European commission unveils strategy to position Europe as quantum technology leader by 2030

The European Commission has launched a new Quantum Strategy aimed at establishing Europe as a global leader in quantum technologies by 2030. The initiative seeks to build a robust and sovereign quantum ecosystem that supports startup growth and transforms scientific discoveries into practical applications, ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of quantum research and development.

Quantum technologies are expected to play a transformative role in addressing complex global challenges, from developing new pharmaceuticals to enhancing the security of critical infrastructure. These technologies are also anticipated to boost the EU’s industrial competitiveness and technological sovereignty, with significant dual-use potential for defence and security applications. By 2040, the global quantum sector is projected to be worth over €155 billion and to generate thousands of highly skilled jobs across the EU.

The Commission’s strategy focuses on several key areas, including research and innovation, the development of quantum infrastructures, strengthening the quantum ecosystem, advancing space and dual-use quantum technologies, and cultivating quantum-related skills.

Among the planned actions are the launch of the Quantum Europe Research and Innovation Initiative, which will involve collaboration between the EU and Member States to support foundational research and the development of practical applications in both public and industrial sectors. The strategy also includes plans to establish a quantum design facility and six pilot production lines for quantum chips, supported by up to €50 million in public funding, with the aim of transforming scientific prototypes into scalable products. Additionally, the Commission intends to initiate a pilot project for a European Quantum Internet and to expand the network of Quantum Competence Clusters across the EU. The European Quantum Skills Academy is scheduled to open in 2026, and work will begin on developing a Quantum Technology Roadmap in collaboration with the European Space Agency, as well as contributing to the European Armament Technological Roadmap.

The overarching goal of the strategy is to increase Europe’s share of global private investment in quantum technologies, which currently stands at approximately 5%. This is expected to support the growth of European startups and scaleups and encourage greater adoption of European quantum solutions across various industries.

The Commission will collaborate closely with Member States and key stakeholders in the European quantum community, including academic institutions, startups, industrial partners, and innovation networks, to implement the strategy. A High-Level Advisory Board comprising prominent European scientists and technology experts, including Nobel Prize laureates, will provide independent guidance on the execution of the Quantum Europe Strategy.

Looking ahead, the Commission plans to propose a Quantum Act in 2026. This legislation is intended to further strengthen the quantum ecosystem and support the industrialisation of quantum technologies by encouraging investments from Member States, companies, investors, and researchers in pilot production facilities and larger-scale initiatives across the EU.

Summer brings surge in demand for Polish workers abroad, especially in logistics and production

The summer season is prompting many Poles to seek employment opportunities abroad, particularly in logistics and production roles, where wages in several European countries remain significantly higher than in Poland. According to experts from Personnel Service, growing demand in countries like the Czech Republic, Germany, and Norway is attracting not only Polish workers but also employees from Ukraine.

“There’s been a noticeable increase in demand for warehouse and production workers across Europe in recent months, with Germany, Norway, and Sweden offering the most opportunities,” said Krzysztof Inglot, labour market expert and founder of Personnel Service. “The Czech Republic has also emerged as an attractive destination, especially in sectors such as automotive and food production. This provides candidates from Poland and Ukraine with many choices and access to competitive wages.”

Higher Wages for Warehouse Workers Abroad

Salaries for warehouse workers in Northern and Western Europe significantly exceed Polish rates, making seasonal work abroad particularly appealing. Workers employed as order pickers or packers in Norway and Sweden can earn approximately EUR 2,500 net per month, equating to an hourly wage of around EUR 15.

In Germany, wages for similar roles range from EUR 2,400 to EUR 2,500 gross monthly, while in the Czech Republic, gross monthly pay is about EUR 2,200. In comparison, an order picker in Poland typically earns around PLN 5,500 gross per month.

Forklift operators see even larger wage disparities. In Scandinavia, monthly net earnings range from EUR 2,900 to EUR 3,100, equivalent to EUR 18 net per hour. German employers offer between EUR 2,900 and EUR 3,000 gross per month, also paying around EUR 18 gross per hour. In the Czech Republic, forklift operators earn more than EUR 2,300 gross monthly, while in Poland, the average salary in this role is roughly PLN 6,500 gross per month.

