Regional Summary
The Hardening of the Frontier Across central and eastern Europe, the states most committed to defending the liberal order abroad are straining it at home. Governments and presidents arm against Russia, rally behind Ukraine and lecture allies on burden-sharing while testing the independence of judges, intelligence services, central banks and prosecutors. The contradiction is illustrates how wartime politics concentrates power, and concentrated power erodes the institutions these countries claim to protect. Karol Nawrocki, Poland’s president, offered the week’s starkest example. Having vetoed legislation that would have restored judicial independence from politics, he proposed his own bill threatening judges with five years in prison for questioning state institutions or applying European Union (EU) law. The justice minister warned the measure could force Poland out of the EU — a damning statement about a president chosen to defend Polish sovereignty within Europe. Mr Nawrocki’s move is not an aberration; it is the natural result of a contest between Law and Justice’s institutional legacy and Donald Tusk’s coalition, which is itself splintering as fifteen lawmakers defected from Poland 2050 to form a new parliamentary club. Mr Tusk boasts of 3.6% growth and calls Poland an “oasis of stability,” but the phrase sounds false when the president and parliament are at open war over who controls the judiciary. In Prague, democratic norms collided with convenience. Hundreds of towns staged rallies defending Petr Pavel, the president, and his refusal to appoint a minister with a tainted record, while the same week a parliamentary committee recommended shielding Andrej Babiš from fraud charges and the speaker from hate-speech prosecution. The full vote is scheduled for March 5. Czechs are defending one constitutional right in the streets and watching another gutted in committee rooms. That the same government continues to deliver millions of artillery rounds to Ukraine — 4.4 million large-calibre shells so far — only sharpens the irony: Prague fights for the rules-based order abroad while bending rules at home. The Baltic states, often called NATO’s most serious members, show similar fractures beneath their hawkish surfaces. Estonia’s foreign minister offered to host NATO nuclear weapons and promised to carry any war onto Russian soil, yet a former intelligence executive published an account of ministers calling at midnight to demand she alter assessments. Lithuania’s government split over whether to rename its Taiwanese office to placate Beijing, with Ingrida Šimonytė, the prime minister, calling the original decision a case of “jumping in front of a train” — strange language from a country that lectures others on standing up to autocracies. Latvia’s central bank warned the state is heading “straight toward a cliff edge” on debt even as it opens new training ranges and pledges 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) to defence. Riikka Purra, Finland’s finance minister, floated a plan to make immigrants collect branches for benefits, then conceded it was unconstitutional — a sequence that is both nativist and incompetent. Ukraine itself, the cause around which this entire region organises its foreign policy, shows the same tension most sharply. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the former army chief and the country’s most trusted public figure, broke with Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of sending security agents to intimidate his command and of political interference that doomed the 2023 counteroffensive. The rift is the gravest domestic challenge Mr Zelensky has faced since the full-scale invasion. It arrived in the same week that peace talks with Russia collapsed in Geneva after two hours and Mr Zelensky asked American lawmakers in Munich for Tomahawk missiles. What connects all these cases is not timing alone but a common logic. Governments on a war footing gather power — over courts, intelligence agencies, budgets, diplomacy — faster than their institutions can absorb. The longer the emergency persists, the harder it becomes to distinguish between measures taken to defend democracy and those that quietly hollow it out. Eastern Europe’s leaders would do well to notice that the autocracies they oppose got started the same way.Country Summaries
Poland
Poland’s standoff between president and government turned into open war this week. Karol Nawrocki, the country’s president, vetoed the government’s judicial reforms and then proposed his own legislation that would imprison judges for up to five years for questioning state institutions.
Mr Nawrocki vetoed a bill that would have restored judicial selection to judges rather than politicians, calling it “clearly unconstitutional.” He then proposed his own bill making it illegal for judges to question state institutions or apply EU law in certain circumstances. The penalties would range from six months to five years in prison. The justice minister warned that such a proposal could force Poland to leave the EU.
The crisis spreads beyond the president. Jarosław Kaczyński announced on Radio Maryja that he has chosen his party’s candidate for prime minister in the 2027 elections, though he will not reveal the name until March. Media speculation focuses on Tobiasz Bocheński or Przemysław Czarnek, with Mateusz Morawiecki ruled out. The choice of Radio Maryja shows Mr Kaczyński is appealing to his Catholic-nationalist base rather than trying to broaden the Law and Justice Party’s appeal.
