Central Europe / News
MEPs confront Hungary over Ukraine policy and growing US trade tension
The European Parliament has called for urgent measures to boost the EU's economic competitiveness and defence capabilities as lawmakers seek to bolster the bloc's resilience against escalating trade tensions with the US and wider global challenges.
Serbia and Hungary move towards military alliance amid regional tensions
Move reflects increasing ties between Serbia and Hungary, which share a similar approach to international affairs and have resisted pressure from the European Union to sever their ties with Russia.
Serbia advances key oil pipeline project with Hungary
The Serbian government has approved the construction of a critical oil pipeline connecting Serbia to Hungary, aiming to secure the country’s energy future amid the looming threat of US sanctions on its national oil company, NIS.
Lithuania pulls out US army vehicle from swamp, funeral cars seen
A US armoured vehicle that sank in a swamp near the Pabrade training area in eastern Lithuania has been recovered after a six-day rescue effort.
Viktor Orban existential threat to EU, writes Eurasia Group’s Europe chief in FT opinion piece
Standing up to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is now a matter of survival for the EU, writes Mujtaba Rahman, the managing director for Europe at Eurasia Group in an opinion piece for the Financial Times over the weekend.
Hungary opposes Ukraine's EU accession due to unclear borders, says cabinet chief
The head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office described the push for Ukraine's fast-track EU membership as "absurd," citing unresolved issues in agriculture, labour markets and cohesion, but also due to its unclear borders.
Hungary's National Bank warns full-scale trade war could knock 0.5pp from 2025 growth
Hungary's central bank has sharply downgraded its economic forecasts, warning that inflation will remain elevated for longer than expected while growth prospects continue to dim amid weak investment and a fragile external environment.
Albania and Montenegro could conclude EU accession talks by 2026-27, enlargement commissioner says
But Marta Kos warns "external forces" actively seeking to block certain countries from EU accession.
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Lithuania’s former chief of defence tells bne IntelliNews: “Several key questions need to be answered”
The four American troops who went missing during an exercise at the Pabrade training area in Lithuania on March 25 are presumably dead, and their vehicle has been found in a swamp.
Poland tightens asylum rules
Poland has imposed a 60-day restriction on asylum applications at its border with Belarus, with the measure taking effect immediately on March 27.
Hungary to expand energy cooperation with Russia, foreign minister says in live stream from Red Square
Hungary views the operations of its oil company MOL in Russia as highly successful and expects further expansion, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said during his visit to Moscow.
Four American soldiers missing after exercise in Lithuania found dead in swamp
The four American troops who went missing during an exercise at the Pabrade training area in Lithuania on March 25 are dead, and their vehicle has been found in a swamp.
Protesters in Budapest rally against amendment to assembly law, blocking bridges
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in central Budapest on March 25 to demand the withdrawal of a controversial amendment to Hungary's assembly law and against what organisers called techno fascism.
IKEA to make Budapest store world's largest fulfillment centre
Swedish furniture retailer IKEA will transform its store in southern Budapest to become the world's largest fulfillment centre by 2026, tripling warehouse capacity to support both in-store and online orders from a €50mn investment.
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Progressive Slovakia and Smer are neck and neck in latest March poll
The largest opposition party, centrist Progressive Slovakia, maintains a narrow lead of 21.7% ahead of the ruling Smer party (21.2%) of the populist Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Hungarian central bank keeps rates on hold in first rate-setting meeting under new MNB leadership
Hungary's Monetary Council left the base rate on hold at 6.5% for the sixth straight month on 25 March at the first rate-setting meeting under the new MNB leadership in line with the consensus.
Latvia faces scrutiny over massive heroin shipment to Germany
On March 23, Latvian Television’s investigative programme De facto reported on how a massive heroin shipment managed to pass through Latvia en route to Germany, despite prior intelligence warning of such an operation.
TNT ammunition depot in Czechia explodes
The cause of the explosion is currently unclear, but police said a “technical issue” is “the most likely cause”.
Viktor Orban's rival launches "Voice of the Nation" consultation on economic and political issues
Hungary's opposition Tisza Party has launched "Voice of the Nation" referendum, aiming to gauge public opinion on a range of social, economic and political issues ahead of next year's elections.
Scandal surrounding Hungarian central bank’s investments spreads to Polish developer GTC
Hungary's central bank-linked foundations are facing renewed scrutiny over their investment practices after a scathing report from the State Audit Office triggered a sell-off in assets linked to their portfolio.