Slovakia
Unemployment level in Slovakia inched up to 3.97% in January
It is an increase of 0.09 percentage points compared to December and a drop of 0.47pp on January 2023.
Opponents look to Constitutional Court and Brussels to block Slovakia's criminal justice reform
Some observers believe the EU is not yet really focussed on Slovakia or may try to avoid getting into another battle over the rule of law, which has already blighted its relations with Hungary and Poland.
CEE losing competitiveness because of soaring wages and weak productivity growth
Unit labour costs have surged by 25% since 2020 – something not seen since the early 2000s, says Capital Economics
Clear east-west divide in EU for gender balance in science and engineering
Female employment in science and engineering is well above 50% in multiple regions of Central and Southeast Europe, Eurostat figures show.
Slovak economy best performer in Central Europe with 1.2% growth in Q4
Economic growth above 1% for the whole year 2023.
Warning of new ice age in Europe as currents in the Atlantic approach a catastrophic tipping point
The currents that circulate in the Atlantic are approaching a “tipping point” that will change the way water flows around the oceans of the world, which will have a catastrophic climate impact on countries around the world.
EU may sanction Chinese companies for the first time for facilitating Russia’s flourishing trade with friendly countries
The EU is contemplating the unprecedented step of imposing sanctions on three Chinese companies alleged to be aiding Russia's military actions against Ukraine, Bloomberg reports.
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Slovak industrial production declined by 0.6% in 2023
The key automobile industry registered a y/y growth of 4.9%, the highest since 2018.
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.
Fico’s coalition pushes judicial overhaul through Slovak parliament
Legislative changes now likely to go to Constitutional Court and be reviewed by Brussels.