States implemented unprecedented measures restricting private life in response to the coronavirus pandemic, severely damaging entire economic sectors. In turn, governments introduced novel, high volume social and sectoral aid programs to mitigate the long-term negative effects of the crisis. The size and specifics of economic stimulus packages vary from country to country. Hungary also tried to carve its own path amidst this unprecedented crisis.
The pandemic has exposed how important it is to effectively and quickly fight against disinformation campaigns. The Czech Republic has long underestimated this problem. Now, we can see the results.
If all goes according to government´s plans, Artificial Intelligence (AI) could constitute up to 15 % of the Hungarian GDP by 2030. The multi-pillar strategy on AI is overseen by the Computational and Automatization Research Institute-led (SZTAKI) Artificial Intelligence National Laboratory (MILAB), created last year.
Visegrad countries will benefit from the Next Generation EU - the 750 bn worth stimulus post-pandemic recovery package - through its various mechanisms and facilities. Following infographic offers a breakdown of national allocations. Also, it shows to what extent the public in Visegrad countries appreciates common EU efforts in the reaction of pandemic and the (un)willingness to get vaccinated.
Czech coal mining regions are providing the whole country with heating and electricity. Meanwhile, local people cannot afford to heat their own homes.
Lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles have become one of the specialties of Polish exports. They mainly go to other EU member states. But in order to maintain the position of the EU leader and, at the same time, successfully compete with Asian producers, Poland must not only further develop its production capacity, but also produce lithium-ion batteries with a lower carbon footprint.
The process of drafting of national recovery plans under a difficult time constraints seems to be a handful for all of the Visegrad countries. The stakeholder involvement, streamlining their requests and transparency pose particular problems.
Visegrad governments should use the opportunity of the crisis for structural changes and reforms in the labour market, education and healthcare. They should also look beyond the GDP and embrace green transformation.
The attempts of China to gain influence is all the more reason to increase mutual cooperation between Germany and the Visegrad Group within our membership of the EU, says Renata Alt from German FDP in the interview with EURACTIV Slovakia.
Investing in people, public services and the business environment (including, crucially digital infrastructure) are appealing ways to achieve longer-term growth through making Hungarians and the Hungarian economy more productive. These types of policies respond to the challenges that were highlighted by the pandemic and can be helpful during the recovery but have the potential to spur further economic growth, writes Daniel Prinz.
In 2030, the last electricity produced from coal will flow in Eastern Greater Poland. In 2040 this part of the second largest Polish voivodeship intends to achieve climate neutrality. "It's not PR. We have it all carefully thought out", emphasizes the co-author of the strategy.
Awareness of the dangers of climate change is growing in the Visegrad countries. The vast majority of the inhabitants of these countries also want climate neutrality in the European Union by 2050. However, this does not yet mean that the same number of them is ready to make consumer choices that limit their environmental and climate impact.