Czechia is set to take over the EU presidency amid turbulent times, focusing on refugee crises, energy security, and democratic resilience. The US will establish a permanent military base in Poland, a move celebrated by the Polish government. In Poland, opposition leader Donald Tusk vows to win the next general election. Hungary is eager to secure EU funds amid economic challenges, while Slovakia receives its first payment from the EU's coronavirus recovery fund. Slovakia also passes a new media law, raising concerns about freedom of information. RTVS, Slovakia's public broadcaster, welcomes a new general director.

Viktor Orban celebrated a political victory in Brussels by defending Hungary's energy interests and religious freedoms, while Poland secured a deal with the European Commission to unlock 36 billion euros in recovery funds, contingent on judicial reforms. The article also highlights the Czech Republic's cautious stance on Russian energy sanctions and Slovakia's military support for Ukraine. Additionally, it covers a controversial proposal in Slovakia to ban LGBT symbols on state buildings and a defamation claim involving the Slovak Prime Minister.

Poland's ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) is navigating internal political dynamics to secure EU recovery funds, while the Polish opposition considers unification strategies. Ukrainian Roma refugees face challenges in Czechia, with the government softening its stance amid accusations of racism. Russian companies in Czechia are changing ownership to evade sanctions, and Oracle faces bribery allegations. Slovak PM Eduard Heger warns of the consequences of a Ukrainian defeat, while former PM Igor Matovic faces criticism for media attacks. Hungary's Viktor Orban imposes windfall taxes amid economic challenges, and Russian propaganda is prevalent on Hungarian social media.

Poland condemned Russian energy imports, leading to Gazprom cutting off gas supplies in retaliation. Poland's PKN Orlen aims to replace Russian oil supplies for Central and Eastern Europe. Hungary and Slovakia oppose the EU's latest sanctions plan, citing energy security concerns. Hungary's government faces challenges due to its reliance on Russian oil and its strategy of low utility costs. Slovakia also seeks exemptions due to its heavy dependence on Russian energy. The Czech Republic supports the embargo but seeks a postponement to build alternative supply routes. The article also touches on political dynamics in the Czech Republic and Poland's significant aid to Ukraine.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala is working to revive the Stork II gas pipeline project with Poland to reduce dependence on Russian gas. Poland has been sanctioned by Russia for its support of Ukraine, while Czechia is strengthening its defense ties with NATO and the US. The European Commission has triggered a rule-of-law mechanism against Hungary, potentially freezing EU funds due to corruption concerns. Hungary's government, led by Viktor Orban, faces criticism for its handling of EU funds and its close ties with Russia. Poland has announced additional sanctions against Russian and Belarusian entities. Former Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is under legal scrutiny, while Slovakia is recognized for its support of Ukraine.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro emphasize traditional family values in their political campaigns, with Orban's Fidesz party focusing on anti-LGBT laws ahead of Hungary's parliamentary elections. The opposition in Hungary struggles with internal disagreements over presidential candidates. In Poland, new victims of Pegasus spyware are identified, and a deal is signed for small modular reactors with US firm NuScale Power. The US plans to deploy more troops to Poland amid rising tensions near Ukraine. In Czechia, the far-right SPD disrupts parliamentary sessions, and former Prime Minister Andrej Babis faces potential fraud charges. In Slovakia, MPs face harassment after voting for a US defense agreement, and a new amendment to the Citizenship Act is passed.

Viktor Orban's recent meeting with Vladimir Putin highlighted tensions over the delayed Paks 2 nuclear power plant and additional gas supplies from Gazprom. Orban's alignment with Putin drew criticism, especially as Putin criticized NATO. Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki demonstrated strong support for Ukraine, promising military and humanitarian aid. A new partnership between the UK, Poland, and Ukraine aims to deter Russian threats. The US increased its military presence in Eastern Europe, while Poland and Czechia reached a compromise on the Turow lignite mine. In Slovakia, public opinion is divided over the Ukraine crisis, with many blaming the US and NATO. Czech President Milos Zeman faces scrutiny over his pro-Russian stance and potential mishandling of intelligence reports. Additionally, Polish President Andrzej Duda proposed dismantling the controversial Disciplinary Chamber for judges to resolve conflicts with the European Union.

