Central Europe / News
Hungarian farmers dump manure at EU headquarters in protest at planned cuts in CAP funds
Hungarian farmers dumped piles of manure in front of the EU’s headquarters in central Budapest in protest at the European Commission’s plans to overhaul the Common Agricultural Policy from 2028, leading to cuts in agricultural subsidies.
US YouTube star IShowSpeed stuns Lithuania in €30,000 visit, sniffs an official’s armpit
Internet personality Darren Jason Watkins, American – better known as IShowSpeed – arrived in Lithuania on July 15, and was welcomed at the airport by Minister of the Economy Lukas Savickas,
Czechia signs nuclear memorandum with Great Britain
Czechia has signed a nuclear memorandum with the United Kingdom aimed at cooperation in nuclear energy, including the development of small modular reactors.
Fidesz offered billions to liberal Momentum to run in 2026 race to hurt Tisza Party's chances, ex-chair claims
Andras Fekete-Gyor said Fidesz offered money and logistical help if the liberal party would field candidates in the 2026 parliamentary race.
Slovak PM Fico delays approval of EU’s sanctions package again, blaming Slovak opposition
Slovak populist Prime Minister Robert Fico has again delayed approval of the latest 18th round of EU sanctions against Russia, blaming his latest blocking on the opposition parties in Slovakia.
Baltic States face surge in fatal overdoses as nitazenes flood region
A powerful and little-known synthetic opioid called nitazene is fuelling a deadly drug crisis across the three Baltic States, with Estonia reporting a threefold rise in overdose deaths in recent years.
Hungary to opt out of financing US weapons for Ukraine, foreign minister says
Péter Szijjarto says Hungary will not contribute to the financing of American weapons deliveries to Ukraine, should such a proposal be officially raised within the European Union.
Migration pushes EU population to record high, but CEE countries continue to shrink
Immigration outweighed the natural population decline in 2024 in just three of the newer EU member states – Croatia, Czechia and Slovenia.
Hungary, Slovakia close to deal on Gabčíkovo-Nagymaros HPP, Hungarian energy minister confirms
Neighbouring countries agree to settle decades-long dispute over joint dam project.
Peter Magyar pledges peaceful regime change and sweeping reforms at Tisza Party congress
Opposition leader pledges peaceful and responsible regime change, unveiling a raft of reform proposals and a slew of election promises.
Slovak PM Fico expects deal with EU over sanctions against Russia on July 15, and threatens to continue blocking sanctions if none made.
Slovak populist Prime Minister Robert Fico expects an agreement between the European Union and Slovakia could be reached on Tuesday, July 15, over Slovakia lifting its veto of the EU’s 18th round of sanctions against Russia.
Slovakia seeks EU guarantees on Russian gas phase-out ahead of sanctions deal
Slovakia is pushing for firm guarantees from the European Commission and key EU member states over the future of its energy security, as it links this condition to its support for a fresh round of sanctions on Russian gas imports.
Trump hits EU, Mexico with whopping 30% tariffs
US President Donald Trump escalated his trade war with Mexico and Europe by slapping whopping 30% tariffs on both, after neither of them managed to cut a new trade deal before the July 9 deadline.
A stray drone and the shadow of war: How fear and mistrust are pushing Nato and Belarus to the brink
In today’s Europe, even a foam-and-plywood drone can trigger fighter jets, send heads of state scurrying for shelter and deepen fears of war.
Orban takes off the gloves ahead of European Commission President von der Leyen no-confidence vote
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was in a feisty mood ahead of a no-confidence vote in European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen slated for July 10.
Slovakia blocks latest round of EU sanctions against Russia
Slovakia nearly eradicated Russian gas imports during the winter of 2022-23, but imports spiked following the return of the Fico-led government.
Viktor Orban's eldest daughter confirms reports to relocate to US
Prime Minister Viktor Orban's eldest daughter, Rahel Orban, confirmed reports that her family is preparing to relocate to New York, where she will pursue studies in the autumn.
EC slams Hungary over rule-of-law backsliding in latest report
Hungary has made no progress on key rule-of-law concerns flagged in previous years, according to the European Commission’s latest rule-of-law report released on July 8.
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Poland reintroduces border checks with Germany and Lithuania
Government says the measures respond to a growing threat of irregular border crossings.
Ukraine says EU accession talks can proceed without Hungary’s consent
Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for EU Integration says that negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union can begin without the support of Hungary, as only 26 members are needed to start the talks.