EC bans Ukrainian grain imports to Central Europe for another five months, Kyiv bans sugar exports in response

Five EU member states bordering Ukraine will be allowed to keep some of their restrictions on imports of Ukrainian agricultural produce in place until September 15, the European Commission decided on June 5.

bneGREEN: Europe saves €100bn from the switch to renewables due to the Ukraine war

European electricity consumers will save some €100bn on their energy bills, due to the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources caused by the Russian induced energy crisis the International Energy Agency said in a report.

Anti-government march gathers 500,000 in Warsaw

The march followed intense weeks in Polish politics, marked by the Law and Justice (PiS) government’s missteps, which echoed at home and abroad, and likely fuelled the turnout at the rally, the biggest in Poland’s history since communism.

Central Europe launches new austerity drive

Czechia, Estonia and Slovakia are planning budget cuts at a time when interest rates are still painfully high and many economies have yet to emerge from recession.

Disinflation drives slight easing of manufacturing downturn in Poland, PMI shows

Poland's Purchasing Managers' Index gained 0.4 points to 47 in May (chart), beating expectations, the economic intelligence company S&P Global said on June 1.

Support for Moldova, solidarity with Ukraine at second EPC summit

European leaders stress the importance of European solidarity and affirm support for states on the continent’s Eastern Flank.

Polish GDP confirmed flat in Q1

South Korea emerges as key ammo supplier for Ukraine

South Korea has entered into a joint venture with Poland to produce arms and ammo that will initially be used to supply Ukraine, but will later contribute to Warsaw’s ambitions to create the largest conventional force in Europe.

Polish inflation eases again to 13% y/y in May, flash estimate shows

Price growth is now at its lowest since May 2022 and heading toward single-digit levels by the end of the year.

VISEGRAD BLOG: Macron makes the weather in Eastern Europe

The French president tried to persuade sceptical East Europeans that they had nothing to fear from a Europe that was more self-reliant in security – and he almost pulled it off.

WSE looks to Zabka IPO to help regain its former gloss

It has been well over a year since the Warsaw Stock Exchange last saw an IPO.

EU and US criticise Poland’s Russia influence law

PiS government sparks yet another conflict with EU Commission, which says it "will not hesitate to take immediate action as necessary".

bneGREEN: Clean energy investment is extending its lead over fossil fuels – IEA

Investment in clean energy technologies is significantly outpacing spending on fossil fuels as affordability and security concerns triggered by the global energy crisis strengthen the momentum behind more sustainable options, according to the IEA.

Duda says he will sign bill to bar politicians for being under Russian influence

Opposition fears the bill could be an attempt at eliminating former premier Donald Tusk from running in this autumn’s election under trumped-up allegations.

THE VIEW FROM MITTELEUROPA: Turkish result shows that 'all for one and one for all' is rarely the best tactic to bring down a strongman

The failure of the Nation Alliance under optimal conditions shows that 'big tent' coalitions under a single list often do not succeed in extending the opposition's reach.

PiS pushes through Russia influence law that opposition says will be used to harass Donald Tusk

The law, which still needs signing by President Andrzej Duda, will establish a commission with the power of barring individuals from holding public office for 10 years.

Czech PPF Group acquires 15% stake in Polish e-commerce company InPost

Czech private investment group estimated to have paid some €750mn for the stake.

Freedom House says Ukraine war threatens democracy across Emerging Europe

Democratic governance deteriorates in Emerging Europe and Central Asia, with worst declines in already authoritarian regions.

bneGREEN: Chinese solar exports climb 64%

China's solar exports grew 64% in 2022 to $52bn despite global tensions, according to analysis by consultancy Wood Mackenzie.

Poland’s retail sales repeat 7.3% y/y contraction rate in April

Retail sector set to enter a protracted recession, driven by inflation eating into Poles’ real incomes and the exorbitant cost of mortgage repayments due to high interest rates.