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Wed, 19th Jun -- Warsaw may postpone the planned construction of Poland's first nuclear power plants, the prime minister announced on June 18, claiming that the facilities may not be needed thanks to increased use of gas as an energy source, including that from its own stuttering push to develop domestic shale gas reserves.

Tim Gosling in Prague
Wed, 19th Jun -- Around two weeks after torrential rains brought the threat of catastrophic floods to Central Europe, the swollen rivers had mercifully receded, the deluge headed for the oceans to the north and south. The floods left behind a trail of destruction, but there is also hope the clean-up could help pull some countries out of recession.

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Tue, 18th Jun -- The Hungarian government shocked investors yet again on June 17, as it announced increases for extraordinary taxes on the country's banks, telecom operators and miners. Budapest claims that the raised levies are needed to ensure the country's budget remains in the EU's good books, but most observers expect the revenue will be used to boost spending in the run-up to next year's elections.

Tim Gosling in Prague
Mon, 17th Jun -- Following tradition, the markets shrugged off the resignation of the Czech PM and likely collapse of the governing coalition on June 17. Indeed, as gains on the equities market hinted, it's possible investors are betting a left-leaning government is on the way, and that loosened purse strings will help push the economy out of recession.

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Mon, 17th Jun -- A bribery and spying scandal that exploded onto television screens last week in a series of police raids on the prime minister's office and other ministries has forced Czech Premier Petr Necas to resign, taking with it his terminally ill government.

Nicholas Watson in Prague
Thu, 13th Jun -- Offering fresh evidence of the deep-rooted and widespread corruption in the Czech Republic's political system, Prague was rocked on June 12 by a series of raids by the police's organised crime unit on several government offices. The news puts the wobbling government in the midst of yet another crisis.

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Thu, 13th Jun -- Poland's largest lender PKO Bank Polski has finally secured an acquisition, announcing late on June 12 that it has agreed to buy Nordea's Polish assets in a deal worth around €700m. According to those in the industry, it's likely to be the first deal in another round of consolidation of the sector.

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Thu, 13th Jun -- In further evidence that Warsaw's ambitious energy strategy is in disarray, Poland's treasury minister admitted on June 12 that the country must choose between shale gas and nuclear power.

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Wed, 12th Jun -- Poland is in the midst of "difficult" talks with Brussels over state aid and a restructuring plan for LOT Polish Airlines, the country's treasury minister said on June 11, raising the urgency for the struggling flag carrier's restructuring programme and hunt for an investor.r.

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Tue, 11th Jun -- Standard and Poor's raised Latvia's sovereign rating by a notch on June 10 citing the country's likely entry to the Eurozone. The move comes less than a week after the Baltic state got the nod to join the single currency, and increases the likelihood that Riga will soon look to reap the benefits with a bond issue.

Tim Gosling in Prague
Tue, 11th Jun -- Seeking to avert sanctions, the Hungarian government has offered to drop two recent changes to its constitution that have been challenged by the EU. The European Commission said on June 10 it is now studying the proposal, while Budapest bids to keep the measures alive in other legislation.

Mike Collier in Riga
Tue, 11th Jun -- Many Latvians remain to be convinced about joining the euro. A June 6 survey found that only 38% of Latvians support euro adoption, while in the local elections it was Harmony Centre - who are not strictly anti-euro but don't regard euro adoption as a priority - that racked up an astounding 58% of the vote in Riga.