The governing coalition has its own splits. Fifteen lawmakers led by Paulina Hennig-Kloska left Poland 2050 to form a new “Centrum” parliamentary club after disagreeing with party leader Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz. The new club pledged loyalty to the coalition, so the government’s arithmetic survives, but the split deepens instability that has already seen the Third Way dissolve and Razem leave the coalition.
The government keeps working through the crisis. The military banned Chinese-manufactured vehicles from protected facilities, fearing data collection from digital systems in modern cars. The Internal Security Agency took over investigating a 25-year-old Moldovan who activated emergency brakes on an oil tanker train bound for Ukraine. The suspect claims to be an “informatician-hacker” seeking work in Moscow.
Donald Tusk, the prime minister, announced 2026 as a “turbo acceleration” year, citing 3.6% GDP growth in 2025 and projecting nearly 10% investment growth. He called Poland an “oasis of stability” and highlighted record low inflation and a strong currency. Adam Glapiński, the central bank governor, held a private meeting with Andrzej Domański, the finance minister, in late 2025 to discuss cooperation, suggesting relations may be thawing after previous fights over monetary policy.
Mr Tusk also confronted Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian prime minister, over Budapest’s blocking of a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine. He compared Mr Orbán’s obstruction to Mr Kaczyński’s opposition to the SAFE defence programme. Mr Orbán responded with a public letter defending Hungary’s position and demanding that Ukraine restore oil transit before expecting support.
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- “Nowrocky” brand controversy: Police investigate president’s clothing promotion — Gdańsk police received complaints about Karol Nawrocki’s promotion of “Nowrocky” brand clothing, with questions about trademark violations and potential conflicts of interest. Nawrocki claims he borrowed clothes and has no financial ties, saying rights belong to his sister. (money.pl)
- Kaczyński announces Law and Justice prime minister candidate choice for March reveal — Law and Justice (PiS) leader Jarosław Kaczyński announced on Radio Maryja that he has chosen the party’s prime minister candidate for 2027 elections and will reveal the name in March. Media speculate about various candidates while Mr Kaczyński threatens party discipline over internal conflicts. (rp.pl)
- PKN Orlen reports strong 2025 financial results with 11.2 billion złoty profit — State oil giant PKN Orlen announced 11.2 billion złoty net profit for 2025, an increase of 8.6 billion from 2024. The company also revealed record investments of 32.6 billion złoty and plans to spend 36.3 billion on investments in 2026, focusing on energy transformation. (businessinsider.com.pl)
- Nawrocki nuclear weapons comments draw international media attention — President Karol Nawrocki’s comments supporting Poland joining a nuclear program gained international attention from Bloomberg and Politico. He stated he’s a ‘great supporter’ of Poland developing nuclear capabilities, with his remarks being scrutinised by world media and prompting Russian propaganda response. (wiadomosci.onet.pl)
- Tusk confronts Nawrocki over family references, warns ‘hands off my grandchildren’ — Donald Tusk angrily responded to President Karol Nawrocki after the president mentioned Tusk’s grandchildren in a TV interview about foreign travel decisions. Tusk posted ‘Mr. President, I understand fear and nerves, but hands off my grandchildren,’ escalating personal tensions between the leaders. (wpolityce.pl)
- Mentzen’s party merges with ‘Empire Strikes Back’ to avoid deregistration — Sławomir Mentzen’s New Hope party merged with ‘Empire Strikes Back’ at a Warsaw congress to circumvent potential deregistration by election commission. The merger preserves the New Hope name while ensuring legal continuity for Mentzen’s political movement. (rmf24.pl)
- Mentzen holds undisclosed meeting with President Nawrocki — Confederation leader Sławomir Mentzen visited President Karol Nawrocki at the Presidential Palace for an unannounced meeting. Mentzen said he presented a compromise proposal to resolve judicial disputes, while the meeting fuelled speculation about potential future cooperation between Confederation and the president. (wiadomosci.wp.pl)
- Secret meeting between central bank governor Glapiński and Finance Minister Domański — National Bank of Poland (NBP) Governor Adam Glapiński held an undisclosed meeting with Finance Minister Andrzej Domański at the end of 2025. The meeting reportedly focused on the future composition of the bank’s management board and represents a potential thaw between the government and central bank amid previous tensions. (biznes.interia.pl)
- New military reconnaissance battalion established near eastern border — Polish Armed Forces opened a new 16th Reconnaissance Battalion in Konieczki near Ełk, close to the eastern border. The unit is described as NATO’s ‘eyes and ears’ and will handle reconnaissance, information analysis and operational support in the strategically important region. (wiadomosci.onet.pl)
Notes
Notes
Nawrocki vetoes judicial council reform, proposes alternative legislation threatening judges
February 17–21, 2026
'Nowrocky' brand controversy: Police investigate president's clothing promotion
February 15–20, 2026
Tusk confronts Nawrocki over family references, warns 'hands off my grandchildren'
February 15, 2026
Secret meeting between central bank governor Glapiński and Finance Minister Domański
February 15, 2026
Other
Estonia
Margus Tsahkna, Estonia’s foreign minister, offered to host NATO nuclear weapons this week and threatened to take any Russian invasion onto Russian soil — the country’s most aggressive deterrent stance since independence.
