Central Europe / News
Kaliningrad becomes an energy island after Baltic States cut Russian grid connection
The Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea has become an energy island after the Baltics States cut themselves off from the Soviet-era BRELL power grid on February 8, thus becoming vulnerable to sanctions.
Hungary’s atomic energy watchdog orders partial halt of construction at Paks NPP expansion site after incident
Hungary's National Atomic Energy Authority has ordered a partial halt to construction at the Paks II nuclear power plant after a section of the southern wall of the excavation pit collapsed.
Viktor Orban calls for "elimination of Soros network" after scathing documentary on enrichment of Orban family
Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called for the "full elimination of the Soros network" and stated that sanctions must be imposed against anyone who accepts foreign funds with the aim of influencing Hungarian politics.
Mass protests against Slovak Fico’s cabinet continue as PM holds on to his conspiracies
Mass protests against the pro-Kremlin turn of Slovakia’s left-right cabinet of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico continued after 42-45,000 rallied in Bratislava alone on Friday, February 7.
Hungarian government abandons €12bn 'Mini Dubai' project amid public outcry
The government has acknowledged Budapest's pre-emption rights for a 100-hectare brownfield area in the capital, effectively terminating a gigantic €12bn project promised by UAE-based Eagle Hills to build a new city district.
Fidesz in panic mode ahead of release of explosive documentary on Orban family’s wealth
Investigative outlet Direkt36 has released a trailer for its upcoming documentary on the Orban family’s business empire, sparking accusations from the government that the film is part of a foreign smear campaign.
Hungary’s retail lending soars to record levels in 2024
The outstanding lending stock of Hungarian households surged by 9.4% to a record of HUF11.1 trillion (€27.3bn) by the end of 2024, according to data from the National Bank. Compared to 2017, the stock has doubled from HUF5.8 trillion.
Viktor Orban's financial savings below national average, his annual asset declaration shows
Hungarian MPs are required to submit asset declarations, but the system relies on self-reporting with no independent verification. There are no real consequences for misreporting or omitting information.
Slovak government bars Georgian military vets, Prime Minister Fico links them to a coup plot against him
The Slovak government banned a Georgian military volunteer from entering the country as Prime Minister Robert Fico claimed conspirators were planning to oust him in a coup d'état as he seeks to distract the public from a mounting political crisis.
Hungary to enhance cooperation with UAE in defence and advanced technologies
Hungary and the United Arab Emirates have affirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in several areas "based on mutual respect".
Slovenian president “very worried” about far-right FPÖ-led government in Austria
Nataša Pirc Musar says Europe must take stand against Trump and rise of the far right in Europe.
Hungarian PM arrives in UAE amid controversy surrounding flagship real estate development project
Prime Minister Viktor Orban is on a two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he will hold talks with UAE President and Abu Dhabi ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as leaders of Emirati companies.
Hungary not ready for single currency, Viktor Orban says
The euro, in its current form, benefits strong and competitive economies, but does not contribute to strengthening emerging economies, Hungary's prime minister said.
Slovakia's political crisis deepens, PM Fico accuses Czech politicians and media of meddling with Slovak internal affairs
Fico claims “a coup” is taking place against his government involving the opposition, NGOs and “funding from abroad”.
Hungary lets EU extend Russia sanctions
The European Union foreign ministers have agreed to extend Russian sanctions for another six months, after Hungary lifted its opposition.
Hungarian government unexpectedly brings pandemic defence back into public discourse
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, facing a string of crises, has unexpectedly revived the topic of the pandemic with the release of a YouTube video commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Turkey’s role in European security on agenda as top diplomats of Ankara, EU meet
Donald Trump policies could set in motion an attempt at reconfiguring relations.
EU leaders brace for emergency summit if Hungary continues to block extension of Russian sanctions
Hungary has withheld its consent to extend EU sanctions against Russia at the meeting of EU ambassadors on January 24. EU Foreign Ministers will gather on Monday, 27 January, to vote on the issue.
Protests against Fico’s pro-Kremlin turn intensify across Slovakia
The intensification of the pro-Kremlin turn of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico drew the largest crowd of demonstrators to the streets of the Slovak capital Bratislava since protests against Fico's Smer party-led cabinet began in late 2023.