Visegrad Group

The regional economy shows a strategic pivot towards Western capital and defense-linked industries. Poland's government touts growth acceleration and gold reserves while its firms expand, and the Czech defense group CSG plans an Amsterdam listing. Hungary's MOL acquires a Gazprom stake, indicating divergent energy paths.

• 2'It's better for Poland to stay with the złoty,' Polish FM says
• 2550 tonnes: Poland has more gold than the European Central Bank
• 1Polish PM, FinMin hail economic growth acceleration
• 1Consumer watchdog slaps EUR 19 mln fine on Poland's biggest bank
• 1Akif Capital: Poland could be a strategic center for gaming industry

Internal Visegrad cohesion has collapsed into bilateral disputes and nationalist posturing. Hungary grants asylum to a former Polish justice minister, Czechia's president feuds with the government, and Slovakia's PM Fico warns about Trump. Hungarian PM Orban leads a sustained anti-Ukraine and anti-EU campaign.

• 5Hungary grants asylum to former Polish justice minister
• 3Budapest mayor charged over Pride parade
• 2Czechia's feud between president and government intensifies
• 2Slovak PM Fico Warns Trump’s Mental State Could Threaten Global Stability
• 2Zelensky is ‘a man in a desperate position’ – Orban

Poland is driving a massive military modernization focused on the Russian threat, signing a major anti-drone contract and declaring an ability to mine its border within 48 hours. The Czech Republic refuses to sell jets to Ukraine, highlighting a regional split on direct military aid.

• 3Poland signs contract for major anti-drone system dubbed San
• 2Poland's PM praises cyber defences after attack on heating grid foiled
• 1Poland built the E.U.’s biggest army, but the threat has changed
• 1After October 7, IDF commanders visit Poland for Holocaust lessons and battlefield reflections
• 1Europol dismantles European drug network based in Poland

A dominant tension between nationalist-conservative governance and liberal urban values is escalating, centered on Hungary. Prosecutors charge Budapest's mayor over an LGBTQ+ march, a cabinet member insults Roma with a vulgar slur, and a petition launches to end aid to Ukraine, reflecting state-backed social polarization.

• 1Poland to cut child support for unemployed Ukrainians starting February 1
• 1Hungary: Cabinet member uses vulgar slur to insult Roma
• 1Hungarian prosecutors charge Budapest mayor over role in banned LGBTQ+ march
• 1Hungarian minority in Slovakia fuels tensions with Budapest
• 1“Go Back To Israel”: Orthodox Jews Harassed At Polish Airport