Central Europe / News

Slovakia’s Fico in surprise visit to Putin in Moscow

bne Berlin bureau December 23, 2024

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made a surprise trip to Moscow on December 22 to hold rare face to face talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as he seeks to secure gas deliveries ahead of the end of the Ukrainian gas transit deal next week.

Hungary grants political asylum to fugitive former PiS minister

Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw December 20, 2024

Hungary justified its decision by raising concerns over the fairness of legal proceedings in Poland, sparking bilateral row.

Telia willing to sell its Latvian operations back to government if price is right

bne IntelliNews December 19, 2024

If the Latvian government's offer fails to meet the Swedish group's expectations, it is prepared to make an offer to buy out the state-owned shares in both telecom companies.

Czech EPH signs agreement with Italian Enel to buy its stake in Slovenske Elektrarne

Albin Sybera December 19, 2024

Italian utility sells out to politically well-connected partner EPH after years of rowing with Slovak government over country's main power group.

Transparency International slams Czech government for giving up on anti-corruption drive

Albin Sybera December 18, 2024

NGO accuses ruling ODS of obstructing legislation to tackle country's embedded corruption.

Slovak, Hungarian, Austrian and Italian groups sign declaration backing continued gas transit through Ukraine

Newsbase December 17, 2024

Russia’s contract to transit gas through Ukraine is due to expire at the end of this year, putting 14 bcm per year of gas supply to Europe at risk.

Hungary blocks EU military help to Ukraine and some sanctions against Georgia and Russia

Tamas Csonka in Budapest December 17, 2024

European Commission set to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats.

Hungary's state utility giant buys E.ON’s energy supply operations in Romania

bne IntelliNews December 17, 2024

MVM will acquire a 68% stake in E.ON Energie Romania, which has close to 3.4mn customers, and a 98% stake in regional service provider E.ON Asist Complet.

Hungary and Slovakia block EU sanctions on Georgian Dream

bne IntelliNews December 16, 2024

EU foreign ministers consider sanctions on top Georgian Dream officials and limiting the visa-free regime for Georgians.

UK government approves Křetínský’s takeover of Royal Mail

Albin Sybera December 16, 2024

UK government will retain a “golden share” in the postal service, giving it special rights.

Slovak healthcare labour union accuses ministry of escalating health crisis

Albin Sybera December 16, 2024

Slovakia's health system is facing a critical period this Christmas as doctors threaten to quit and parliament bans them from doing so.

Slovak finance ministry accuses Moody’s of political bias after rating lowered

Albin Sybera December 16, 2024

Rating lowered to "A3", the lowest for 20 years.

Orban continues freelance peace mission with visit to Ankara

Tamas Csonka in Budapest December 13, 2024

Orban's solo diplomacy at the start of his rotating EU presidency almost led to Hungary being stripped of its presidency.

Slovakia will continue supplying Czechia with processed Russian oil for another six months

Albin Sybera December 13, 2024

Slovakia prolongs exemption from EU sanctions on oil products from imported Russian oil.

Tusk says no talks underway to send Polish troops to Ukraine once fighting stops

Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw December 12, 2024

Speculation follows comments by incoming Trump administration about European forces policing a future ceasefire.

Tusk says he will protect broadcasters TVN and Polsat from hostile takeovers

Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw December 11, 2024

Polish commercial broadcasters added to list of strategic companies after rumours of interest from millionaire close to Hungary's Orban.

North Macedonia secures second €500mn loan from Hungary to repay 2018 Eurobond

Valentina Dimitrievska in Skopje December 11, 2024

Loan is the second part of a broader €1bn agreement with Hungary, which has a close relationship with North Macedonia's new rightwing government.

Poland’s Orlen ditches largest petrochemical project in Europe

Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw December 11, 2024

Refiner's stock plunges 3.5% after it announced it will not pursue its Olefins 3 petrochemical project.

European Commission questions viability of Hungarian government’s medium-term economic forecast under EDP procedure

Tamas Csonka in Budapest December 9, 2024

Fiscal plans are missing significant information and are based on unreliable data, says Dombrovskis.

Orban threatens to veto EU budget unless suspended Hungarian funds are released

Tamas Csonka in Budapest December 8, 2024

Budapest could lose billions in unreleased funds unless Orban regime finally makes reforms to repair rule of law.

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