Central Europe / News
Absent Slovak premier traced to luxury hotel in Vietnam
Journalists question how Robert Fico can afford hotel suite where the cost of two nights equals his entire monthly salary.
Damage of key infrastructure on the seabed of the Baltic raises security concerns, calls for Nato involvement
Estonia’s Elisa Eesti AS and CITIC Telecom CPC reported late on December 25 outages in three submarine communication cables between Estonia and Finland, the EstLink2.
Slovakia’s Fico in surprise visit to Putin in Moscow
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Rating lowered to "A3", the lowest for 20 years.
Orban continues freelance peace mission with visit to Ankara
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
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
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
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
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
Refiner's stock plunges 3.5% after it announced it will not pursue its Olefins 3 petrochemical project.