Central Europe Weekly Roundup

Poland

Record-Breaking Donations Collected in Poland’s Largest Charity Drive

The Christmas Charity Grand Concert (WO?P), first held 31 years ago, has become Poland’s largest fundraising event for those in need. The most recent edition—held for the 33rd time—set a new record for donations. In addition to public contributions, auctions of items donated by Polish celebrities, including Robert Lewandowski, further boosted funds. The event raised a total of 178 million z?oty (€42.2 million).

World Commemorates 80th Anniversary of Auschwitz Liberation

Auschwitz, the most infamous Nazi concentration and extermination camp, was established by German occupiers near the Polish town of O?wi?cim. Approximately 1.1 million people perished there due to forced labor, disease, or execution in gas chambers. The Red Army liberated the camp on January 27, 1945. On its 80th anniversary, world leaders—including King Charles III, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Germany’s president and chancellor—gathered to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

Czech Republic

Andy Warhol Exhibition Opens in Pardubice in February

Although American pop-art legend Andy Warhol, of Czechoslovak heritage, passed away nearly 40 years ago (1987), his works remain highly popular. Next month, a major Warhol exhibition will open in Pardubice, showcasing over 150 works ranging from his earliest pen drawings to his iconic silkscreen prints. The pieces are on loan from the Andy Warhol Museum in Medzilaborce, Slovakia—the town where Warhol’s parents originated.

Czech General Practitioners to Prescribe Medical Cannabis

Starting in April, general practitioners in the Czech Republic will be able to prescribe medical cannabis for patients. Previously, only 250 specialized doctors were authorized to do so. Under the new regulation, GPs will be permitted to prescribe up to a three-month supply of cannabis for chronic pain management.

Slovakia

100 Employees Resign from Slovak National Gallery, Threatening Its Collapse

In protest against the government’s cultural policies, 100 employees of the Slovak National Gallery have resigned, including half of its curators, as well as marketing and dramaturgy staff. With the institution employing 270 people, further resignations could lead to its operational collapse.

Romania

Dacian Artifacts Stolen in Dutch Museum Heist

Thieves detonated explosives to break into a museum in Assen, Netherlands, stealing Dacian-era treasures originally from Romania. The artifacts, on loan from the Romanian National History Museum for the exhibition Dacia – The Kingdom of Gold and Silver, consisted of nearly 700 pieces. The heist caused unprecedented financial and cultural losses for Romania, and authorities have launched an urgent international investigation.

Bulgaria

Budget Deficit May Further Delay Bulgaria’s Eurozone Entry

Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro has been repeatedly delayed, mainly due to political instability—with seven parliamentary elections in four years—and failing to meet key economic criteria. The new government hopes to meet inflation targets by February, but the budget deficit is likely to exceed the 3% threshold required for euro adoption.

Croatia

Helicopter Emergency Service in Dubrovnik-Neretva Extended Again

The first helicopter emergency service in Croatia was introduced in 2016 for remote southern regions. Initially operating only in summer, it became available year-round in 2021. The program has proven so successful that its contract has been extended for the fourth time, ensuring continued service throughout 2025.

Retail Boycott Over High Prices Gains Momentum

A social media campaign calling for a boycott of retail stores due to high food prices gained traction in Croatia. The first boycott, on January 24, significantly impacted store sales. Encouraged by its success, organizers are now planning a second boycott on Friday, January 31.

Slovenia

Nationwide Bomb Threats Disrupt Over 230 Schools

Following similar incidents in Slovakia, Bulgaria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, Slovenia experienced mass bomb threats on January 27. Over 230 schools received threats from individuals claiming to be Islamist terrorists. While the threats were false alarms, they caused major disruptions across the education system.

Fuel Prices Hit Multi-Month Highs in Slovenia

As of January 28, petrol prices in Slovenia rose by €0.027 per liter to €1.55, while diesel increased by €0.038 per liter to €1.619—the highest prices in eight months for petrol and since October 2023 for diesel. Regulated fuel prices outside highways are reviewed biweekly.

Austria

Former Chancellor Karl Nehammer to Launch Consulting Firm

After Austria’s September 2024 elections, it initially appeared that Karl Nehammer would serve a second term as chancellor. However, coalition talks collapsed in January, leading him to resign from both the chancellorship and party leadership. Nehammer has now decided to leave politics entirely, launching a consulting firm named Nehammer Consulting GmbH.