Central Europe Weekly Roundup

Poland

Poland experiences the highest rise in housing prices among EU countries

In the second quarter of 2024, housing prices in Poland increased by 17.7% year-on-year, the highest rate among the 27 EU countries. Additionally, the quarterly increase of 2.9% is also the highest in the EU. Poland has maintained its position as the leader in quarterly growth for three consecutive quarters.

Czech Republic

Direct rail connection from the airport to the city center could be realized by 2030

After 30 years of promises, the dream of many Czech travelers may finally come true. According to the Ministry of Transport's plans, a railway line connecting Václav Havel International Airport to the city center is expected to be completed by 2030. The railway will have nine stops, with some sections running underground, reducing the travel time between the airport and the city to just 25 minutes. The final station will be in the town of Kladno, near the capital.

Government plans to ban flavored e-cigarettes continue to spark debates

Both e-cigarette manufacturers and consumers are protesting against the government's plan, with Jind?ich Vobo?il, former coordinator of anti-drug measures, also criticizing it. He argues that e-cigarettes are still far less harmful than other tobacco products. Another issue is that it's still unclear which products would be covered by the ban.

The government allocates 2 billion Czech crowns for post-flood water infrastructure restoration

The Czech government has set aside 2 billion crowns for post-flood restoration following the devastating September floods. Municipalities and their allies can apply for the funds, with applications opening on Wednesday. The September floods particularly affected the Olomouc and Moravian-Silesian regions.

Slovakia

The number of bears that can be legally hunted may increase after a fatal bear attack in Slovakia

Last Saturday, a man picking mushrooms was fatally attacked by a bear near the village of Hybe in the Liptovsky Mikulá? district. The incident prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency in the district. This tragic event reignited debates about the hunting of wild bears. Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that it might be necessary to increase the number of bears that can be legally hunted, with the chair of the parliamentary committee and the environment minister supporting such measures. Minister Tomá? Taraba announced that 71 bears have been hunted so far this year, with a focus on animals directly threatening communities.

Romania

Romania must lift energy price caps, per the European Commission's ruling

The European Commission announced that Romania's energy price cap measures are not aligned with European directives. The Commission has initiated infringement proceedings against the country and urged the government to abolish these non-compliant measures. The government plans to maintain the caps until March 2025, after which a newly formed government is likely to decide on Romania's residential energy pricing policy.

Bulgaria

More than 300 people died in road accidents in Bulgaria during the first nine months of the year

A total of 5,408 road accidents occurred in Bulgaria in the first nine months of 2024, resulting in 338 fatalities and 6,818 injuries. Among the victims, nine were children between the ages of 10 and 17, and 81 pedestrians were killed. Most accidents occur between 5 and 6 PM, with speeding and crossing into oncoming traffic as the leading causes.

Croatia

New car sales in Croatia increased by 12% this year

In the first nine months of 2024, 51,782 new passenger cars were sold in Croatia, marking a 12.1% increase compared to the same period last year. ?koda remains the most popular brand with 6,790 new cars sold, followed by Volkswagen, Renault, Toyota, and Opel. Based on last year’s data, Croatians still favor traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, which accounted for 53.8% of new car sales in 2023. Hybrids followed at 22.8%, with diesels at 18.1%, and only 3.1% of the newly sold cars were fully electric.

Croatian air rescue services were called more than 700 times in the past six months.

In the past six months, Croatian air rescue services have been deployed over 700 times. Most callouts occurred in the Split and Rijeka regions, though inland areas also saw activity. Air rescue teams operate from four bases (Zagreb, Rijeka, Split, and Osijek), and special landing sites have been established in each city to facilitate operations since most hospitals lack dedicated helicopter landing pads.

Slovenia

The first Slovenian-designed and built nanosatellite has completed its mission

On September 29, over Africa, the Trisat satellite, Slovenia’s first designed and built nanosatellite, burned up in the atmosphere. Launched in September 2020, the mission was originally intended to last until March of next year. The mission’s early conclusion was caused by intense solar activity. The satellite’s designers and builders are already working on additional projects. The second satellite has been in orbit for two years, and the third is planned for launch next year.

Slovenian rescue teams aid in post-flood recovery efforts in Bosnia

The latest weather cycle has caused significant damage in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with flash floods claiming at least 16 lives. Slovenian rescue teams are assisting with recovery efforts through the European Civil Protection Mechanism. A total of 46 individuals and six search dogs have been dispatched from Slovenia to Bosnia-Herzegovina.