Mr Tsahkna told Estonian television that Estonia had not ruled out nuclear weapons if NATO thought them necessary for defence. The Kremlin responded quickly: spokesman Dmitry Peskov issued nuclear threats in return. The foreign minister went beyond hosting weapons — he said Estonia would “take war to Russian territory” if Moscow invaded, dropping defensive rhetoric.
The government is backing the threats with money. Kristen Michal, the prime minister, announced 20% staff cuts at the Land Board, Employment Insurance Fund and Statistics Estonia to meet Estonia’s pledge to spend 5.4% of GDP on defence. The cuts show Estonia will gut parts of its civil service to fund its military build-up.
While escalating against Russia, Estonia is managing friction with Washington. Mr Michal gave a speech defending Western ties but criticising “MAGA ideology’s impact” on US-Europe relations. The speech came as Estonia discussed more military aid for Ukraine and its leadership role in reconstructing Zhytomyr oblast — presenting itself as a more reliable partner than Washington.
Domestic tensions persist beneath the assertive foreign policy. Reports say Alar Karis, the president, defended his doctoral degree in Minsk in 1987 — a fact missing from his official Estonian biographies. Separately, rumours circulated in parliament that Mr Karis suggested Mr Michal replace Mr Tsahkna as foreign minister, though neither confirmed the reports. The presidential embarrassment and these tensions suggest the government’s hawkish consensus may face domestic political costs.
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- Parliament holds annual foreign policy debate with criticism of minister’s approach — The Riigikogu held its annual foreign policy debate featuring Foreign Minister Tsahkna’s policy speech. Opposition parties criticised Mr Tsahkna’s speech as too ‘sloganistic’ while discussing Estonia’s role in the changing global order. (news.err.ee)
- Vanilla Ninja wins Eesti Laul 2026 to represent Estonia at Eurovision — Vanilla Ninja won the Eesti Laul 2026 final with ‘Too Epic To Be True’ and will represent Estonia at Eurovision 2026. The final drew over 360,000 viewers across television and online platforms. (thateurovisionsite.com)
- Defence League conducts various training exercises and public events across Estonia — The Defence League organised multiple activities including open house events for youth, training exercises in various regions, and commemorative events. Activities ranged from defence training demonstrations to ceremonial flag presentations for community leaders. (mil.ee)
Notes
Notes
Foreign Minister Tsahkna's controversial defense statements spark Russian nuclear threats
February 16–22, 2026
President Karis faces scrutiny over Minsk doctoral degree and alleged tensions with government
February 16–18, 2026
Foreign policy annual debate held in parliament with criticism of minister's approach
February 17–19, 2026
Defense League conducts various training exercises and public events across Estonia
February 16–20, 2026
Other
Ukraine
Ukraine’s most trusted public figure has broken with Volodymyr Zelensky in the most serious political challenge to the president since the war began. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the former army chief, accused Mr Zelensky of using the security service to intimidate him and said he threatened to call in military reinforcements to protect his command centre from a 2022 raid.