Production Jobs Abroad Offer Substantially Higher Pay

The production sector also offers significantly higher wages outside Poland. Workers in Norway and Sweden can expect around EUR 2,500 net per month. In Germany, salaries for production roles range from EUR 2,300 to EUR 2,400 gross monthly, while in the Czech Republic, monthly wages range from EUR 2,100 to EUR 2,200 gross. By comparison, the average gross salary for production workers in Poland stands at approximately PLN 5,200 per month.

“For many Poles, July and August present an ideal opportunity to earn extra income abroad, often without needing to leave their permanent employment or studies in Poland,” Inglot explained. “This also frees up local positions for those who choose to remain in the country. To support seasonal workers, our company offers comprehensive assistance, from securing legal employment with verified employers in Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Czech Republic to handling formalities, arranging accommodation to local standards, and providing Polish-speaking coordinators from the first day of work.”

Inglot emphasized that the goal is to simplify the process so that workers can focus on their jobs and safely benefit from attractive earnings abroad.

BIK reports 47% surge in housing loan inquiries in June 2025

The value of housing loan inquiries in Poland increased by 47.1% in June 2025 compared to the same month last year, according to data from the BIK Housing Loan Population Index. The figure indicates that, on each business day in June, banks and credit unions submitted inquiries for housing loans totaling amounts significantly higher than in June 2024.

The BIK Housing Loan Population Index measures interest in housing loans by tracking the year-on-year change in the value of loan applications submitted by individual customers. It serves as an important indicator for financial institutions and analysts to assess trends in the mortgage market and forecast future credit activity.

In June 2025, 37,470 people applied for housing loans, up 36.6% from 27,444 applicants a year earlier. However, compared to May 2025, the number of applicants fell by 3.0%.

The average value of housing loans requested in June reached PLN 477,010, marking a 7.7% increase year-on-year and a 2.0% rise compared to May.

“Although the number of applicants decreased slightly compared to May, on an annual basis, we’ve observed a significant increase of over one-third,” said Dr. Waldemar Rogowski, Chief Analyst at BIK Group. “Despite still high interest rates, many people continue to seek housing loans.”

Dr. Rogowski noted that the rising demand is driven partly by expectations of further interest rate cuts following an initial reduction, which has increased the perceived accessibility of housing loans and motivated potential borrowers.

He also highlighted that the growing average loan amount is influencing the index. “In June, the average housing loan application reached a record PLN 477,010. I expect that in the coming months, this record may be surpassed,” Dr. Rogowski added.

Poland’s median wage rises 15.3% year-on-year in January 2025, but gender and regional gaps persist

The median gross monthly wage in Poland’s national economy stood at PLN 6,882.80 in January 2025, reflecting a nominal year-on-year increase of 15.3%, according to data released by Statistics Poland. However, despite the overall rise in wages, disparities remain significant across gender, age groups, sectors, and regions.

The median wage was 21% lower than the average gross wage, which reached PLN 8,717.18 in January. Compared to December 2024, the median wage decreased by 5.3%, while the average wage dropped by 4.3%.

Gender differences remain evident. The median wage for men was PLN 7,032.61, exceeding the median for women by PLN 298.27. The gap widened in higher income brackets: among the top 10% of male earners, wages were at least PLN 15,088.60, while the comparable figure for women was lower.

Age also plays a significant role in wage levels. Employees aged 35-44 had the highest median wage at PLN 7,196.56, while the lowest was among workers aged 24 or younger, at PLN 5,474.54.

Wages varied significantly based on the size of the employer. The median wage in companies employing 1,000 or more people was PLN 8,102.28, compared to PLN 4,666.00 in businesses with nine or fewer employees.

Sectoral differences were pronounced. The Information and Communication sector recorded the highest median wage at PLN 11,098.52. In the public sector, the highest median wage was in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing (PLN 18,841.26), while in the private sector, Mining and Quarrying led with a median of PLN 12,298.62. In most industries, men earned higher median wages than women, with the largest gender gap of 41.4% seen in Financial and Insurance activities. However, in the Construction sector, women earned 32.8% more than men on average.

