Insight Central Europe News

Poland pushes US for more in military upgrade deal

Poland's defence minister Bogdan Klich says a US proposal to help modernize the Polish military in exchange for hosting parts of US missile shield do not meet expectations. Speaking on Thursday in Warsaw Mr Klich said negotiations on the deal must continue. Poland is seeking the military assistance as part of a deal linked to US plans to locate 10 missile interceptors in Poland.

Czech Republic hits back at criticism of US Visa-waiver deal

The Czech Republic has defended itself from EU criticism over a visa-free travel deal agreed with the United States. Brussels believes the bi-lateral deal between Prague and Washington may undermine attempts for an EU-wide agreement between the EU and the US. Czech Interior Minister Ivan Langer said his country had no choice but to negotiate a separate deal with Washington due to tough new trans-Atlantic airline security measures. He criticised the EU's failure to come up with a satisfactory agreement.

Little impact of global turbulence on “dynamic” Central Europe

The Vienna based International Institute for Economics says the countries of Central and Eastern Europe will see a small decline in economic growth this year. In its regular report on the region the institute said any slow-down in growth will be of short duration and there will be no serious effects from the current turbulence in global financial markets. It described growth in the region as "dynamic".

Hungary to begin work on cross-border projects

Hungary will soon begin work on EU funded cross-border development programs. The minister for regional development says cross-border projects with Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia and Romania, worth over 700 million euros, will be spent over the next 6 years.

Balkans on agenda as leaders meet in ski resort

Leaders of a number of Central European nations gathered in the Austrian ski resort of Lech am Arlberg at the weekend for discussions on Kosovo and the West Balkans. The Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and the European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso are among high-ranking guests of the Austrian government. Skiing was also on the agenda.