Mr Zaluzhnyi also blamed political interference for the failed 2023 counteroffensive. The former general has moved from private friction with the leadership to open opposition, positioning himself as Mr Zelensky’s top political rival. His accusations reveal the civil-military tensions that have lurked beneath Ukraine’s wartime unity.
Domestic tensions erupted as Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts hit setbacks. Peace talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States in Geneva collapsed after just two hours on the second day. Mr Zelensky accused Russia of trying to drag out negotiations, saying the two sides disagreed on key issues including territorial concessions and security guarantees.
Ukraine maintained its push for advanced weapons. At the Munich Security Conference, Mr Zelensky told American lawmakers he needs Tomahawk missiles and faster Patriot deliveries, describing how the long-range weapons could change the military balance by hitting Russian supply networks. The request came despite Washington’s reluctance to escalate.
On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces claimed to have liberated 300 square kilometres in southern Ukraine, though the timeframe was unspecified and the gains could not be verified. Ukraine’s security service struck a chemical plant in Perm Krai, 1,600 kilometres inside Russia, targeting a facility that produces explosives precursors. The strike demonstrated Ukraine’s deep-strike capability beyond border regions.
Ukraine’s economy remained stable. Yuliia Svyrydenko, the prime minister, announced an agreement with the International Monetary Fund to ease conditions on the new $8.2 billion lending programme, particularly reducing tax increases on individual entrepreneurs. The adjustments are fine-tuning rather than structural change to Western financing.
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- SBU conducts purges and strikes deep inside Russia — Ukraine’s Security Service launched internal purges to remove disloyal personnel while conducting long-range strikes on Russian chemical plants and oil facilities. The SBU also arrested Russian agents and thwarted terrorist plots within Ukraine. (english.nv.ua)
- Foreign Minister Sybiha holds talks amid European security discussions — Andrii Sybiha, the foreign minister, held meetings with counterparts from multiple countries including Bolivia, Canada, Austria, and India. He emphasised Ukraine’s EU accession prospects and called for stronger sanctions on Russia and Belarus. (reuters.com)
- Defence Minister Fedorov calls for increased European anti-ballistic missile production — Mykhailo Fedorov, the defence minister, urged European partners to boost production of ballistic missile defence systems during E5-format talks with France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK. He emphasised the need for continued PURL programme funding for Patriot interceptors. (ukrinform.net)
- National Bank reports bank closures and cyber attack — The National Bank of Ukraine declared two banks insolvent and reported average card payment statistics for 2025. The NBU’s online store was targeted by a cyber attack that may have compromised customer personal data, though no financial information was accessed. (finance.liga.net)
Notes
Notes
Former military chief Zaluzhnyi reveals deep rift with Zelensky over strategy and alleged SBU intimidation
February 18–21, 2026
Peace talks in Geneva stall as Zelensky accuses Russia of dragging out negotiations
February 15–21, 2026
Ukrainian forces claim territorial gains in southern counteroffensive despite ongoing pressures
February 16–22, 2026
Foreign Minister Sybiha conducts diplomatic outreach amid European security discussions
February 15–22, 2026
Prime Minister Svyrydenko secures revised IMF loan terms and discusses recovery priorities
February 16–18, 2026
Defense Minister Fedorov calls for increased European anti-ballistic missile production
February 22, 2026
Other
Finland
Riikka Purra, the finance minister, proposed forcing immigrants to collect branches for benefits. The plan drew coverage from 24 news outlets before Ms Purra admitted it was unconstitutional.
Finland’s coalition faces new pressure after revelations that ministers have pressured intelligence services. Saana Nilsson, a former SUPO executive, published a book describing a midnight call from a minister’s office demanding she change an intelligence assessment to suit the minister’s views. She refused. Ms Nilsson’s account suggests a broader pattern of political pressure on civil servants.
Finland will host 25,000 troops from 14 countries in the Cold Response 26 exercise from 9-20 March, with 7,500 in northern Finland. The country also announced that Rovaniemi will house NATO’s Forward Land Forces headquarters. Antti Häkkänen, the defence minister, warned that Russia is building new military facilities along the Finnish border.
