Central Europe Weekly Roundup

Poland

Four Soldiers Face Charges Over Anti-Tank Mines Found in IKEA Store

In a bizarre case, 240 anti-tank mines that went missing in Poland were discovered in an IKEA store. Major General Artur K?pczyński, who failed to provide an explanation, was dismissed earlier. Investigations revealed the mines were supposed to be unloaded from a freight train in Szczecin but were mistakenly left onboard and ended up at the Swedish furniture retailer. Four soldiers are now facing charges over the incident.

Czech Republic

Record Number of Cyber Incidents in 2024

The National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NúKIB) reported 268 cyber incidents in the Czech Republic in 2024, six more than the previous year, marking an all-time high.

Seven Dead, Seven Injured in Restaurant Gas Explosion in Most

A gas explosion at the U Kojota restaurant in Most, north of Prague, claimed seven lives and injured seven others. A gas cylinder caused the explosion and subsequent fire. Despite firefighters arriving in six minutes, six victims were trapped and died at the scene, while the seventh succumbed to injuries in the hospital.

Slovakia

All Major Slovak Banks Now Offer Instant Payment Services

As of January 9, all major Slovak banks, including 365.bank and Po?tová Banka, now provide instant payment options. This move complies with EU regulations requiring fast transaction capabilities.

Romania

Proposed Administrative Reform Would Divide the Székely Land

A new administrative reform proposal by Romania’s Social Democratic Party (PSD) seeks to reduce the current 41 counties to 15 territorial units. This plan would split the Hungarian-majority counties of Harghita and Covasna, merging them into Romanian-majority regions. The proposal has sparked concerns among Hungarian communities and is likely unacceptable to the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ).

Ford Sets Production Record in Romania

Ford Otosan’s Craiova plant in Romania produced 250,481 vehicles in 2024, a 31% increase from 2023. The plant manufactures various models of the Courier and Puma.

Bulgaria

Bread Prices Increase by 43% Over Four Years

Bread prices in Bulgaria have risen by 43% since 2021, according to a study by the CITUB research institute. Over half of this increase occurred after July 2022, despite the temporary suspension of VAT on bread due to economic challenges caused by the war.

Four Individuals Charged Over Plovdiv-Burgas Railway Fraud

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has charged four individuals with financial fraud related to the €94.5 million EU-funded Plovdiv-Burgas railway modernization project. The accused include members of a consortium that allegedly inflated costs and a former director of the National Railway Infrastructure Company who was aware of the fraud.

Croatia

Largest Solar Power Plant in Croatia to Supply Energy to 100,000 Homes

Construction is underway near Benkovac in Zadar County for Croatia's largest solar power plant. The €70 million project will generate 165 million kWh annually, providing energy for approximately 100,000 homes.

Croatia Sells Old Combat Vehicles to Modernize Armed Forces

Croatia is selling 60 Cold War-era combat vehicles to Germany, which will use them to support Ukraine. The sale is part of Croatia’s modernization program, which includes acquiring 50 new Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany.

Slovenia

EU Funds Rehabilitate Former Coal Mining Regions in Slovenia As Slovenia transitions to environmentally friendly energy production, it will cease coal-based electricity generation. EU funds totaling €83 million will support the rehabilitation of former mining and industrial regions, attracting new industries like electric equipment, pharmaceuticals, metal processing, and software development to create jobs.