Slovakia faces a challenging year with a struggling government unable to effectively manage the COVID-19 crisis, leading to low vaccination rates and public distrust. Political instability is exacerbated by internal conflicts within the ruling coalition, with calls for snap elections growing louder. Prime Minister Heger's administration is under pressure to implement crucial reforms to secure EU recovery funds, while also addressing discontent among healthcare workers. The judiciary faces scrutiny with high-profile retrials and controversial decisions. Despite these challenges, Slovakia's robust automotive industry offers a glimmer of economic hope.

Central European leaders, including Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, are critical of the EU Green Deal, blaming it for rising energy prices. Inflation is surging across the region, with Poland experiencing the highest rate in the EU. The Czech central bank's interest rate hikes have sparked controversy, while Hungary maintains low household utility prices through government regulation. Slovakia is implementing measures to curb electricity prices amid fears of an energy crisis. The Pandora Papers have implicated Babis in offshore dealings, but his political support remains strong. Concerns over the health of Czech President Milos Zeman add to the political uncertainty.

The article covers various political developments in Central and Eastern Europe, focusing on the Czech election, Hungarian political maneuvers, and Slovakian and Polish issues. Key points include the alliance between Czech PM Andrej Babis and Hungarian PM Viktor Orban, the political challenges faced by Babis domestically, and the exclusion of Russian and Chinese companies from Czech nuclear projects. It also highlights Slovak academics' ties with China, Slovakia's healthcare reforms, and a Polish investigation into government nepotism. Additionally, it discusses Hungarian opposition primaries and the potential impact of EU recovery funds on Hungary's political landscape.

The European Commission has adopted a tougher stance against Poland and Hungary, slowing down the disbursement of coronavirus recovery funds due to judicial reforms and other issues. Hungary faces economic challenges due to the lack of EU funds, while the European Parliament's resolution on LGBT rights has sparked controversy. Pope Francis' visit to Hungary stirred political tensions, with both sides interpreting his words to their advantage. In Poland, independent media protested against the state of emergency at the Belarus border, and the country faces rising COVID-19 cases and inflation. Slovakia's police force is embroiled in internal conflicts, and the country plans significant defense spending. The Czech government seeks an EU-coordinated response to the Taliban government in Afghanistan, while tensions with Russia continue.

Slovakia and Czechia, along with Hungary and Poland, are taking a firm stance against accepting Afghan refugees, citing concerns over a repeat of the 2015 migration crisis. Slovak and Czech leaders emphasize helping Afghanistan locally rather than allowing mass migration to Europe. Hungary and Poland are reinforcing their borders and enacting legislation to prevent illegal crossings, while also criticizing Western European countries for their more open migration policies. The article highlights the political and social tensions within the EU regarding migration, with Central European countries advocating for stricter controls.

Hungary faces EU criticism over its recovery fund plans and anti-LGBT law, with significant political and financial implications. In Poland, Donald Tusk's return to politics stirs hope and controversy. Slovakia's Constitutional Court quashes a referendum on snap elections, sparking political backlash. Czech women will soon be able to drop the -ova suffix from their surnames, a move seen as a victory for gender equality. The EU's new Common Agricultural Policy faces criticism for insufficient climate protection and lack of support for small farmers.

Bulgaria and Greece are considering imposing travel restrictions on Russian tourists due to the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in Russia, potentially impacting their summer tourist seasons. Bulgaria's Chief Health Inspector, Dr Angel Kunchev, indicated that Russia might be added to Bulgaria's 'red list' of high-risk countries. Greece has already mandated that all arrivals from Russia must present a negative PCR test and will be tested upon arrival. Meanwhile, Slovakia is shifting its focus to prioritizing vaccinated individuals, requiring proof of vaccination for entry and enforcing quarantine for those without it.

