Central Europe Weekly Roundup

Poland

Religious Education Hours Halved in Polish Public Schools

Starting in the 2025 school year, the Ministry of Education plans to reduce state-sponsored religious education classes to one hour per week. Additionally, non-compulsory classes will now be scheduled as the first or last period of the day. The proposal, led by the Left (Lewica) party, has drawn opposition from the Catholic Church.

16 Miners Injured in a Fire at a Silesian Coal Mine

A methane gas fire broke out in the Knurów-Szczyg?owice mine in the Silesian Voivodeship, injuring 16 miners. Fourteen of them required hospitalization. The fire occurred 850 meters underground, prompting the evacuation of 44 miners.

Suicides in Poland Decline Significantly in 2024

Poland saw the largest decrease in suicides in a decade, with 4,845 deaths recorded in 2024, down from 5,233 in 2023. However, suicide attempts increased by 6%, totaling 10,154 last year.

Czech Republic

Locomotive Driver Shortage in the Czech Republic

Czech railway companies are facing a labor shortage, particularly among locomotive drivers. Many drivers are retiring without sufficient replacements. Becoming a locomotive driver requires rigorous training and health qualifications, with training lasting up to a year. Companies are offering incentives to attract new recruits.

Romania

Polish Bank PKO Enters Romanian Market

As of January 1, 2025, Poland's largest bank, PKO Bank Polski, has entered the Romanian market. The move aims to facilitate Romanian companies’ entry into Poland while continuing a trend of Polish companies expanding into Romania.

Fewer False Emergency Calls in Romania in 2024

Of the 9.7 million emergency calls made in Romania in 2024, 60% were genuine, marking a significant improvement. False emergency calls dropped by nearly one million compared to the previous year, easing the burden on emergency services.

Bulgaria

Heating Bills Increase by 18% in January

January’s lower average temperature—nearly one degree Celsius colder than December—has led to higher energy consumption. Experts estimate that every one-degree drop in temperature results in a 10% increase in energy usage, causing heating bills to rise by an average of 18%.

Influenza Outbreak Spreads Across Bulgaria

Five Bulgarian districts have declared an influenza epidemic due to rising cases. Measures include visitation bans in healthcare facilities and health screenings in schools to slow the virus’s spread.

Croatia

Wienerberger Invests €8 Million in Karlovac Plant Modernization

Austrian construction company Wienerberger is investing €8 million to modernize its plant in Karlovac, Croatia. This facility produces Porotherm bricks, and the upgrade will allow the production of new "smart bricks." In 2023, the company reported €108 million in revenue from Croatia.

€4.3 Billion in Kuna Still Held by Croatians Two Years After Euro Adoption

Since joining the eurozone on January 1, 2023, Croatians have exchanged 85% of their old currency, the kuna, for euros. However, €4.3 billion in kuna remains unexchanged, with €3.1 billion in banknotes and €1.2 billion in coins. Currency exchange continues through banks and post offices.

Slovenia

Fatal Accident in Velenje Coal Mine

Despite plans to phase out coal-based energy, Slovenia still operates coal mines. A tragic accident occurred in a Velenje-area coal mine, involving three miners. Two were found dead, and hopes of rescuing the third are slim.

Sevnica Celebrates Its Famous First Lady

Sevnica, the Slovenian hometown of Melania Trump—wife of the newly re-elected U.S. president—organized celebrations to honor its famous native. Capitalizing on the presidential couple’s brand, the town launched products like “First Lady” perfume and “President’s Burger.”