Central Europe
Commission to pour cold water on Bulgaria’s Eurozone ambition
Euro-hopeful Bulgaria does not yet meet the criteria to adopt the single currency, the European Commission will say today (23 May) in an assessment of European Union countries that must one day switch to the euro.
Bulgaria PM plans to restart second atomic power project
Six years after freezing the construction of a second nuclear power plant, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov announced on Saturday (12 May) he intends to restart the project. Chinese investors have already expressed interest.
Turkmenistan to tap into Southern Gas Corridor
Gas swaps in which Iran plays a central role could open the door for Turkmenistan, a Central Asian country with ample gas reserves, to become an important player on the EU gas market, according to media reports.
‘Kitchen of Conflict’: Through the stomach towards tolerance
Poland and Hungary are the only two EU countries that have not accepted any refugee under the EU relocation and resettlement program. In an interview with EURACTIV Poland, Jarmila Rybicka talks about how her project tries to overcome fears and stereotypes about refugees.
Empire strikes back: EU to combat eastern strongmen with funding threat
The European Union will deploy a new financial weapon next week to try to rein in what Brussels sees as illiberal nationalism rising in the east of the bloc and threatening its democratic foundations.
Bulgaria’s Borissov unveils secret criteria for joining the eurozone
Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said he apologises for revealing a secret, but that the Bulgarians should know about the main additional condition for the country’s accession to the eurozone.
Civil organisations in Hungary brace for government crackdown on NGOs
Non-governmental organisations in the crosshairs of Hungary's EPP-affiliated government are seeking new funding sources and legal ways to counter a new law that would allow the interior minister to ban NGOs deemed to pose a "national security risk".![[Shutterstock]](https://www.euractiv.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/04/shutterstock_700257709-800x450.jpg)
Ministers highlight European divide over carbon price floor
While France is pushing for the implementation of a carbon price floor at EU level and is looking for allies in the bloc, Poland sees energy storage technologies as key to a successful European climate policy.
Timmermans on rule of law in Poland: Concessions are still insufficient
Commission's Vice chief Frans Timmermans urges Poland to formulate its full proposal to solve the dispute over the rule of law by mid-May as previous concessions are considered as insufficient. EURACTIV Poland reports.
Juncker upbeat on Slovak presidency of Visegrad
Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who received yesterday (12 April) the new Slovak PM Peter Pellegrini, made optimistic remarks on the upcoming Slovak presidency of the Visegrad countries, in the perspective of a deal to reform the Dublin asylum system.
MEPs demand triggering Article 7 against Hungary
MEPs are demanding the launch of an infringement procedure against Hungary for breaching 'core EU values', just days after Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s sweeping election success.
EU bans dual quality food after pressure from eastern members
The European Commission announced on Wednesday (11 April) it would prohibit dual quality food across the bloc, following complaints and pressure from Central and Eastern European (CEE) member states.
Rule of law: Chance for compromise between Warsaw and Brussels?
Members of Poland's Law and Justice (PiS) party have proposed amendments to the controversial laws governing the Polish judicial system that put Warsaw in the crosshairs of the European Commission. It is still unclear if these changes will soothe the dispute or if they are just empty gestures. EURACTIV Poland reports.
China hosts Visegrad group, calls them ‘dynamic force’ in EU
China believes the Visegrad group in the European Union - Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic and Poland - is the bloc's most dynamic force, China's top diplomat said, praising a grouping which has had strained ties with Western Europe.
The Belt and Road Initiative: Visegrad Four’s Chinese dilemma
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.
Polish FM: We are committed to EU but Commission is no ‘super-government’
Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz outlined his country’s foreign policy aims for 2018 this week, putting special emphasis on security issues and criticising EU institutions for using "double standards". EURACTIV Poland reports.
Austrian experts: Central Europe is the future of Europe
The relations of the Visegrád Four with many EU countries, as well as with Brussels, are currently very tense. Despite some differences of opinion, Austria is endeavouring to establish a good neighbourhood policy. EURACTIV Germany reports from Vienna.
Future EU and security main topics during Merkel’s Poland visit
After her inaugural visit to Paris, German Chancellor Angela Merkel paid a visit to Warsaw. In the talks, there were assurances of “the readiness to fill the Polish-German partnership with content on the European and global level” as well as the “convergence of interests in foreign policy matters.” EURACTIV Poland reports.
Political analyst: In Central Asia, the personality factor is very important
A change at the helm of Uzbekistan 18 months ago became a game-changer and greatly improved relations in Central Asia, where the personality factor remains very important. In an interview, researcher Anastassiya Reshetnyak assesses the geopolitical situation, relations in the region and with the EU.
Baltic states against EU sanctions on Poland
Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have confirmed that they are against imposing EU sanctions on Poland for alleged breaches to the rule of law. EURACTIV Poland reports.
Bozhidar Danev: Part of Bulgaria’s fuel sector lies in the grey economy
Unusually low fuel prices in Bulgaria are probably the result of cartels, or contraband, Bozhidar Danev told EURACTIV.com in an exclusive interview, saying the authorities have so far been unable or unwilling to address the issue.
Reporters face obstacle run in corruption-hit Bulgaria
Cartoonist Hristo Komarnitski and his colleagues had no illusions: launching a satirical journal was always going to be tricky in Bulgaria, new holder of the EU presidency but also ranked as the bloc's worst press freedom violator.
Austria sues over EU approval of Hungary nuclear plant
Staunchly anti-nuclear Austria lodged a legal complaint with the European Court of Justice yesterday (22 February) against the EU's approval of the expansion of a nuclear plant in neighbouring Hungary.