Slovakia in 2026: A Year of Further Polarisation
Though not an election year, the country's prime minister warned in his New Year address that political divisions would become “even more visible” in 2026. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
Czechia in 2026: New Leadership Steers Country into Unchartered Waters
The new Czech government, in both form and content, is doing little in the way of alleviating concerns and uncertainties about what’s in store. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
ARTE Europe Weekly: What Does Adopting the Euro Mean for Bulgaria
Bulgaria has just joined the Eurozone, but amidst a deep political crisis and substantial domestic opposition to the European single currency, not everyone was celebrating. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
Democracy Digest: Fico Criticizes US While Orban Dissembles
Elsewhere, Mercedes to move entire A-Klasse manufacturing from Germany to Hungary; Slovak far-right agitator Bombic to face trial; Poland gets serious about prosecuting hate crimes; and ammo initiative for Ukraine…
Exposing Scams, Probing the Powerful: A Year of BIRN Investigations
As 2026 begins, we look back on some of the most important investigations published by BIRN in its 20th anniversary year – from brutal migrant-smuggling gangs and arms deals with…
One Tampon at a Time, Czechia Moves to Break Cycle of Period Poverty
Come January, Czech schools across the country will have to provide free menstrual products to their pupils. A welcome move, activists say, who urge an even more systemic approach to…
ARTE Europe Weekly: Are We in a New Era of Mass Surveillance?
Facial recognition technology is on the rise - and it can pose a serious risk to privacy. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
Democracy Digest: EU Summit Agrees €90 Billion Loan to Ukraine Without Central Europe
Elsewhere, tensions in Slovak-Hungarian relations rise over Benes Decrees; Slovakia’s top court declares two pieces of coalition legislation unconstitutional; Polish president to meet Ukrainian counterpart in Warsaw on Friday; and…
The Hungarians Saying ‘No’ to EV Battery Factories in Their Backyards
Viktor Orban wants to use the EU’s "green transition” to make Hungary great again, but his embrace of a dirty industry has sparked grassroots resistance. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight
The US’s Hostility to Europe Threatens to Sell Out Ukraine and its Eastern Flank
Trump’s ‘peace plan’ for Ukraine and the National Security Strategy treat European sovereignty with similar double standards. KAYNAK: Balkan Insight