As Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic start phasing out coal, campaigners argue that all actors – including small entrepreneurs, communities and civil society – must be part of the process.
Viktor Orban's landslide victory last weekend is not good news for the EU. But it may also turn out to be a mixed blessing for the Visegrad group of Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
China has used the international economic crisis to elbow its way towards a dominant position on the global market. Its New Silk Road is seen as an attempt to create a massive, multi-national zone of economic and political influence, including in Central Europe. EURACTIV Poland/Czech Republic/Slovakia and Political Capital report.
The Polish government is still relying on Hungary’s Viktor Orbán to cover their backs. But this particular alliance may not last forever. EURACTIV Czech Republic takes a look at the story ahead of what could be a defining year for how the EU treats its problem kids.
The Czech Republic insists that it will not accept any refugees under the EU relocation system, despite a legal case brought by the European Commission.
The Czech Republic’s ‘pragmatic’ approach to the EU will not change significantly with the new government. But more unpredictability can be expected in the long term, with “Czexit” as the worst-case scenario being more likely than before.
Producers of solar electricity should pay higher taxes, according to the Czech government. The sector says it is being politicised before the elections. EURACTIV.cz reports.
It makes no sense to share a burden over which we have no control, the Czech government said in response to the criticism of its failure to comply with EU migrant relocation quotas. EURACTIV Czech Republic reports.
The Commission is working on an initiative to support coal mining regions during the transition towards a low-emission economy. EURACTIV Czech Republic reports.
Negotiations are beginning on the future of the European budget, which also includes funds financing cohesion policy. Meeting in Strasbourg, MEPs agreed they should not be reduced. Aktuálně reports.
Even the strongest soft powers need defence capacities sometimes. This was not the highlight of the politically-oriented “growth and jobs” guidelines of Jean-Claude Juncker’s campaign for the European Commission presidency in the summer of 2014 though.
The freedom of the press has been threatened in the Czech Republic, but the country can solve the situation on its own, lawmakers stated in a plenary debate on Thursday (1 June). EURACTIV.cz reports.
The Czech Republic and Slovakia see nuclear power as key to their future energy mix. But new reactors needed in both states, however, face financing problems due to the low price of electricity. EURACTIV.cz reports.
The European Commission is emphasising the use of loans and guarantees to attract private funding in support for energy efficiency renovation projects. But Central European countries are only slowly catching up with this trend. EURACTIV Czech Republic reports.
In honour of World Press Freedom Day (2 May), Trans-Europe Express asked journalists from the EURACTIV Network to comment on Reporters Without Borders’ 2017 Press Freedom Index.
Poland is spearheading criticism of the Commission's proposed “entente” that would end a five-year antitrust case against Gazprom for abusing its dominant position in eight countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
Visegrád countries are seeking ways to ensure energy security while delivering on their climate commitments. Nuclear is seen as the ideal solution by some, with natural gas playing a limited role. EURACTIV's Central European partners report.
In the Visegrád Group, there is a desire to both strengthen the powers of member states, but also defend the Schengen area, and the four freedoms. Unsurprisingly, talk of treaty change is in the air. Euractiv's Central European partners report.
The essence of the circular economy is not in numbers and targets, but in changing attitudes and seeking new business opportunities, experts said at a debate organised by EURACTIV Czech Republic.
Electricity market design should provide equal conditions for all energy sources, avoid capacity mechanisms and build on bottom-up regional cooperation, according to the Czech Republic. EURACTIV.cz reports.
Data protection agreements are an important part of EU-US relations, and the Privacy Shield pact and Umbrella Agreement will continue under Donald Trump’s administration, EU Justice Commissioner Věra Jourová told EURACTIV Czech Republic.
Donald Trump's victory in the US elections took most of the EU countries by surprise. A majority of leaders appeared apprehensive of the consequences, with the exception of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, for whom Trump’s election is “great news” and a proof that “democracy is still alive”. This article will be updated as reactions keep arriving.
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![Miloš Zeman. [Czech Radio].](https://www.euractiv.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/04/milos_zeman.jpeg)
