Central Europe / News
Orban escalates scaremongering to new heights in pre-election rally
The Hungarian premier ramped up the fear in the last mile of the European Parliament election campaign, by claiming that Hungary can only stay out of the war if Fidesz achieves the largest election victory on 9 June.
Poland to restrict movement in border zone near Belarus
Warsaw says that the Belarusian authorities are orchestrating the migrants' movements in a “hybrid war” aiming to destabilise Poland.
EU members reportedly set to punish Hungary with weak portfolio in next Commission
Viktor Orban has exasperated other EU leaders by his constant vetoes and obstruction of aid to Ukraine and sanctions on Moscow.
Hungarian central bank recommends OTP take precautionary measures over Russian exposure
Financial market watchdog proposes that OTP reduce its corporate loans in Russia, keep its retail loan portfolio at current levels and reduce deposits.
Kretinsky reaches £5.3bn deal to buy Royal Mail owner IDS
Acquisition may face tough questions from likely incoming Labour government.
Criminal investigations launched at Slovenia’s Nova24TV and Telekom Slovenije
Probe ahead of European Parliament reportedly linked to suspected financing of opposition SDS party through various media.
Ukraine to start receiving ammunition worth €1.6bn through Czech scheme
15 EU member states have already contributed more than €1.6bn to the Czech-led initiative. The first shipment should arrive in the next few days.
Poland, Russia strike deal on continued Kazakh oil transit to Germany
Pipeline operators in Poland and Russia have reached an agreement that will enable transit of oil from Kazakhstan to continue to Germany.
Pressure mounts on Hungary to ease its obstruction of EU military aid to Ukraine
Budapest blocks freeing up of a further €6.5bn from the European Peace Facility, as well as the 14th package of sanctions on Moscow.
Largest Slovak commercial TV station axes political debate programme
Owners PPF Group accused by journalists of neutering news to curry favour with Robert Fico's populist government.
Hungary needs to redefine its position within Nato, says Orban
Hungary needs to "redefine its position within the military alliance" as regards the conflict in Ukraine, and our lawyers are working on this", said Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Lithuania’s President Nauseda wins landslide victory in run-off
Incumbent wins 74.64% of the vote on May 26, with a mere 23.85% supporting Ingrida Simonyte, the country’s current premier.
Slovenia turns back to Algerian gas after flirtation with Russian supplies
Slovenia used to get 30% of its gas from Algeria via Italy, then opted to rely on Russia. Now Ljubljana is scrambling to diversify.
EC advances infringement procedure over Hungary's Sovereignty Defence Act
New law gives government powers to prosecute activities deemed to be against Hungary's interests, but critics say it aims to intimidate and silence critics of the Orban regime.
Estonia accuses Russia of moving buoys as maritime tensions surge
Baltic politicians view the Russian actions as part of Moscow’s hybrid warfare on the Eastern Flank, designed to unsettle its Nato neighbours.
Rail Baltica project still mired in confusion as forecast budget balloons to over €15bn
EU insists Baltic states should focus on main route but issue of what is essential to project remains a topic of debate.
Russia reportedly aims to unilaterally redraw sea borders with Lithuania and Finland
Lithuanian foreign ministry says that Russia’s actions are a deliberate, targeted, escalatory provocation to intimidate neighbouring countries.
Poland brings back controversial commission to probe Russian and Belarusian influence
Poland has recently detained nine individuals for allegedly carrying out sabotage operations directed by Russian intelligence.
Hungarian central bank close to ending easing cycle after 50bp cut in base rate to 7.25%
The Monetary Council of the National Bank (MNB) reduced the base rate by 50bp to 7.25% at its monthly rate-setting meeting on May 21, in line with forecasts and level with the rate cut a month earlier.
Star Czech footballer signs his side’s jersey bearing antisemitic chant
The scandal has once again exposed the depth of racism among Czech hardcore fans, as well as the lax attitude to this among the Czech football authorities.