Czech Republic
VISEGRAD BLOG: Is illiberalism here to stay in Central Europe?
Several countries in Central Europe have gone a long way down the road of illiberalism, moving away from the practices of established democracies.
MOL warns of fuel delivery disruptions to Czechia
The head of MOL’s Czech subsidiary has warned of potential disruptions to fuel deliveries after the EU's exemption on the import of Russian oil-derived products expires in December.
Central and Southeastern Europe defies German economic weakness
The wiiw autumn forecast warns that not all of the recession in the German automotive industry has so far been felt in Central Europe and further difficulties should be expected.
Czech antitrust office raids internet leader Seznam
Seznam is a serious rival to Google as a search browser in Czechia, and its billionaire owner Ivo Lukačovič said in August he is considering an IPO.
Don't hold your breath for Central Europe to give up Russian oil any time soon
Hungary and Slovakia’s reluctance to quit Russian oil is consistent with their broader defence of continued economic ties with Russia.
Journalist associations condemn interrogation of Czech reporter by Slovak authorities
Questioning seen as part of a wider campaign of harassment against investigative journalists covering Slovakia.
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Czech inflation accelerates to 2.6% in September
Consumer price indices (inflation) in Czechia increased by 2.6% year on year, amid a spike in food prices, and decreased by 0.4% month on month in August.
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Czech unemployment inches upwards to 3.9% in September
The unemployment level in Czechia was at 3.9% in September, which is a slight tick upwards from the level of 3.8% in August and July. Year-on-year unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points, or by 27,885 persons.
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Czech industry returns to growth in August, ending five-month skid
Czech industry returns to growth in August ending five-month skid
Slovakia's Fico hardens opposition to Ukraine's Nato bid
Fico also said he would like to visit Moscow next year to “thank the liberators”.
Europe needs Draghi’s reforms to boost growth, says IIF
Europe has a significant lag in productivity growth compared to the United States and China. Despite similar levels of spending, Europe is falling behind.
Lipavsky to remain Czech foreign minister after Pirate Party quits government
Jan Lipavsky and Minister for Legislation Michal Salomoun resigned from the party after it left Petr Fiala's centre-right cabinet.
Opposition ANO registers first victory in Czech Senate elections as cabinet braces for reshuffle
ANO beat PM Petr Fiala's neoliberal ODS, which took just five seats.
LONG READ: Europe has lost its competitive edge
In the first year of the war in Ukraine the lights started to go out across Europe as the consequences of cutting off Russian trade and gas began to kick in. Now the malaise has spread. Europe has fallen behind the US and being caught up by the EMs.
EBRD lowers Emerging Europe growth forecasts amid economic challenges
Development bank expects 2.8% growth across its region of operations in 2024, rising to 3.5% in 2025.
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Czech National Bank continues with lowering of interest rate policy by 0.25 bp to 4.25%
The move was anticipated by the local market and CNB is maintaining the policy of lowering rates it has pursued since December.
Czech government in crisis after premier sacks coalition partner's leader
Pirate party looks likely to leave the centre-right government after leader Ivan Bartos sacked for alleged managerial failures.
Central Europe needs a revamped industrial policy to escape middle-income trap, says wiiw
Think-tank recommends eastern EU members follow examples set by Ireland and Singapore.
Populist ANO party confirms its dominance in Czech regional elections
Pirate Party leader resigns as coalition's most liberal party suffers election debacle.
Czech budget deficit to deepen by €1.2bn this year to pay for flood damage
Finance minister calls on cabinet colleagues not to allow budget consolidation to slow down.