Slovakia
Slovakia’s populist PM Fico faces no-confidence motion
Slovakia’s opposition parties united to file a no-confidence motion against the populist Prime Minister Robert Fico on January 14.
Slovakia’s Fico steps up anti-Ukraine rhetoric over gas cut-off
Slovak premier threatens to veto Ukraine votes at EU level.
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.
Slovakia faces cut-off of Russian gas pipeline supplies
Robert Fico’s attacks on Kyiv for ending gas transit have more to do with his close political ties with Orban and Putin, the cosy business links Slovakia has with Russia, and his domestic political problems, rather than energy security.
COMMENT: The EU’s Green Deal is a “policy disaster”
Energy analyst Dr Tom O'Donnell has issued a stark critique of the European Union's Green Deal, describing it as a "policy disaster" that requires radical reform to prevent further industrial decline and to bolster energy security.
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.
The EU Council calls for a European geothermal action plan
The energy ministers in the EU Energy Council approved the outline of a European geothermal energy action plan on December 17.
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.
FDI in Emerging Europe hit by geopolitical uncertainty and German slowdown
wiiw report warns lower investment trend could continue as Central and Eastern Europe's role as a production hub for Western companies is waning.
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 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.
IMF: The 2004 EU enlargement was a success story built on deep reform efforts
New accession candidates will need to undertake equally ambitious reforms to make the next expansion a comparable success.
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.
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Slovak inflation hits 3.2% y/y in November
Inflation accelerated slightly on the 3.1% y/y growth in October and was the third highest this year amid a continued rise in food prices. The m/m rate is a slowdown on the 0.7% m/m growth in October.
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.
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Slovak industry maintains growth of 1.3% y/y in October
Slovakia’s industrial output maintained growth of 1.3% year on year in October amid the continued strong production of transportation equipment.
COMMENT: European countries plan hydrogen import infrastructure to achieve climate goals
Talks between Greece's DESFA and several Southeast and Central European countries aim to establish a new hydrogen corridor to Germany.