Petteri Orpo, the prime minister, travelled to India with a 22-company delegation to meet Narendra Modi. Mr Orpo announced a goal to double trade, building on the new EU-India free trade agreement. The talks covered digitalisation, artificial intelligence, quantum technology and clean energy.
Alexander Stubb, the president, adopted a sharper tone toward Washington at the Munich Security Conference, but Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, praised Finland as a strategic partner and thanked Mr Stubb for pushing allies on defence spending.
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- Kokoomus leadership: Orpo seeks reelection with support from key ministers — Petteri Orpo, the prime minister, announced his candidacy for reelection as Kokoomus party leader at the June party congress. Antti Häkkänen, the defence minister, and Elina Valtonen, the foreign minister, publicly declared they will not challenge Mr Orpo, showing party unity behind his leadership. (iltalehti.fi)
- Orpo’s domestic economic policy positions draw opposition criticism — Mr Orpo stated that the next government will face the same budget constraints and austerity measures. He ruled out inheritance tax abolition for now and defended cuts to welfare region funding, drawing sharp criticism from SDP politicians who accused him of betraying Helsinki. (is.fi)
- Stubb congratulates Finnish Olympic medal winners via phone calls — Alexander Stubb, the president, called several Finnish Olympic medal winners to personally congratulate them, including ski jumper Eero Hirvonen, biathlete Suvi Minkkinen, and others. The calls were broadcast live on television and became a notable presidential tradition. (iltalehti.fi)
- Wille Rydman appointed as new social affairs and health minister — The Finns Party selected Wille Rydman as the new social affairs and health minister, replacing Kaisa Juuso who stepped down. Ms Purra said Mr Rydman was chosen unanimously and praised his previous ministerial experience. (iltalehti.fi)
Notes
Notes
Other
Lithuania
Lithuania’s government split over China policy this week when Inga Ruginienė, the prime minister, proposed renaming the Taiwanese Representative Office to ease Beijing’s economic pressure, while Gitanas Nausėda, the president, rejected any accommodation.
Ms Ruginienė said Lithuania had “jumped in front of a train and lost” by establishing the Taiwan office in 2021, and suggested renaming it a Taipei office to restore trade with China. Mr Nausėda dismissed the idea, declaring Lithuania would not “kneel before China.” The dispute shows the first major split in government over China since the Taiwan confrontation began three years ago.
While politicians argue over China, Lithuania’s military buildup continues. Lithuania took delivery of its final Joint Light Tactical Vehicles this month, completing an order for 500 vehicles from Oshkosh Defense. Lithuania now operates more of these tactical vehicles than any country except the United States, supporting plans to field a full division by 2030.
The defence push extends beyond state procurement. Onodrim Industries, a startup led by Lithuanian executive Aistis Simaitis, raised €40 million for defence technology. The Amsterdam-based company focuses on sensors and networked platforms, making this the largest private investment in Lithuania’s defence technology sector.
Mr Nausėda also opened a forum on military mobility, seeking €1 billion from EU and NATO funds to build what he called a “military Schengen” — infrastructure that would let allied forces move quickly across borders. Lithuania plans to contribute national money only to the most critical projects while European institutions cover most costs.
Domestic politics stayed turbulent. Anti-corruption investigators questioned Gintautas Paluckas, the former prime minister, over abuse of office and illegal enrichment allegations. Both Ms Ruginienė and Mr Nausėda suggested he should suspend his party membership while the investigation continues.
