving the way for what analysts expect will be the country's most expensive election campaign to date.
Czech cabinet survives no-confidence vote filed over bitcoin scandal
The Czech centre-right cabinet of Prime Minister Petr Fiala survived the no-confidence vote filed by the opposition parties over the scandal involving the bitcoin donation of CZK1bn (€40mn) to the Ministry of Justice from a sentenced drug dealer.
European Commission concerned about proposed changes to Slovak constitution
The European Commission is concerned about the changes to the Slovak constitution, which the left-right cabinet of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico is trying to push through the country’s parliament this week.
Hungarian Parliament approves 2026 budget amid mounting fiscal risks
Hungary’s parliament has approved the 2026 state budget with a projected deficit target of 3.7% of GDP, a goal that analysts widely consider unsustainable given the country's current fiscal trajectory.
Hungary to veto 'von der Leyen-Zelenskiy energy plan' over Russian import restrictions, foreign minister says
The European Commission is set to unveil a June 17 that would legally prohibit imports of Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas into the European Union by the end of 2027.
Hungary taps international markets with $4bn bond deal to finance growing budget gap
The transaction included $1.5bn in five-year notes, a $1bn 10-year tranche, and $1.5bn in bonds maturing in 2055.
Hungarian government takes anti-Ukraine fearmongering to new heights
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban released an AI-generated video on his social media depicting bombed-out buildings, bloody battlefield scenes and rows of coffins, suggesting that Hungary could be drawn into the conflict in Ukraine.
US resists EU and UK push to cut Russian oil price cap at G7 summit
The US is resisting calls from European governments to reduce the G7 price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel, frustrating efforts by the EU and UK to increase financial pressure on Moscow as leaders meet for a G7 in Canada.
Hungary reiterates veto threat over new EU sanctions on Russian energy
Hungary to initiate the removal of a recommendation to phase out Russian energy imports from the agenda of EU energy ministers' summit in light of the situation in the Middle East.
_1750051009.jpeg)
Slovak PM Fico wants EU leaders to postpone vote on new sanctions against Russia
Fico had previously criticised the plan to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, which the EU introduced last month.
Europe’s defence needs to adapt to different US, Czech President Pavel says
Europe must be able to defend its own interests "without active American support if necessary", Petr Pavel tells the Globsec security forum.
Suzuki holds firm in Hungary despite revenue drop, remains market leader
Net sales revenue of the local unit of Japanese carmaker Suzuki fell 21% to €2.25bn in 2024, with domestic revenue reaching €0.3bn, the company announced on June 12.
Hungarian pro-government security analyst allegedly linked to Russian intelligence
Georg Spottle, a German-Hungarian security policy commentator frequently featured in Hungarian pro-government media, has reportedly maintained contact with Russian intelligence operatives.