The Czech parliament is considering a bill introducing quotas for domestic food products in large retail outlets. In Poland, a growing reluctance by small businesses to comply with Covid-19 restrictions is increasing pressure on the government to start a gradual reopening.… Read the rest
The start of the vaccination campaign in the Czech Republic is slow and contentious, while progress in Polandis picking up after some initial controversies. In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s administration faces public protests over increased utility prices, while the delayed vaccination program (expected only in February) will likely further weaken his political standing.… Read the rest
The Czech government is struggling to cope with the resurgent pandemic and criticism over slow vaccination progress. In Latvia, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins has requested the resignation of the heath minister over shortcomings in the vaccination plan.… Read the rest
The risk of government instability is rising in the Czech Republic and Slovenia. In Romania, three center-right parties are struggling to reach an agreement on forming a new coalition government, but an eventual compromise is expected.… Read the rest
Following the 6 December general election in Romania, three center-right parties are starting talks on forming a new coalition government. Tensions in Poland’s United Right coalition government are running high amid the ongoing negotiations on linking the EU budget to the rule of law.… Read the rest
A “soft lockdown” in Bulgaria could trigger new public protests and weaken the ruling party ahead of the March 2021 parliamentary elections. Hungary and Poland are aligning their positions ahead of tough negotiations with the EU over linking the bloc’s funding to rule of law observance.… Read the rest
The Covid-19 pandemic is surging across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), and the situation in the Czech Republic is particularly challenging. Despite the worsening epidemiological situation, voters in Lithuania and Ukraine will head to the polls on 25 October.… Read the rest
A potential victory by Joe Biden in the 3 November US presidential election would likely increase tensions between the White House and the Kremlin and raise the probability of new sanctions on Russia.… Read the rest
The Czech Republic and Poland are tightening restrictions to cope with the rapidly deteriorating epidemiological situation. EU sanctions on several Russian individuals linked to the suspected poisoning of Alexei Navalny could deflect attention from Nord Stream 2 and put off calls in some EU member states for rapprochement with Moscow.… Read the rest
