Czech Republic
Hydrogen production and demand to grow in 2024, but only slowly
Hydrogen production and use are expected to grow in 2024, but it remains very expensive to produce and transport, making progress slow.
Oil and gas companies to invest over $1 trillion in the next decade expanding production
A report from climate campaign group Global Witness reveals that the fossil fuel sector is anticipated to allocate more than $1 trillion worldwide over the next decade for the expansion of natural gas production.
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Czech unemployment inched up to 4% in January
Unemployment in Czechia climbed to 4% in January, which is an increase of 0.3 percentage points month on month and 0.1 points year on year.
Czech central bank cuts key rate by 50 bps
Policymakers react to macro-economic figures showing that growth is still struggling to accelerate, while inflation is falling fast.
Czech retail sales declined by 4.1% in 2023
In December, retail sales increased by 1.6% year-on-year and by 0.2% month-on-month.
Czechia and Hungary block EU sanctions against Israeli settlers
Leading Czech figures sign open letter to the government to change its pro-Israel stance and stop ignoring the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip.
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Czech industry falls by 0.4% y/y in 2023
December figures released by the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO) were not overly optimistic either, with the output in industry decreasing by 0.7% year on year.
Czech cabinet ministers clash over euro adoption again
European affairs minister appoints envoy for adopting the euro currency despite coalition agreement not to pursue the subject.
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Czech PMI rises by 1.2 points in January
Purchasing managers' index remains in negative territory at 43, extending a run that began in June 2022.
Favourite Westinghouse ejected from Czech nuclear tender
Czech premier announces French EDF and South Korean KHNP will be asked to submit binding offers for up to four new units at the Dukovany and Temelin nuclear power plants.
Czech economy struggles to shake off stagflation
Czech inflation – currently the highest in the EU – is likely to remain above the central bank’s target for the whole of this year, limiting the room for rate cuts, says veteran economist Pavel Sobisek.
wiiw projects brighter 2024 for Emerging Europe
Vienna-based think-tank expects growth to get back on track this year, but warns of risks from a Trump victory in the US and escalation of fighting in Ukraine or Gaza.
Czech government threatens Liberty Steel with legal action over stricken mill
Industry minister claims UK-based group took money out of the company and warns of 'possible legal repercussions for breaching duties'.
NEO: EU green ambitions under siege amid Red Sea crisis, Russian aluminium ban fears
The EU has long positioned itself as a global champion of green energy and the world’s battle against climate change but the Red Sea Crisis and a mooted ban on Russian aluminium imports are undermining those goals.
Red Sea shipping disruptions to hit Europe via industry and inflation
BMI analysts say Hungary, Ireland and Slovakia to be worst affected, but no major impact on GDP unless Middle East conflict persists.
OUTLOOK 2024 Central Europe
2023 was a good year for centrist parties in elections in Central Europe and the Baltic states, particularly given the dire economic environment and worrying geopolitical picture.
Czech Senate fails to ratify Istanbul Convention
Since the 2016 ratification, populists, conservatives and the radical right have tried to turn the convention on domestic violence into a subject of domestic cultural wars.
Rightward shift expected across EU in May European Parliament elections
ECFR report indicates strong performance for anti-European populist movements across much of the EU, including Visegrad Four states.
Muddy Waters publishes another report accusing Czech property group CPI of misleading investors
Second hedge fund report focuses on alleged overvaluation of CPI assets, while first covered allegedly unfair related party transactions.