Central Europe
EXPO 2017 in Astana will contribute to global sustainable development
Staging such an important exhibition as EXPO 2017 in Kazakhstan will accelerate our transition to a modern and sustainable economy, writes Kairat Abdrakhamanov. EXPO 2017 taking place from 10 June to 10 September 2017 in Astana, Kazakhstan. Its theme is "Future Energy".
Visegrad leaders say EU must show more support for Israel
The EU should better appreciate Israel’s key role in Middle Eastern stability, leaders of the Visegrad Four nations said yesterday (19 July) in a joint attack with Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu on Brussels’ current policy towards the Jewish state.
Bulgaria warns EU is becoming over-dependent on gas transited via Turkey
The European Commission is expected to approve the second thread of the Turkish Stream pipeline stretching to Bulgaria's Black Sea shore, according to Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borrisov who warned that the EU is becoming over-dependent on gas transited via Turkey.
Poland’s cherry picking of EU energy rules makes no sense
When it comes to EU energy policy, Warsaw does not always adhere to the letter and the spirit of EU law and tends to select rules a la carte, adapting them to Poland's narrowly-defined interests, writes Danila Bochkarev.
Romanian government backtracks from plan to tax companies’ turnover
Romanian Prime Minister Mihai Tudose said yesterday (17 July) his leftist-led government had scrapped a plan to tax companies' turnover.
Trans-Europe Express: Will the EU ever get the Western Balkans right?
The EU's fast-and-loose approach to the Western Balkans has never been more evident than in the last few years.
With new evidence, Czechs call for solution to dual food quality issue
Fish fingers in Germany contain more meat than those sold in the Czech Republic. The Visegrad Group has asked for an EU solution but the Commission is reluctant. Czechs are raising the issue again, following the publication of a new study. EURACTIV.cz reports
Trans-Europe Express: Tanks against migrants
The rhetoric about sending troops to the Brenner Pass was especially reactionary. But Austrian Defence Minister Hans Peter Doskozil felt compelled to use it anyway.
Trump in Poland: It’s history, stupid!
Donald Trump’s visit to Poland is a fulfilment of the Law and Justice’s (PiS) wildest dreams. In his speech, Trump lavished Polish politicians with praise. Smiling Polish leaders, scorned in EU corridors and plenaries, now finally found their true ally and friend, writes Karolina Zbytniewska.
In Warsaw, Trump gently criticises Russia
President Donald Trump affirmed the US commitment to the defence of NATO allies yesterday (6 July) in a Warsaw speech that gently criticised Russia, and he said Western civilization must stand up to "those who would subvert and destroy it".
UNESCO urges Poland to stop logging ancient forest
UNESCO on Wednesday (5 July) "strongly" urged Poland to stop logging the older parts of the ancient Białowieża forest, a world heritage site that includes some of Europe's last primeval woodland.
Trump arrives in Warsaw, kicking off second Europe trip
Donald Trump arrived for high-stakes visit to Europe yesterday evening (5 July), landing in Poland ahead of his first G20 summit in Hamburg and a closely-watched meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump to promote US LNG exports at Warsaw summit
US President Donald Trump plans to promote US liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports at a meeting next Thursday (6 July) in Warsaw with a dozen leaders from Central and Eastern Europe, a region heavily reliant on Russian supplies.
EU initiative to help coal mining regions will start in autumn
The Commission is working on an initiative to support coal mining regions during the transition towards a low-emission economy. EURACTIV Czech Republic reports.
Czech law to allow civilians to shoot during terrorist attacks
The Czech parliament on Wednesday (28 June) passed a constitutional amendment that challenges EU gun control rules by allowing legal firearms holders to use them when national security is threatened, including during terrorist attacks.
‘Evil’ Brussels vs. ‘good’ Prague: Czech MEPs want to change EU’s image
Only 1/3rd of the European Union’s population knows the positive effect that Union funds have on them. For example, Czechs have received hundreds of billions of crowns since the country joined the EU, but only 33% view EU membership as positive. Aktuálně reports.
Half-digital Czech Republic anxious about cyber stability
The Czech Republic is one of the EU leaders in e-commerce. However, it is one of the worst in e-government. For example, one of the ministries uses 125 mutually unconnected databases. EURACTIV.cz reports.
Macron, Merkel: EU treaty change is not taboo
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, speaking at a joint presser after the end of the EU summit on Friday (23 June), said that treaty change should not be an obstacle to carrying out important reforms.
MEPs: European funds for poorer member states must not diminish
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.
Hungary’s law calls for more transparency for NGOs receiving foreign money
In a recent EURACTIV.com interview, the director of the George Soros-funded European Policy Institute makes the incorrect claim that Hungary’s new legislation on NGO transparency is “discriminatory” and is closing the space for dissenting opinions, writes Zoltán Kovács.
Orbán: No chance for single EU migration policy
Hungary's populist prime minister said Monday (19 June) that he sees no chance for a single EU-wide migration policy, just days after the bloc launched legal action against Budapest for refusing refugees under a controversial solidarity plan.
Grabbe: Hungary’s NGO law is discriminatory
For the EU, the fear is that this legislation is coercive and inhibits the free movement of capital, former Commission official Heather Grabbe told EURACTIV Germany.
Germany voices ‘great concern’ over Hungarian NGO law
Germany voiced "great concern" yesterday (14 June) over Hungary's crackdown on foreign-backed civil society groups approved by parliament the previous day. In the meantime the Commission said it will “carefully analyse it”.
Polish PM under fire for using Auschwitz to make Poles fear refugees
Poland's prime minister came under heavy fire yesterday (14 June) for appearing to defend her right-wing government's anti-migrant policy during a memorial service at the former Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi German death camp.