China and Russia are actively seeking to weaken and divide NATO and the EU, leveraging economic investments and political influence to create dependencies and disrupt societies. Kurt Volker highlights the threats posed by both nations, with China focusing on economic and technological dominance and Russia engaging in direct territorial aggression and political manipulation. The G7 and NATO, under the leadership of US President Joe Biden, are pushing back against these influences. Despite some wavering support for NATO in Eastern Europe, Volker remains optimistic about the alliance's future. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exposed vulnerabilities in crisis management, leading to increased sympathy for authoritarian regimes in some regions.

The upcoming Supreme Court ruling on the Kuciak murder trial has significant implications for Slovakia's political and judicial landscape. The case, involving the murders of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kusnirova, has highlighted issues of organized crime and political corruption. The prosecution has appealed the previous acquittals of Marian Kocner and Alena Zsuzsova, presenting new evidence and expert analysis. The trial has already led to mass anti-corruption protests and the resignation of former Prime Minister Robert Fico. The Supreme Court's decision could either uphold the previous verdicts or mandate a retrial, further influencing public perception and trust in the Slovak judicial system.

Slovak journalists face significant challenges, including political influence over media, lack of independence in public broadcasting, and threats to press freedom. The murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée highlighted these issues, leading to calls for stronger legal protections. The current government has made some progress, but journalists remain cautious. A new media law proposed by Culture Minister Natalia Milanova aims to enhance editorial independence, protect journalists' sources, and combat disinformation. However, skepticism persists due to past political behavior and ongoing challenges in the media landscape.

The article covers a range of political developments across Central and Eastern Europe, focusing on Hungary, Czechia, and Poland. It highlights the establishment of a new institute by Hungary's Fidesz party to foster international relations with Christian political movements, the political scandal involving Czech Deputy Prime Minister Jan Hamacek, and the approval of the EU's coronavirus recovery fund by Poland's Sejm. The text also discusses the internal political dynamics and challenges faced by opposition parties in these countries, as well as the broader implications of these developments on the political landscape.

The article covers a range of topics including the Hungarian government's controversial tax on media companies, the European Commission's involvement, and the CJEU's ruling that the tax does not infringe state aid rules. It also discusses the misleading reporting by Slovakia's public broadcaster RTVS on the AstraZeneca vaccine, leading to public outcry and internal investigations. The Polish government announced a nationwide lockdown due to a spike in COVID-19 cases, while political scandals involving Orlen CEO Daniel Obajtek have disrupted speculations about his potential as the next prime minister. The Czech Republic's political landscape is shifting as the ruling ANO party loses support amid the COVID-19 crisis, and the country faces criticism for opening a diplomatic office in Jerusalem. The article also highlights the influence of China in Hungary and the ongoing struggles of Budapest's University of Theatre and Film Arts against government control.

The article discusses the challenges to media freedom and rule of law in Hungary, Poland, and Slovenia, highlighting the European Commission's limited ability to address these issues. It covers the criticism from media freedom groups towards the Commission's inaction, the legal actions taken by Poland and Hungary against the EU's rule-of-law mechanism, and the internal political dynamics in Hungary and Slovakia. The piece also touches on the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on Hungary and the political battles over vaccination statistics. Additionally, it mentions the political turmoil in Slovakia and Czechia, including corruption investigations and the influence of President Milos Zeman.

The article discusses the ongoing environmental and diplomatic conflict between Czechia and Poland over the Turow coal mine, highlighting the environmental impact and the legal actions taken by Czechia. It also covers the political turmoil in Slovakia, with the ruling coalition facing internal conflicts and declining public support amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it touches on Poland's third wave of COVID-19, the controversial appointment and resignation of a far-right historian, and the Czech Republic's diplomatic and technological developments. The article concludes with updates on Hungary's opposition gearing up for the upcoming elections and the government's controversial infrastructure projects.

