Leaked emails from Michal Dworczyk's personal account reveal political control over Poland's top court, with the Polish government attributing the leaks to a Russian cyberattack. Tomasz Lis, editor-in-chief of Newsweek Polska, was fired amid bullying accusations, leading to internal investigations and further allegations against other staff members. A draft report on Hungary's rule-of-law concerns highlights risks of breaching EU values, while the Hungarian forint hits a historic low, prompting central bank intervention. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala outlines priorities for the EU Council presidency, focusing on Ukraine, energy, and democracy. Slovakia's new Visegrad Group presidency aims to rebuild regional cooperation amid internal political challenges.

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.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's controversial statements about the 1920 Trianon peace treaty have strained relations with Croatia, while Poland and Slovakia push for Ukraine's EU candidate status. Poland awaits EU recovery funds amid judicial reform disputes, and anti-LGBT resolutions face legal challenges. The Czech Republic extends visa bans for Russians and Belarusians, and joins the UN Human Rights Council. Slovak President Volodymyr Zelensky warns of potential Russian threats, and internal political tensions rise over economic measures.

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.

Polish President Andrzej Duda and Baltic leaders visited Kyiv to show support for Ukraine, calling for tougher sanctions on Russia. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was notably excluded from the visit due to his past ties with Russia. Slovakia is considering expanding military assistance to Ukraine, including repairing seized Russian tanks and supplying heavy military equipment. In Hungary, criticism of state-funded media's pro-government bias is growing, even among supporters of the ruling Fidesz party. The Czech Republic's Defence Minister suggested hosting a US military base, but the idea was quickly dismissed by the Prime Minister following media reports. The episode highlighted the amateurism in Czech politics. NGOs in Hungary were fined for encouraging invalid votes in a controversial referendum on child protection legislation.

Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger expressed regret over missing a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky but reaffirmed Slovakia's strong support for Ukraine. Slovakia is considering providing Ukraine with a Soviet-era air defense system, contingent on receiving replacements. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala's visit to Kyiv was praised, enhancing Czechia's standing among EU NATO partners. In Hungary, both government and opposition held rallies ahead of the parliamentary election, with Viktor Orban's neutral stance on the Ukraine war drawing criticism. Hungarian teachers protested low wages and poor working conditions, while the Czech government grappled with energy policy and refugee accommodation challenges amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.