Central East Europe / News
Slovak PM Fico to unblock 19th round of sanctions in exchange for EU’s concessions to car industry
During a parliamentary session in Bratislava, Fico reportedly admitted he uses the support for sanctions as a "pressure tool".
Smuggler balloons from Belarus disrupt flights for 4,000 passengers at Vilnius Airport
Lithuanian officials have accused Belarus of sending balloons across the border to transport contraband goods or disrupt air traffic near Vilnius.
Hungarian foreign minister says "many actors" worked to prevent Budapest summit
The White House has suspended plans for a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest.
MOL says no risk to domestic fuel supply after Danube refinery blaze
Fires broke out at refineries in both Hungary and Romania in recent days.
Hungary to challenge EU’s ban on Russian gas imports, vows to block REPowerEU
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto says the European Council’s decision to ban Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027 could jeopardise Hungary’s energy security.
Slovak Foreign Minister Blanár reiterates support for Ukraine’s EU bid
Juraj Blanár says Ukraine is "ready in a way" for accession, but notes objections from some EU member states.
Poland’s Empik prepares Warsaw IPO, reportedly to raise up to €200mn
Book and media retailer Empik is planning to launch an IPO on the Warsaw Stock Exchange in 2026.
Kremlin says leaders’ good relations helped Budapest secure summit
Hungary is expected to host a second summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump on Ukraine after their talks in Alaska in August did not lead to a breakthrough.
EU mulls partial membership plan to ease enlargement and bypass veto risks
Move is aimed at moving forward with enlargement and overcoming resistance from EU members such as Hungary, but reaching consensus to be a challenge.
Minsk asks for talks with Kyiv, as Lukashenko seeks to end Belarus’ isolation
Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko has opened the door to direct dialogue with Kyiv as part of negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, as he launches a diplomatic drive to break the republic’s isolation and dependence on Russia.
Putin's meeting with Trump in Budapest is a slap in the face for the EU
As preparations get underway for a highly anticipated summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump in Budapest, attention is turning to an unusual but politically sensitive detail: how will Putin get there?
Zelenskiy leaves Washington empty handed, Trump and Putin head to Budapest to talk business
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy went into a White House meeting with US President Donald Trump on October 17 hoping for a big arms deal. He came out of the meeting empty handed.
Von der Leyen to confront Hungary’s EU Commissioner over reported espionage attempts in EU institutions
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen intends to personally discuss espionage allegations with Hungarian Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi, Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho said at a press briefing in Brussels on October 10.
The only way to stop Russia is by force, Poland’s Foreign Minister Sikorski argues
Moscow will not negotiate in good faith until it faces clear limits on its military and economic options, Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski argued in an essay published by the New York Times.
Babiš says he will axe state military aid for Ukraine if ANO forms next Czech cabinet
After his ANO party won Czechia's general election, Babis told journalists he won’t give Ukraine a single crown for weapons.
Smyk plans Warsaw IPO to raise €35.26mn for debt repayment and expansion
Polish children’s goods retailer Smyk announced plans to launch an initial public offering and list its shares on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.
Hungary's forint falls 1% after economy minister criticises interest rates
Hungary's forint falls 1% after Economy Minister Marton Nagy criticises high real interest rates, reigniting debate over possible rate cuts as central bank maintains 6.5% rate unchanged since September 2024 to control inflation.
Austria and Slovenia advocate qualified majority voting to unblock EU enlargement
Dropping unanimity requirement could accelerate the accession process for Ukraine, Moldova and potentially Western Balkans, but faces opposition from within the EU.