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- Lithuania completes major JLTV procurement, becomes largest operator outside United States — Lithuania took delivery of the final Joint Light Tactical Vehicles in mid-February, completing procurement of 500 JLTVs from Oshkosh Defense. The completion makes Lithuania the largest operator of these vehicles outside the United States, supporting national division development by 2030. (delfi.lt)
- Independence Day celebrations feature warnings of new challenges — Lithuania marked the 108th anniversary of state restoration on February 16. Former parliament speaker Vytautas Landsbergis warned the country faces a new major test, while Mr Nausėda emphasised Lithuania’s commitment to freedom. A minor controversy arose over the delayed flag raising at the president’s residence. (delfi.lt)
- President raises questions about Dawn of Nemunas party funding — Mr Nausėda said he takes seriously allegations raised by communications expert Karolis Žukauskas about questionable funding sources for the ruling Dawn of Nemunas party. He suggested this could have serious consequences for the coalition if authorities confirm the claims. (lrytas.lt)
- President hospitalised for surgery after domestic accident — Gitanas Nausėda suffered a domestic injury at home on Sunday and was hospitalised for surgery on a lacerated forearm wound. He was expected to remain in hospital overnight following the operation. (delfi.lt)
- Prime Minister announces Paralympics boycott over Russian participation — Ms Ruginienė announced she would boycott the Milano-Cortina Paralympics after Russia and Belarus were allowed to compete under their national flags. She had originally planned to travel to support Lithuanian athletes but cancelled the trip in protest. (lrt.lt)
- Rail project to Rudninkai military training area moves forward — Construction began on a new rail connection to the Rudninkai military training area to improve troop and equipment transport for a German brigade deployment. The project is worth €30.2 million and aims to enhance military mobility and NATO reinforcement capabilities. (lrt.lt)
- Government working group continues LRT law reforms amid opposition withdrawal — Ms Ruginienė dismissed concerns about government intentions regarding national broadcaster LRT reforms, saying the goal is more democracy and freedom for journalists. Mr Nausėda said the working group is operating normally without using ‘bulldozer’ tactics. (jp.lt)
- Lithuanian-led defence tech startup raises €40 million — Onodrim Industries, a European defence technology startup led by Lithuanian executive Aistis Simaitis, raised €40 million in funding. The Amsterdam-based company focuses on critical defence systems, advanced sensors, and networked platforms for deterrence and interoperability. (lrt.lt)
- Non-partisan ministers resist joining LSDP party — Despite LSDP leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius’s invitation, three non-partisan ministers delegated by the Social Democrats are not rushing to join the party. Health Minister Jakubauskienė and others are keeping their plans regarding LSDP membership private. (lrytas.lt)
- President removes award from former Ukrainian minister — Mr Nausėda signed a decree removing Dmytro Tabachnyk, former Ukrainian education minister and associate of ex-president Yanukovych, from the list of recipients of the Order of the Grand Duke of Gediminas over collaboration with Russia. (lrt.lt)
- President discusses Peace Council invitation and Gaza — Mr Nausėda said he had not received an invitation to the US Board of Peace meeting focused on Gaza. He expressed support for peace efforts but noted Lithuania has not decided whether to join the format, citing concerns about the approach. (lrt.lt)
- Presidential advisor faces building violation notice — Building inspectors ordered the removal of violations on land plots owned by presidential advisor Sofija Armoškaitė-Godliauskienė and her father Edmundas Armoška following an inspection. The specific nature of the violations was not detailed in reports. (lrt.lt)
Notes
Notes
Former PM Paluckas questioned by STT, faces pressure to suspend LSDP membership
February 16–21, 2026
Lithuania completes major JLTV procurement, becomes largest operator outside US
February 18–20, 2026
Other
Latvia
Latvia’s central bank warned the government it is heading “straight toward a cliff edge” on debt, straining the country’s pledge to spend over 4.9% of GDP on defence. The bank noted that debt servicing costs already exceed the entire culture ministry budget and called for hard choices on taxes or spending.
Yet Latvia continues building the military infrastructure needed for its planned expansion to 31,000 peacetime troops. This week Latvia opened a live-fire training area at the Sēlija military base, with demonstrations of drone, artillery and air support. The facility addresses training bottlenecks at the overcrowded Ādaži base and is the first construction phase for the force expansion.
The fiscal pressure comes as Latvia manages its relationship with Washington. Evika Siliņa, the prime minister, told the Munich Security Conference that Europe must speak directly to the US and declared “no business as usual” with the Trump administration after its threats to annex Greenland. But when the new American ambassador presented her credentials to Edgars Rinkēvičs, the president, she praised Latvia’s 5% defence spending as a model for allies and emphasised NATO cooperation.
Coalition tensions persist. The opposition lost another no-confidence motion, this time against the regional development minister over planning decisions. Ms Siliņa defended government winter support measures in TV interviews while criticising her coalition partner ZZS for making uncoordinated public announcements. The friction reflects continuing dysfunction within a coalition that survives through arithmetic rather than harmony.
