Central Europe / Features
Ukrainian refugees living in Poland boost taxes by $400mn and GDP growth – survey
Ukrainian citizens living in Poland contributed PLN1.65bn ($414mn) in personal and corporate income taxes in 2024, marking a 27.7% increase compared to the previous year and double the amount recorded in 2022, according to a recent survey.
Tusk unveils national doctrine to build strongest army, economy in CEE
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced a new "national doctrine" aimed at ensuring Poland develops the most powerful army and economy in the region, as the country prepares for "an era of great threats and challenges."
Trump policies won’t harm Emerging Europe badly – and will actively benefit Russia
Latest wiiw forecasts show little direct impact on Central and Southeast Europe from Trump trade wars.
How Europe has weaned itself off Russian gas in the last three years
In 2021, Eastern European countries imported almost half of their gas from Russia. Only two countries in the region – Albania and Kosovo – were wholly independent of Russian gas.
Retail markets in Zagreb, Ljubljana and Belgrade hold “significant potential”, says CBRE
The retail real estate sectors in Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia are showing strong potential for further development, according to new research by global real estate consultancy CBRE.
Hungarian PM Orban’s line on Ukraine hardening as Trump tries to bully the EU into making concessions to Russian demands
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s opposition to Ukraine joining the European Union is intensifying, bolstered by US President Donald Trump, who has upended Western support for Kyiv.
Slovenian blue chips ride mega-trends to outpace regional peers
Slovenia’s leading listed companies are capitalising on global trends such as ageing populations, energy transition and financial inclusion.
US tariffs could undermine Viktor Orban's dream of golden economic era with US
Hungary's heavily export-oriented, manufacturing-driven economy is among the more vulnerable EU member states in the transatlantic trade war, according to analysts.
Rule of law in EU deteriorates, with decline concentrated in eastern members
Liberties report finds collapse of democratic standards in Hungary, and strong deteriorations in Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Romania and Slovakia.
Southeast Europe erupts in weekend of protests
Protests in Serbia, Georgia and Hungary reflect mounting discontent over corruption and democratic backsliding, while Romanians turn out to show commitment to EU values in face of rising far right.
EU countries weigh costs of planned military buildup
What we know so far about EU member states’ plans to hike defence spending in face of "existential challenge" from Russia, and how this will be financed.
Can Emerging European countries afford to rearm?
As European countries face a pressing need to rearm amid fears the US may pull back from its security commitments, an EBRD report shows higher defence spending is already putting pressure on public finances.
EBRD lowers 2025 forecasts citing subdued global growth and trade fragmentation
Weaker external demand and potential impact of Trump tariffs weigh on Emerging Europe, Central Asia and Semed regions, with growth now projected at 3.2%.