Central Europe / News
COVID is back - a new "NB.1.8.1" strain is spreading across continents
The coronavirus (COVID-19) is back. Reports from health authorities around the world have detected a new highly contagious strain of the virus that has been spreading through Asia and has now reached Russia.
Hungary top European destination for Chinese FDI for second year in a row
Hungary was the top European destination for Chinese foreign direct investment for the second consecutive year in 2024, according to a report by the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency.
Slump in vehicle sector hits Mercedes’ operation in Hungary
Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary reported a 40% drop in profit as production fell 20% at its Hungarian base, mirroring the slump in the automotive sector.
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Slovakia's central bank governor found guilty of bribery
Governor of the National Bank of Slovakia Peter Kažimír has been found guilty of bribery in a high-profile case and has been fined €200,000, which can be turned into a one-year prison sentence if not paid.
Hungary extends cap on markups until end of August, retailers warn of mass closures
Hungary's government has extended a mandatory cap on markups for a range of food products until the end of August in a bid to contain inflation, despite pledging to phase out the measure at the end of May.
Poland's presidential candidate Nawrocki lurches to the extreme right, seeking support ahead of crucial run-off vote
Poland’s radical right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party’s presidential election candidate Karol Nawrocki has swung to the far right in the last days of campaign, as he seeks to pick up every single vote in the extremely tight race.
EU states condemn Hungary over law banning Budapest Pride, urge Brussels to take action
Seventeen EU member states have issued a joint statement condemning Hungary’s recent legal measures that ban Budapest Pride, warning that the legislation infringes on fundamental rights and contradicts core European values.
Polish presidential frontrunner Nawrocki sues publication for alleging he was a pimp
Karol Nawrocki, a presidential candidate of the radical right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, has sued Onet, a news website, for a report that alleged he used to arrange prostitutes for guests at the Grand Hotel in Sopot while working as a guard.
CPAC brings MAGA message to Poland ahead of presidential vote
Poland’s southeastern town of Jasionka hosted the first Polish edition of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on May 27.
Czech PM Fiala admits cabinet may not be able to sign Dukovany nuclear contract
The contract with South Korean Hydro and Nuclear Power faces extended delays after one of the two unsuccessful bidders, French Électricité de France, filed a lawsuit against the selection of KHNP.
Hungary’s central bank keeps rates steady at 6.5%, reaffirms cautious outlook
The Monetary Council of the Hungarian National Bank left the base rate on hold at 6.5% while keeping the interest rate corridor unchanged at a monthly policy meeting on May 27, fully in line with projections.
Viktor Orban may have lobbied to bring Italian Supercup to Budapest in secret Saudi meeting
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met privately with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh in October 2022, just months after MbS took on the role of prime minister.
Slovak PM Fico slams German Merz for his comments on EU taking action against Hungary and Slovakia
Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico slammed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for stating that Germany could propose EU block the EU funding for Hungary and Slovakia if the two countries diverge from EU policies.
Hungarian banks warn of fallout from Putin-style 'transparency bill' on financial system
Hungarian banks have sounded the alarm over the government's controversial Putin-style 'transparency bill', warning that it is already fuelling capital flight and eroding confidence in the domestic financial system.
Czech PPF bosses are ready to take on Netflix and HBO in PPF’s home markets
PPF executives say the group's local content gives it a competitive advantage over international players in small CEE markets.
Poland’s right-wing presidential hopeful Nawrocki hit by sex worker scandal
A new controversy has hit Karol Nawrocki, run-off candidate in Poland's presidential election, on May 26 after a reportage by Onet alleged Nawrocki was involved in arranging prostitutes for guests at the Grand Hotel in Sopot while working there.
EU allies drop all restrictions on types of weapons available to Ukraine
Great Britain, France, Germany and the United States have lifted restrictions on the types of weapons that can be supplied to Ukraine, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on May 26.
Trzaskowski and Nawrocki clash in Warsaw rallies as Polish presidency hangs in balance
Liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski and radical right-wing challenger Karol Nawrocki drew tens of thousands of supporters to rival rallies in the capital on May 25, as both candidates sought last-minute momentum ahead of the second vote.
Hungary's Viktor Orban escalates anti-Ukrainian rhetoric, citing threat of economic and security collapse
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has escalated his campaign against Ukraine's accession to the EU over the past weeks, warning that it would divert vast amounts of funds away from existing members and imperil Hungary's security and economy.
Snus and polls – Poland’s presidential race at fever pitch one week before vote
Poland’s populist right-winger Karol Nawrocki sparked fresh debate by using snus, a small dose of nicotine placed on the gum, during his televised debate with rival Rafał Trzaskowski, the liberal mayor of Warsaw, on May 23.