Brussels offered some good news. The Council of Europe’s MONEYVAL body praised Latvia’s “strong performance” in tackling money laundering. The report commended the central bank’s tighter supervision in the banking sector, marking progress since the 2018 banking crisis.
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- Prime Minister Siliņa addresses domestic support measures and Rail Baltica criticism — PM Siliņa gave TV3 interviews explaining government support for residents during winter, defending Rail Baltica project management against Lithuanian criticism, and addressing wood processor support controversy. (tv3.lv)
- President Rinkēvičs rejects judges and prosecutors pension law, returns to parliament — President Rinkēvičs sent the Judges and Prosecutors Special Pension Law back to Saeima for second review, emphasising that judicial independence requires financial security guarantees. (apollo.lv)
- National Security Council agrees on comprehensive eastern border strengthening — President Rinkēvičs-led National Security Council reached consensus on comprehensive approach to eastern border strengthening including roads, rail connections, and border infrastructure. (delfi.lv)
- MONEYVAL praises Latvia’s progress in anti-money laundering supervision — Council of Europe’s MONEYVAL body published report commending Latvia’s ‘strong performance’ in tackling money laundering, particularly noting Latvijas Banka’s enhanced supervision in banking sector. (coe.int)
Notes
Notes
Prime Minister Siliņa addresses domestic support measures and Rail Baltica criticism
February 15–18, 2026
President Rinkēvičs rejects judges and prosecutors pension law, returns to parliament
February 20, 2026
Other
Czech Republic
Czechs rallied in 400 municipalities this week to defend Petr Pavel, the president, against his government’s attempt to force him to accept a minister he had rejected.
Million Moments for Democracy organised the demonstrations, which built on protests in Prague two weeks earlier that drew tens of thousands. Mr Pavel had refused to appoint Filip Turek as a minister after inappropriate social media posts emerged, triggering a constitutional row with Petr Macinka, the foreign minister. The spread of the rallies — reaching hundreds of towns and cities — showed that ordinary Czechs remain ready to defend the president’s right to reject ministers.
The governing coalition also moved to protect its own leaders from the courts. A parliamentary committee recommended against allowing prosecutors to charge Andrej Babiš, the prime minister, in a fraud case and Tomio Okamura, the speaker, for hate speech. Opposition parties called the decision an attack on the rule of law. The full parliament votes March 5.
Prague continues to arm Ukraine despite the domestic turmoil. Mr Pavel announced that the Czech-organised ammunition programme has delivered 4.4 million large-calibre rounds to Ukraine, with nearly 2 million delivered in the past year. The initiative combines Czech arms dealers with international donor funding from 16 countries and shows how Prague maintains its Ukraine role even under the Babiš government. Mr Pavel also attended the Munich Security Conference.
The crisis shows deeper tensions between democratic institutions and a coalition willing to test their limits. While ordinary Czechs have rallied to defend presidential authority, the government shows no hesitation in using its parliamentary majority to shield leaders from prosecution. Czech ties with the West — through F-35 commitments, the KHNP nuclear deal, and EU economic dependence — constrain any radical policy shifts, but the government is testing democratic boundaries.
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- Pavel conducts official Prague visit, backs social media restrictions for children — Mr Pavel completed a two-day official visit to Prague including school debates and meetings with officials. He endorsed the idea of banning social media for children under 15, supporting Mr Babiš’s earlier proposal. (prazsky.denik.cz)
- Czech-led ammunition initiative delivers 4.4 million rounds to Ukraine — Mr Pavel announced that the Czech-organised programme has delivered 4.4 million large-calibre ammunition rounds to Ukraine, with nearly 2 million delivered in the past year. The initiative combines Czech arms dealers with international donor funding. (reuters.com)
- Tomio Okamura draws attention in new role as Parliamentary Speaker — Coverage of Speaker Okamura’s positions on EU restrictions, Ukrainian refugees, and his increased media engagement. Includes his statement that EU prevents Czech Republic from tightening Ukrainian refugee policies and criticism from opposition. (zpravy.aktualne.cz)
- Renowned musician and pedagogue Pavel Klikar dies at 72 — Pavel Klikar, founder of the Original Prague Syncopated Orchestra and musicologist specialising in early jazz and baroque music, passed away. He was considered a pioneer in authentic interpretation of both classical jazz and baroque music. (vltava.rozhlas.cz)
- Pavel to appoint Igor Červený as environment minister — Mr Pavel will meet with Igor Červený on Thursday and appoint him as environment minister on Monday, following the controversial rejection of Filip Turek’s nomination due to inappropriate social media posts. (irozhlas.cz)
Notes
Notes
Thousands rally across Czech Republic in support of President Pavel amid ministerial dispute
February 15–21, 2026
President Pavel conducts official Prague visit, backs social media restrictions for children
February 17–18, 2026
Parliamentary committee recommends against extraditing Babiš and Okamura for prosecution
February 17–21, 2026
Other
Romania
Marcel Ciolacu, the former prime minister, accused the government of falsifying economic data to fake a recession and called for early elections if the coalition collapses. Mr Ciolacu claimed ministers moved investments from 2024 to 2025 to look better.
