ING: Trump’s Tariffs - Europe’s worst economic nightmare just came true

A US 20% reciprocal tariff on the European Union will hurt. It's worsened the eurozone's short-term outlook. Now, so much depends on European governments to push through with their planned fiscal stimulus and reforms to strengthen domestic economies.

US tariffs on EU imports to hit Central and Southeast Europe

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says bloc considering retaliatory moves after Trump announces 20% tariffs.

Emerging Europe risks being “cast adrift” from the West, think-tank warns

Ongoing geopolitical realignment accelerated by Trump’s return to office could plunge Emerging Europe into a cycle of instability and regional conflict, says a paper published by the ECFR.

Progressive Slovakia and Smer are neck and neck in latest March poll

The largest opposition party, centrist Progressive Slovakia, maintains a narrow lead of 21.7% ahead of the ruling Smer party (21.2%) of the populist Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Rule of law in EU deteriorates, with decline concentrated in eastern members

Liberties report finds collapse of democratic standards in Hungary, and strong deteriorations in Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Romania and Slovakia.

COMMENT: Is the EU going to fall apart?

Is the EU about to break apart under the stress of taking over the full weight of supporting Ukraine, the need to rearm and the hundreds of billions that must be invested if it is to become competitive again?

Slovak PM Fico insists his policies are ‘sovereign’ after not blocking EU’s Ukrainian policy

Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico insisted his policies are “sovereign” after he took part in the EU summit, which he had threatened to boycott earlier.

Slovak unemployment drops to 3.79% in February

Slovakia’s populist PM Fico signs agreement with ex-ruling coalition legislators, restoring parliamentary majority

Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico has signed an agreement with Samuel Migal and Radomir Salitros, who were ejected from Fico’s Smer’s key ruling coalition ally, the conservative centre-left Hlas party.

EU to soften gas storage rules to avoid price spikes

EU member states are considering softening the bloc’s binding gas storage targets in order to avoid sending gas prices soaring again ahead of what is anticipated to be a difficult year.

OPINION: CEE infrastructure to take centre stage as Ukraine post-war reconstruction looms

The war in Ukraine appears to be drawing to a close and Central and Eastern Europe's infrastructure capabilities – or lack thereof – will soon be thrust into the global spotlight.

Slovak industry falls by a disappointing 5.2% y/y in January

Slovakia’s industrial output fell by 5.2% year on year and by 7.3% month on month, significantly deepening its mild December dip of 0.1% y/y and ending the growth period registered for much of the second half of 2024.

Mass protests against PM Fico’s pro-Russian turn continue across Slovakia

Mass protests in Slovakia against the left-right cabinet of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico continued with rallies under the slogan “Slovakia is Europe” held in more than 40 cities and towns across the country.

Slovak GDP grew by 2% in 2024, the highest since 2021

Slovakia’s gross domestic product increased at constant prices by 2% in 2024. It was the highest GDP growth since 2021, Slovak statisticians reported following the confirmation of the 2024 final quarter figures.

EU countries weigh costs of planned military buildup

What we know so far about EU member states’ plans to hike defence spending in face of "existential challenge" from Russia, and how this will be financed.

Slovakia’s PM Fico backs EU resolution on Ukraine defence despite veto threat

Robert Fico had threatened to block the EU summit unless the conclusions contained a provision about the renewal of Russian gas transit through Ukraine.

EU leaders back defence spending boost, pledge support for Ukraine

EU leaders unanimously agree to ramp up defence spending at emergency summit, but Hungary refuses to endorse statement on support for Ukraine.

EU Council president says leaders “here to take decisions” as he arrives at Brussels summit

EU leaders to discuss support for Ukraine and strengthening of Europe’s defence capabilities in response to the sudden change in the geopolitical situation.

Fears Russia-friendly EU members to undermine ‘five to midnight’ summit

Hungarian PM Viktor Orban indicated ahead of the crucial summit that he might veto additional support for Ukraine.

Slovak unemployment inches up to 3.92% in January

The unemployment level in Slovakia (PDU indicator) continued to inch upward in January to 3.92% after it inched up to 3.81% in December. Unemployment dropped year on year by 0.05 percentage points.