Central Europe Weekly Roundup

Poland

Poland's GDP Growth is the Highest in the EU

In the past quarter, Poland's economy experienced the largest growth among the 27 EU member states, according to Eurostat data. The annual growth rate stands at 4%, which is significantly higher than the EU average of 0.8%. Compared to the previous quarter, the growth rate was 1.5%, based on Eurostat data, although figures from Poland's national statistics office slightly differ. Nonetheless, Poland's economic performance has exceeded initial projections.

Poland Leads OECD Countries in Household Income Growth

Poland's economy is not only boasting impressive GDP growth but also leads in household income growth among OECD countries. According to a survey covering 20 member countries, Poland recorded the highest real household income growth in the first quarter of 2024, with a double-digit increase of 10.22%. The second-highest was Portugal with a 6.74% increase, while the OECD average was 0.52%. Seven countries reported a decline in income, with Greece experiencing the largest decrease.

Czech Republic

Prague Plans Floating Helicopter Station on the Vltava River

This week, the Prague city council approved a development plan to create a floating helicopter station on the Vltava River. The city has allocated 52 million crowns for this project, which will be located on the river's right bank near the Vy?ehrad Tunnel. The station is primarily intended to serve hospitals that currently lack helicopter landing facilities, such as the Central University Hospital.

Romania

Romania's Economy Grew by Just 0.1% in the Second Quarter

The latest economic data from Romania reveals that the GDP grew by only 0.1% in the second quarter of this year compared to the first three months. Compared to the same period last year, the growth rate is 0.8%, according to measurements by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).

Bulgaria

Nurse Shortage Threatens the Functionality of Bulgaria's Healthcare System

A third of Bulgaria’s nurses and caregivers, and a quarter of midwives, have reached retirement age, according to the Bulgarian Association of Healthcare Professionals. The association's president, Milka Vasileva, warned that the retirement of these workers threatens the healthcare system’s functionality. In response to the crisis, the political leadership has acted, with parliament passing legislation aimed at increasing the number of nurses and caregivers by 30%. The minister now has 60 days to develop detailed regulations. Currently, the situation is dire, with an average of 30 patients per nurse, which jeopardizes safe care.

Parliament Rejects Proposal to Classify Laughing Gas as a Drug

Despite Bulgaria's political scene being dominated by consecutive elections (with the next one scheduled for September or October), lawmakers have found time to address other issues. Former leader of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Korneliya Ninova, who resigned following a series of electoral failures, proposed a bill to classify nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as a controlled substance. However, the proposal received only 68 votes in favor (31 against) in the 240-member parliament, falling short of the necessary majority for adoption.

North Macedonia

Austrian Authorities Seek North Macedonia's Help in Connection with Planned Terror Attacks at Taylor Swift Concerts

Last week, three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna were canceled due to planned Islamist terror attacks. One of the suspects is a 19-year-old from North Macedonia, born in the northwestern city of Gostivar. To thoroughly investigate his background, Austrian authorities have sought assistance from their North Macedonian counterparts. This is not the first time that a terror attack in Austria has been linked to North Macedonia. In November 2020, a deadly attack that claimed four lives also involved a North Macedonian national.

Croatia

Fatal Boat Accident in Croatia

On Sunday, August 11, a ferry ramp collapsed on the Croatian island of Lo?inj, killing three crew members and severely injuring four others. The ferry, which connects the island to Zadar, was 55 years old. Police and transportation authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. State leaders expressed their condolences, declared three days of mourning, and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast.

Croatian Towns Overwhelmed by Excessive Tourism – Dubrovnik Sees 27 Tourists Per Resident

Every season, the issue of overtourism receives significant attention in countries with popular tourist destinations. Croatia is no exception, with the scale of tourism being unsustainable. In Dubrovnik alone, there are 27 tourists for every resident, making it the most overburdened vacation spot in Europe.

Slovenia

Slovenian Youth Feel Unheard

On the occasion of International Youth Day (August 12), the Slovenian Youth Council (MSS) evaluated the situation of young people in the country. According to the Council's leader, Eva Kotnik, the situation is far from encouraging. Slovenian youth feel that they are not being listened to and have little influence in decision-making processes. Despite the government's stated commitment to youth issues, the organization believes this remains an unfulfilled promise. In practice, there has not even been a meeting between Kotnik and Prime Minister Robert Golob. The most pressing issue identified by young people is housing.

Bank Profits in Slovenia Grew by 6.3%

In the first half of 2024, Slovenia's banking sector saw a profit increase of 496.2 million euros, representing a 6.3% growth, according to data from Banka Slovenije.