Coalition partners clashed over economic policy. The Social Democrats accused the Liberals and Save Romania Union of blocking an economic recovery package while disputes erupted over control of European funds. Romania has entered recession, with parties blaming each other for economic mismanagement.
Romania strengthened ties with Washington. Nicușor Dan, the president, announced he would attend the first meeting of Donald Trump’s Peace Council as an observer, supporting international peace efforts. Cătălin Predoiu, the interior minister, met FBI leadership including Director Kash Patel to cooperate on organised crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime and terrorism.
Romania continued modernising its military. Cubic Defense, an American company, received a contract from the US Army to upgrade Romania’s live training systems with advanced analytics and tracking capabilities. The deal deepens US-Romanian defence ties.
The National Bank of Romania held its key interest rate at 6.5%, warning that inflation will rise again in the second quarter after declining slowly in the first. The central bank cited external uncertainties and economic weakness while noting the need to absorb EU funds. The Constitutional Court approved cuts to magistrates’ special pensions after five delays, freeing up €231 million in EU recovery funds.
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- BNR warns of deepfake fraud using Governor Isărescu’s image to promote fake investment platforms — The National Bank of Romania issued a public warning about deepfake technology being used fraudulently with Governor Mugur Isărescu’s image to promote fake automated trading platforms. The scam clones legitimate media websites and creates false interview transcripts. (adevarul.ro)
- George Simion and AUR face political challenges amid internal reorganization and protest participation — AUR leader George Simion joined the “Wave of Democracy” initiative filing criminal complaints about annulled elections, while the party undergoes internal restructuring with Dan Dungaciu and Petrișor Peiu becoming key message carriers. Analysts suggest Simion may have hit a “glass ceiling” in polls. (spotmedia.ro)
- NATO reform discussions and European defense initiatives gain momentum amid US pressure for change — European allies discuss creating a “more European NATO” as the US pushes for mission reductions globally and return to “factory settings.” Five major European powers signed a declaration for greater responsibility in continental security, while Romania calls for enhanced Black Sea mission. (antena3.ro)
- Physical altercation erupts in Romanian Senate during plenary session — Two PSD senators confronted a PACE opposition member who was filming the proceedings on his phone, leading to a physical altercation in the Senate chamber. The incident occurred after AUR and PACE parliamentarians left to block quorum formation. (adevarul.ro)
- President Nicușor Dan decides to participate as observer in Trump’s Peace Council — President Nicușor Dan announced he will attend the first meeting of Trump’s Peace Council in Washington as an observer. Political parties offered mixed reactions, with most supporting Romania’s participation while some questioned the observer-only role. (g4media.ro)
Notes
Notes
Marcel Ciolacu launches sustained attacks on Bolojan government over economic statistics and budget manipulation
February 15–19, 2026
BNR maintains key interest rate at 6.5% amid inflation concerns and economic uncertainty
February 17–20, 2026
BNR warns of deepfake fraud using Governor Isărescu's image to promote fake investment platforms
February 18–19, 2026
George Simion and AUR face political challenges amid internal reorganization and protest participation
February 17–20, 2026
NATO reform discussions and European defense initiatives gain momentum amid US pressure for change
February 15–20, 2026
Coalition partners clash over economic recovery package amid political tensions
February 16–20, 2026
President Nicușor Dan decides to participate as observer in Trump's Peace Council
February 15–16, 2026
Other