Geographical disparities were also highlighted. In around 29% of municipalities (gminas), the median wage was PLN 5,500 or lower. However, differences were smaller when measured by employees’ places of residence rather than the location of their employers.

Statistics Poland emphasized that these findings are based on a nationwide survey covering both employment contracts and other forms of work agreements linked to an employment relationship.

Czech unemployment rate at 2.8% in May 2025

The unemployment rate in the Czech Republic stood at 2.8% in May 2025, according to data released by the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO). This figure represents a slight increase of 0.03 percentage points compared to the same month in 2024.

The employment rate for individuals aged 15–64 reached 75.8% in May, up by 0.7 percentage points year-on-year. The employment rate for men was 80.5%, while for women it was 70.8%.

The economic activity rate, which measures the proportion of economically active people in the total population aged 15–64, stood at 77.9%, showing a year-on-year rise of 0.8 percentage points. The rate for men was 82.6%, exceeding the rate for women by 9.5 percentage points, which stood at 73.1%.

Dalibor Holý, Director of the Labour Market and Equal Opportunities Statistics Department at the CZSO, noted different trends between men and women in the labor market. “Among women, who are more frequently employed in services, we continue to see growth in employment and economic activity. In contrast, for men, who are more affected by uncertainties in the industrial sector, economic activity has been declining for the fifth consecutive month,” Holý said.

All figures in the report are based on the Labour Force Sample Survey (LFSS), which is conducted by the CZSO in private households and aligns with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards. These results are methodologically distinct from administrative data collected by the Labour Office of the Czech Republic on registered job seekers.

For international comparisons, Eurostat reports the unemployment rate for the broader age group of 15–74 years. In this age category, the Czech unemployment rate was also 2.8% in May 2025.

The LFSS does not cover individuals living in collective accommodation facilities or temporary shelters. Data tables accompanying the report provide both trend-cycle and unadjusted time series for employment, unemployment, and economic activity rates dating back to 1993, with a focused time series from 2015 used for modeling purposes.

Source: Czech Statistical Office

Czech government deficit rises to 3.7% of GDP in first quarter of 2025

The Czech Republic’s general government sector recorded a deficit equivalent to 3.7% of GDP in the first quarter of 2025, according to data published by the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO). Government debt rose slightly to 43.4% of GDP.

The overall deficit amounted to CZK 73.6 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of CZK 10.7 billion. The central government contributed significantly to the shortfall, posting a deficit of CZK 105.7 billion, CZK 12.0 billion higher than the same period last year.

In contrast, the local government sector reported a surplus of CZK 33.8 billion, though this was CZK 0.5 billion lower year-on-year. Social security funds, including health insurance institutions, recorded a deficit of CZK 1.7 billion.

“In the first quarter of 2025, the general government sector ended with a deficit of CZK 73.6 billion, corresponding to 3.7% of GDP. The government debt ratio increased by 0.3 percentage points compared to the previous year,” said Helena Houžvičková, Director of the Government and Financial Accounts Department at CZSO.

Government revenues grew by 4.5% year-on-year, reaching 39.8% of GDP. This increase was driven primarily by higher social contributions and taxes on production and imports. Meanwhile, government expenditure rose by 5.5% year-on-year to 43.5% of GDP, with higher spending noted in employee compensation, social benefits, and subsidies.

The nominal value of government debt rose by CZK 202.0 billion year-on-year to a total of CZK 3,539.1 billion. The debt-to-GDP ratio edged up from 43.1% to 43.4%. Nominal debt growth added 2.5 percentage points to the ratio, but this was partially offset by a higher nominal GDP, which reduced indebtedness by 2.2 percentage points.

On a quarter-on-quarter basis, government debt increased by CZK 47.2 billion. While nominal debt growth contributed an increase of 0.6 percentage points, the rise in nominal GDP reduced the ratio by 0.5 percentage points, resulting in a net quarterly increase of 0.1 percentage points.

A significant year-on-year increase was observed in issued debt securities, which rose by CZK 144.7 billion.

After seasonal and calendar adjustments, the government sector balance showed a deficit of CZK 46.4 billion, equal to 2.2% of GDP. This adjusted balance deteriorated by CZK 6.8 billion compared to the previous quarter.

