Central Europe / Opinion
COMMENT: Europe’s summer of humiliation
This summer started with optimism around trade deals and progress in Ukraine, but quickly unravelled. Trade uncertainty is back, the war drags on with rising casualties, and Europe is now grappling with a raft of political crises.
COMMENT: What were Russian drones doing in Poland?
With no clear explanation from Moscow, theories have proliferated over how and why more than a dozen Russian drones crossed into Poland on September 10—and what this means for European security.
ING: Czech industry joins the growth pack
Industrial output accelerated in July, beating market expectations. Robust gains were recorded in key segments of manufacturing, suggesting the onset of a broad-based recovery.
ING: Risks to Czech inflation from wages and emission allowances
Inflation eased to 2.5% in August, dragged down by another monthly decline in food prices. We see the soft reading as a low point, with inflation set to gain pace over the coming quarter.
ING: Household spending and investment drive the Czech economy
Continued gains in household spending and a rebound in investment in 2Q provide a solid base for an economic recovery. GDP growth came in below expectations and was dragged down by a negative net export contribution.
COMMENT: Trump’s energy deal with the EU is delusional – Reuters
The energy deal that US President Donald Trump cut with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over the weekend is unrealistic, argues Clyde Russell, Reuters Asia Commodities and Energy Columnist.
COMMENT: Poland’s presidential result heightens risks to fiscal reform, says Fitch
Poland’s recent presidential election result risks deepening political instability and weakening the government’s ability to implement fiscal consolidation and economic reform, according to a note from Fitch Ratings released on July 17.
ING: The great eurozone split – and why southern jobs are booming
Since early 2023, countries in Southern Europe have seen strong declines in unemployment, while those in the north have seen increases. This is helping eurozone convergence.
ING: National Bank of Poland press conference, hawkish start to dovish end
President of the National Bank of Poland says latest rate cut is an adjustment, not the beginning of a cycle of cuts.