Insight Central Europe News
Central European leaders send condolences to Sweden after death of Anna Lindh
Leaders from throughout Central Europe have sent their condolences to Sweden on the death this week of Foreign Minister Anna Lindh. Mrs Lindh had been a strong supporter of European Union enlargement. She died on Thursday from stab wounds inflicted by an unknown assailant.
Visegrad Four to join Schengen by 2006
The Visegrad Four - the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia - will prepare to join the EU's Schengen Agreement by 2006. Ministers from the four countries met in Prague this week and agreed to co-operate on the Schengen agreement which allows border free travel with its member states.
Police and protestors clash in Warsaw in mine closure protests
In Warsaw dozens of police and about 20 protesters were hurt when coal miners attacked police. The clash occurred on Thursday when 8,000 miners marched through central Warsaw to protest against job cuts and pit closures. Poland's government said it was sticking to plans to close four state-owned mines.
Slovak prime minister asks president to remove defence minister
Slovakia's Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda will ask the President to remove Ivan Simko from his post as Defence Minister. Simko, a member of the Prime Minister's own SDKU party, abstained from voting on the removal of the head of National Security Office, whom Mr Dzurinda wanted sacked.
Hungary to receive euro millions in EU transport aid
Hungary is to receive between 50 and 80 million euros in EU funding for transport projects next year. Projects include the so-called Helsinki Corridor which runs through two Hungarian motorways and improvements to navigation on the Danube river through Hungary.
Czech football fans celebrate after national team qualifies for Euro 2004
Thousands of Czech football fans flocked to Prague's Old Town Square on Wednesday night to celebrate the country's 3-1 victory over the Netherlands, and qualification for Euro 2004 in Portugal. Newspapers described the game as the match of the year and hailed the team as national heroes.
