Central Europe / News
Pentagon sets 2027 “hard deadline” to end support for Europe’s Nato conventional defences
The United States has told the European Nato allies that it will hand over responsibility for conventional defence capabilities by 2027 and no longer act as the automatic security guarantor, Reuters reports on December 6.
EU-US rift deepens as European leaders warn Zelenskiy not to trust Trump - Der Spiegel
Deep divisions have emerged between the US and Europe as the first serious attempt to halt the war in Ukraine gets underway. EU leaders warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy not to trust the White House, as it could “betray” Kyiv.
EU proposes emergency powers to raise €210bn from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine
The European Commission will invoke “emergency powers” to raise up to €210bn for Ukraine using frozen Russian state assets, in a move that could bypass the need for unanimous approval by member states and sidestep potential vetoes.
Babis to dispose of Agrofert to solve conflict of interests
Billionaire ANO leader says he will place shares in food and agro-chemical conglomerate Agrofert into a blind trust, as he prepares to become Czechia's new prime minister.
Hungary to challenge EU plans to ban Russian oil and gas in court
Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto says plan to ban EU member states' imports of Russian oil and gas from 2027 would "undermine Hungary's energy security".
Tusk urges Merz to speed up support for remaining Polish survivors of Nazi crimes
Warsaw and Berlin are seeking to build a close partnership within the EU and Nato in response to the Russian threat, but their relations have long been shaped by World War 2.
Slovak Economy Minister Saková claims Bratislava negotiated extension of Russian gas imports
Slovakia has a valid contract with Gazprom until 2034 and opposes EU plans to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027.
Slovenia to launch amnesty for illegal weapons after fatal shooting
Official want to reduce the number of illegal weapons in circulation after shooting in Novo Mesto that sparked mass protests and a controversial increase in police powers.
ECB refuses to back EU’s plan for €140bn Ukraine loan
The European Central Bank has refused to support a €140bn EU loan package intended for Ukraine, dealing a significant blow to a controversial initiative that sought to finance Kyiv using a cash pile from the investment of Russian frozen assets.
Latvia mulls ripping up railway tracks leading to Russia
With border tensions unlikely to ease in the foreseeable future, dismantling the rail links is one of several potential security measures.
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Tusk hints top EU court ruling on same-sex couples must be adapted to conservative domestic regulations
Poland will respect the recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union that granted same-sex married couples recognition across the bloc, but will do so “in accordance with Polish law”, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.
Viktor Orban heads to Moscow to secure energy supplies for Hungary
Orban will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin as he aims to guarantee Hungary’s energy supply for the winter and the coming year at affordable prices.
Czech President Pavel objects to Motorists' environment minister nominee Turek
Filip Turek, honorary chairman of the anti-green and eurosceptic Motorists for Themselves, is the party’s nominee to head the Ministry of Environment.
EU urgently working on a bridge loan for Ukraine if Reparation Loans deal fails
The ongoing discussions on a possible US sponsored peace deal to end the Ukraine war has put fresh pressure on the EU to come up with a solution to Ukraine’s acute funding shortfall.
Hungarian government does not deny reports of Orban’s upcoming Moscow trip
In response to inquiries about the trip, the Government Information Centre stated, "As usual, the public will be informed about the Prime Minister’s foreign visits in due course."
EU commissioner says EC still shares concerns that triggered Article 7 procedure against Hungary
In his address during a debate at the European Parliament, Michael McGrath noted that the EC regularly expresses its concerns regarding Hungary in its annual Rule of Law Reports.
Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine cut to 19 points from 28
EU leaders consider some of the 28 points of the American plan for resolving the Ukrainian conflict unacceptable and the number of items on the list has been parred back to 19, the Financial Times reported on November 24.
EU-Mercosur trade pact faces dual threat from Paris and internal rifts
The long-negotiated EU-Mercosur trade agreement is set to enter a decisive phase amid French opposition and broader tensions within the South American bloc.
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US to present a 28-point ceasefire plan to Ukraine as a fait accompli
A new US 28-point plan to end the war in Ukraine suddenly burst on to the scene on November 20, as the White House hopes to use the growing pressure on Ukraine to force terms on Kyiv as soon as this week.
Hungary's Viktor Orban says giving more money to Ukraine is like trying to cure an alcoholic with vodka
Hungarian prime minister took to social media to criticise calls by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to provide additional financial assistance to Ukraine.