Poland's vaccination program faces delays, with insufficient doses to cover the elderly population by spring. Czechia's slow vaccination rollout and public protests against COVID-19 restrictions highlight ongoing challenges. Slovakia's government faces criticism for quarantine exemptions and vaccine distribution irregularities, while Hungary blames the EU for slow vaccine deliveries and explores alternative sources. Political tensions and public dissatisfaction with pandemic management are evident across the region, with significant implications for upcoming elections and government stability.

Vaccination programs in Hungary, Poland, Czechia, and Slovakia are facing significant challenges, including slow rollouts, public skepticism, and political controversies. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government is criticized for its slow vaccination pace and misinformation campaigns. In Poland, a vaccination scandal and logistical issues raise concerns about the government's ability to manage the program. Czechia and Slovakia also struggle with public trust and vaccine distribution, with political leaders facing criticism for their handling of the pandemic. The article highlights the broader issue of public distrust in government institutions and the impact of misinformation on vaccination efforts.

Hungary's government, led by Viktor Orban, has taken a strong anti-abortion stance, aligning with the Geneva declaration that rejects international obligations to finance or facilitate abortion. Despite abortion remaining legal under limited circumstances, the government has introduced several obstacles, including mandatory waiting periods and counseling sessions. Activists fear further restrictions, especially in light of recent constitutional changes and the influence of similar policies in Poland. The government's focus on promoting procreation within middle-class families has been criticized for excluding lower-income and non-married individuals. Public support for abortion rights remains high, but activists call for greater public resistance against potential further restrictions.

The article by Edward Szekeres describes the participation of students from RUG in Extinction Rebellion protests in Amsterdam. The protestors, committed to non-violence, blocked a major thoroughfare near the Rijksmuseum, leading to their arrest and removal by the police. The Groningen branch of Extinction Rebellion, which the students are part of, advocates for urgent government action against the climate crisis. The organization operates with a horizontal structure and emphasizes planning, with various levels of involvement among its members. The article highlights the protestors' determination and the culture within Extinction Rebellion, including their regenerative culture, non-violent communication, and training in direct action. Despite the inconvenience caused to the public, the protestors, and particularly the students, believe the urgency of their cause outweighs the temporary disruptions they create.

The article profiles Ján Littva, a champion in the sport of radio control soaring, which involves flying engineless gliders using warm air currents. The scene is set in the summer of 2014 near Martin, Slovakia, where Littva became the World Champion in the F3J category, marking the first time a pilot won the title on home soil. Since then, Littva has achieved significant success, including winning the European Championship, finishing second at another World Championship in 2016, and securing multiple titles in the World and Europe Leagues. The article highlights Littva's skill in a sport that requires a deep understanding of air currents and precise control of the gliders.

Marcel Štefánik, the highest-ranked Slovak at the Red Cross and Global Coordinator for Youth Engagement, emphasizes the importance of involving young people in decision-making, especially in humanitarian efforts. The article recounts his experience in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where he observed young volunteers aiding in the refugee crisis caused by ethnic violence in Myanmar. Over 600,000 Rohingya Muslims sought refuge in the Kutupalong camp, and despite the challenging conditions, local youth played a crucial role in maintaining order and distributing aid. Štefánik's mission was to understand how these young volunteers contributed to the relief efforts, and he found that respecting local customs and traditions was key to the mission's success.

Parkrun, a global initiative offering free, weekly 5 km runs, is set to launch in Groningen, Netherlands. The event emphasizes sustainability, well-being, and community, with no entry fee or time limits. Participants can run or walk at their own pace, and the event is volunteer-supported to ensure inclusivity. The Stadspark was chosen for its natural beauty and bike-free paths. Event director Rhys Williams, inspired by his mother's positive experience with Parkrun in Britain, aims to foster community spirit and encourage physical activity. Plans are underway to expand Parkrun to other areas in the north, with support from local networks. The event is scheduled to begin in late February 2020.