Central Europe Weekly Roundup

Poland

A Domestic Company to Lead Construction of the New Warsaw Airport

Plans for a new airport near the Polish capital have been in the works for years. The new airport, set to replace the Fryderyk Chopin Airport’s passenger traffic by 2032, was initially led by a French-Australian consortium chosen by the previous government. However, the current administration has reassigned the project, giving the Polish Airports (PPL) company a 49% stake in the enterprise, with the remaining 51% held by the state treasury. This decision makes the airport project a "completely Polish investment."

Kraków's Main Square Christmas Tree Named the 'Most Iconic' in the World by Time Out

Time Out magazine has ranked Kraków's Christmas tree, located in the historic Market Square (Rynek), as the most iconic in the world. It surpassed the trees in Gubbio, Italy, and at New York's Rockefeller Center. Kraków’s tree features 26,000 energy-saving lights and over 1,000 decorations.

Czech Republic

Nation Marks the First Anniversary of the Charles University Massacre

On December 21, 2023, the Czech Republic witnessed its worst mass shooting, when a university student killed 14 people, mostly students, and injured 25 others at Charles University in Prague. On the first anniversary of the tragedy, memorial events were held across Prague, and a documentary on the massacre and its aftermath aired on national television.

Czech Banks See 10% Profit Increase in the Past Year

According to the Czech National Bank, the country’s banks and savings institutions posted a combined profit of 91 billion Czech korunas (over €3.5 billion) in the past year, marking a 10% increase.

Slovakia

Slovakia Becomes an Emerging Player in the International Space Industry

Although not widely recognized as a major player in the space sector, 2024 solidified Slovakia’s growing role. The country launched its fourth satellite, GRBBeta—a miniature astrophysical observatory—into orbit in July. These advancements are opening new opportunities for Slovak companies in the space industry.

Romania

Romania and Europe Commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Revolution

The Romanian Revolution began on December 16, 1989, in Timi?oara, leading to the fall of Nicolae Ceau?escu’s communist regime, the last of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe. Ceau?escu fled on December 22 and was executed with his wife three days later after a dramatic show trial. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sent a message marking the 35th anniversary of these events.

Bulgaria

Society Divided Over Joining the Eurozone

Despite Bulgaria’s government’s strong commitment to adopting the euro, political uncertainties have delayed the timeline repeatedly. A recent survey reveals a deeply divided public, with 46% supporting and 46% opposing euro adoption. Notably, Bulgaria’s currency, the lev, has been pegged to the euro since 1999.

Snowstorms Cause Power Outages Across Bulgaria

Heavy snowfall and blizzards during the Christmas period caused power outages in many parts of Bulgaria, including the popular ski resort area of Borovets. Efforts to restore electricity are underway. The severe winter weather also disrupted rail and road transport.

Croatia

Modernization and Electrification of the Vinkovci-Vukovar Railway Line Completed

On December 21, the revamped Vinkovci-Vukovar railway line was inaugurated, connecting two key towns in Srijem. The 19-kilometer route now offers a 20-minute reduction in travel time, with upgrades including electrification and safer railway crossings. The €61 million project was 85% funded by the EU.

Croatian Passport Ranked Stronger Than British and American Ones

In 2024, global rankings of the world’s strongest passports placed Croatia’s passport in a tie for 5th place, granting visa-free access to 125 countries. In comparison, the UK passport ranked 7th, and the US passport came in 8th. For the fourth consecutive year, the United Arab Emirates’ passport topped the list.

Slovenia

Slovenia to Become a Full Member of the European Space Agency (ESA)

On January 1, 2025, Slovenia will become a full member of the ESA, creating new opportunities for Slovenian businesses in the rapidly growing space industry. Slovenia’s relationship with the ESA began in 2009 with a Cooperation Agreement, followed by associate membership in 2016. Full membership includes an annual fee of €2.8 million, supplemented by a one-time joining fee of €1.7 million.