Central Europe Weekly Roundup

Poland

The first Silesian language and culture course has launched in Poland

Within three days, all spots were filled for a postgraduate course focused on the Silesian language and culture. It’s noteworthy that Poland has seen significant public debate over whether Silesian is an independent language or a dialect of Polish. The University of Silesia in Katowice (the capital of the Silesian Voivodeship) is offering this free two-semester postgraduate course targeting teachers, with support from the Ministry of Culture. In Poland, 460,000 people identify Silesian as their native language.

New road signs warn drivers about hamster-related dangers on Poland’s roads

New road signs have been placed along rural roads in eastern Poland to alert drivers to the dangers posed by hamsters straying onto roads. Although hamsters are common in this region, they are an endangered species and are protected in Poland. Drivers are therefore encouraged to avoid harming these animals.

Polish government invests 1 billion zloty in artificial intelligence

Defense Minister W?adys?aw Kosiniak-Kamysz and Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski jointly announced at a press conference that the Polish government is investing 1 billion zloty (232 million euros) into artificial intelligence development. Plans include the creation of a major Polish language AI model. The initiative will establish an AI fund and a council to oversee the work.

Czech Republic

Winter shelters for the homeless and those in need to open in Prague on December 1

In response to the dropping temperatures, Prague will significantly expand the capacity of its warming centers as of December 1. In cooperation with civil organizations, city authorities are launching a comprehensive program for individuals in crisis situations.

Prime Minister claims Czech wages will reach German levels within four years – economists skeptical

Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced on television last week that his government aims to elevate Czech wages to German levels within four years. However, consulted experts are skeptical about the plan’s feasibility. Economists argue that in addition to Czech wage increases, the plan would also require German wages to stagnate.

Slovakia

The Velvet Revolution’s 35th anniversary commemorated by both successor states On November 17, 1989, events known as the "Velvet Revolution" began, leading to the collapse of the communist regime in just six weeks due to widespread societal dissatisfaction and protests. The anniversary was marked by commemorations in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Romania

Drilling rig for Neptun Deep project arrives in Romania

The Neptun Deep project involves the establishment and operation of a large-scale offshore natural gas extraction unit near Romania’s Black Sea coast. This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to Romania’s and the region’s energy independence and security. The project, led by a consortium jointly owned by OMV Petrom and Romgaz, achieved a major milestone with the arrival of the first drilling unit from Cartagena, Spain, after an 18-day journey. Gas production is expected to commence in 2027.

Romania and Bulgaria to fully join the Schengen Zone via land borders in January

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, considered the frontrunner in the upcoming presidential elections, announced that Romania and Bulgaria are expected to become full Schengen Zone members by January 2025. Currently, border checks have only been eliminated at air and sea borders. The final hurdle was convincing Austria, which had consistently opposed the expansion.

Bulgaria

Nation’s only air ambulance grounded due to missing black boxes

Since November 12, Bulgaria’s only air ambulance has been out of service due to the lack of installed software for cockpit voice and flight data recorders, commonly known as “black boxes.” The extended grace period expired on November 12. The manufacturer claims the issue will be resolved in a matter of days, and the Ministry has stated that military helicopters will be used for rescue missions in the meantime.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia and Kosovo simplify border crossing procedures

Starting in January 2025, the border crossing process between North Macedonia and Kosovo will be significantly simplified. Following a joint government meeting, it was announced that travelers will only need to stop once at the shared border checkpoint, where officials from both countries will work together. The move is expected to boost trade between the two nations.

Croatia

Croatia remembers the Siege of Vukovar and the ?kabrnja massacre

November 18 is Croatia’s Day of Remembrance, commemorating the heroes of the Homeland War that began in 1991. On this day, Vukovar fell after an 87-day siege by Serbian paramilitary forces, though it was not reintegrated into Croatia until years later. Additionally, ?kabrnja and Nadin witnessed massacres by the Yugoslav People’s Army and local Serbian paramilitary forces, resulting in the deaths of 62 civilians, primarily women and elderly people.

Slovenia

Three killed in light aircraft crash in Slovenia over the weekend

At least three fatalities occurred in an aircraft accident near the town of Beltinci in the Prekmurje region. The Cessna 172M, which took off from Maribor airport on Sunday morning, crashed near a football field shortly before noon. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the crash.