Czechia

In Central Europe, Concern over Toll, Fairness of Amazon Algorithms

So when Amazon set up shop on the outskirts of the capital, Prague, in 2015, many Most residents rushed to apply; the hourly pay rate of 6.5 euros, Amazon's willingness to overlook bad credit when hiring and the offer of free transport to and from work was compensation enough for the 160-kilometre round trip each day. Máková, 53, joined in 2017.

Democracy Digest: Jourova Meets Polish PM as EU Funds on Hold over Rule of Law

The real world consequences of this dispute could be seen on Wednesday, when European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni for the first time stated officially that delays in negotiations over the Polish national spending plan for the EU Recovery Fund are being caused, in part, by Poland's problems with the rule of law.

Democracy Digest: Grudging Offers of Assistance to Afghan Helpers

Populist President Milos Zeman told his favourite pro-Russian disinformation website Parlamentni listy that NATO's legitimacy has been called in question due to its failure in the Central Asian country. Claiming that NATO has left a void that will be filled by terrorism, Zeman also said Czechia should now focus its budget on national defence and no longer "waste money" on the alliance.

Two Trains Collide in western Czechia, Dozens Are Injured

Two trains have collided near in Milavče village near the town of Domazlice, on the western border of Czechia. Local media reports that as many as 50 people are injured and rescue services are attending the scene.

Shortly after 8am (6am GMT) two trains collided in the village of Milavče, near Domazlice in Czechia's west, the country's police force said on Twitter. 

Wildfires Cause Havoc – and Arguments – in Balkans

Balkan countries are battling wildfires that have claimed eight lives in Turkey and injured hundreds more, while one person died in Albania and a military officer been injured.

Fires have destroyed land, forests, houses and tourist accommodation in Greece and Turkey. Villages and neighbourhoods have been evacuated in Turkey, Greece and Albania.

Travelling To/From the Balkans? The COVID-19 Rules that Apply

Only passengers travelling to the United Kingdom are subjected to quarantine. 

The majority of countries in the region require confirmation of vaccination or negative PCR or antigen test made less than 48 or 72 hours prior to travel in order to avoid 7-14-day quarantine.

Some countries require completion of online health forms or medical checks upon arrival. 

International Danube Day: Romania runs #DanubeFloodplain project in view of reducing flooding risk

A project dedicated to the river Danube evaluates three types of scenarios to identify in view of restoration naturally floodable areas of the river and its main tributaries, the Romanian Waters National Adminisration (ANAR) informs, on the occasion of the International Danube Day, marked each year, on June 29.

Democracy Digest: V4 Dragged into Hungary’s EU Gay Rights Spat

For his part, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban argues the law "does not contain any discriminatory elements", because it is only designed to protect the rights of children, guarantee the rights of parents, and does not apply to the sexual orientation rights of those over 18 years of age. He branded the statement by von der Leyen as "shameful because it is based on untrue allegations".

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