Central Europe / News
EU leaders demand Putin end hostilities or face crushing sanctions
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a rare midnight press conference on May 10 and called for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in the Istanbul format, as the key EU members of the coalition of the willing met Ukrainian President Zelinskiy.
Lithuanian activists hand out condoms on Victory Day to prevent 'another Putin' from being born
Activists gave out condoms at the entrance to the Antakalnis Cemetery in Vilnius, where the city’s Russian community were marking Victory over Fascism Day.
Police issue dire warning after bear spotted in Tallinn, the Estonian capital
The Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) issued a public safety warning following the sighting of a bear in the Nomme district of Tallinn on May 8, ERR.ee reported on May 9.
Former Hungarian PM Ferenc Gyurcsany, long-time adversary of Viktor Orban, quits politics
Ferenc Gyurcsany, Hungary's former PM and longtime figurehead of the Democratic Coalition, is stepping down from all political roles and retreating from public life, marking the end of a polarising two-decade career that shaped Hungarian politics.
Slovak Prime Minister Fico forced to fly around the houses on his way to Moscow
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was forced to take the long way round on his trip to Moscow to attend Russia’s Victory Parade on Red Square on May 9.
Warsaw University in shock as student kills woman, injures man with axe
Poland’s leading University of Warsaw is in mourning after a 22-year-old law student killed a woman working as a porter and nearly fatally injured a man who attempted to assist her using an axe on May 7.
Brussels refers Hungary to EU Court over release of human smugglers
The European Commission has referred Hungary to the European Court of Justice over its controversial policy of releasing convicted human smugglers from prison before they complete their sentence, citing violations of EU criminal law obligations.
EU allies prepared to back Moldova’s EU accession bid without Ukraine if Hungary’s veto not lifted
EU member states most supportive of Ukraine are ready to move forward with accession talks for Moldova without Ukraine, if Hungary continues to block progress for Kyiv.
Hungarian Commissioner delays EU plan to curb Russian energy dependence
Hungary's EU Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi raised a last-minute objection to delay the approval of the EU's roadmap for ending the bloc's Russian energy reliance.
Hungary's Fiscal Council raises red flag over government 2026 draft budget plans
Hungary's Fiscal Council has raised concerns over the government's draft budget for 2026, warning that it rests on overly optimistic growth assumptions and contains multiple risks.
Press freedom declines sharply in several Balkan countries
Declines reported in Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania in the latest global ranking from Reporters Without Borders.
Hungary requests activation of national escape clause
Hungary is one of a dozen EU members to have formally requested the activation of the national escape clause under the bloc's Stability and Growth Pact, according to a statement by the European Commission.
MOL and TPAO bring upstream partnership to Hungary
Hungarian oil and gas company MOL and Turkish peer TPAO are partnering on hydrocarbon exploration and production in the west of Hungary, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said.
Hungarian policymakers keep rates on hold at 6.5%
The Monetary Council of the National Bank left the base rate unchanged at 6.5% with the overnight deposit and lending rates maintained at 5.50% and 7.50% respectively at a monthly policy meeting on April 29, in line with expectations.
Hungary faces potential EU legal action for quitting ICC
Hungary may face infringement proceedings from the European Commission after announcing to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, a move that could breach EU law despite the ICC not being an EU institution.
Croatia to prioritise economic cooperation as chair of Three Seas Initiative
Zagreb will focus on boosting economic, energy and infrastructure cooperation as it assumes the rotating presidency of the Three Seas Initiative, announced Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
Poland imposes sanctions on MyPrice Russian discount supermarket chain
Poland has imposed sanctions on the MyPrice Russian discount supermarket chain, which recently returned to operate in two locatiosn in Poland.
Hungarian analysts are split on MNB’s future course as rate hold looks imminent
The National Bank is widely expected to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 6.5% at Tuesday's policy meeting, but analysts are split on the course of monetary policy for the remainder of the year.
Hungarian opposition MPs banned from Parliament for first time since regime change
Hungary’s parliament on April 28 approved the suspension of six opposition lawmakers for their role in the chaotic March 18 session, when they protested against legislation restricting assembly rights, specifically banning Budapest Pride.
Hungary and Slovakia warn EU against scrapping unanimity rule over Ukraine membership bid
The leaders of Hungary and Slovakia warned on April 28 against changing the European Union’s unanimity rule, after proposals emerged to bypass their opposition to Ukraine’s EU accession bid.