Source: Czech Statistical Office

Demolition underway in Zlín city center for new high-rise development

Demolition has begun on a former bank building in the center of Zlín, clearing the way for a planned 16-story high-rise project known as Prospect. The development, led by Juraj Surovič, majority shareholder of the PSG construction group, will include offices, rental apartments, a hotel, and an observation terrace. The project’s estimated cost is just under one billion Czech korunas. Demolition is expected to be completed by mid-August, ahead of the Barum Czech Rally Zlín. Construction could begin early next year, Surovič told reporters today.

“We hope the project won’t be delayed in administrative processes,” Surovič said. “Design work is ongoing and should finish by the end of summer. In September, we plan to submit the project documentation to the authorities, aiming for a permit by year-end.” He noted that work is progressing on elements such as the building’s façade design.

The Prospect development will include the high-rise structure and a lower adjacent building housing an 80-room hotel. The project will feature 58 apartments, 3,700 square meters of office space, a restaurant, an underground garage with around 200 parking spaces, and a pedestrian zone. The planned high-rise will reach a height of 58 meters, making it the city’s second-tallest building after the Baťa skyscraper.

However, the proposed height has drawn criticism from the National Heritage Institute’s Kroměříž office. In April, conservationists expressed concerns that the building could disrupt Zlín’s urban panorama and impact views of the city’s heritage zone. The Zlín Department of Culture and Heritage Care will be responsible for reviewing and commenting on the project’s approval.

“We’ll try to convince the conservationists that height alone doesn’t determine whether a building dominates its surroundings,” Surovič said. He emphasized the building’s slender design and its integration into the urban environment. “We believe the project belongs in this location,” he added. The city architect’s office supports the proposal, and Zlín Mayor Jiří Korec (ANO) has also praised the project.

The former bank building, constructed in the 1990s, and its surrounding area are currently fenced off for demolition, which has closed sections of the sidewalk and nearby parking. The site sits between Práce Square and Gahura Avenue, close to landmarks such as the Great Cinema, Interhotel Zlín, the Zlín Department Store, and former Baťa dormitory buildings.

Demolition crews will avoid working on weekends and will take measures to reduce dust. The building has already been stripped of its façade and roof, and heavy equipment, including a 3.7-ton safe, has been removed.

“We aim to complete the building demolition in about a month, followed by two weeks of land leveling to leave the site clean,” said Michal Pohl, director of the PSG Construction plant in Otrokovice. The structural framework will be cut apart and removed in stages, with around 15 trucks operating daily over the next three weeks.

Source: CTK

Jablonec nad Nisou plans competition for new transport terminal

Jablonec nad Nisou is preparing to launch a tender for the construction of a new transport terminal intended to integrate bus, rail, and eventually tram services, Mayor Miloš Vele (ODS) announced today. The city has been working on the project across four electoral terms, with preliminary costs now estimated at 450 million Czech crowns. Funding for the terminal is expected to come from a combination of a municipal investment loan exceeding half a billion crowns, European grants, and contributions from the Liberec region.

“Preparations for the terminal are close to completion, with my colleagues finalizing the tender documentation,” Vele said. “A feasibility study for the grant application is underway, and we hope to announce the tender in the second half of the year.”

Discussions are ongoing with the Liberec transport company, which is planning to extend the tram line from Tyršovy sady, its current terminus, to the new terminal site.

The terminal design was developed by the Prague-based firm DOMYJINAK architekti, which won an open urban-architectural competition in 2018. This construction project is considered the largest in the city’s modern history. The municipality hopes to secure around 100 million crowns from the European Union’s Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) program for the Liberec–Jablonec agglomeration. According to regional governor Martin Půta (Starostové pro Liberecký kraj), the region’s financial contribution will depend on the outcome of the tender process.

Rising costs have accompanied the lengthy preparation phase. Initially estimated at 160 million crowns, the project’s cost has now nearly tripled. Deputy Mayor Jakub Chuchlík (Piráti) explained that the higher figure reflects more than just the terminal itself. “It’s a revitalization of a large area, including adjustments to riverfront pathways on both sides of the river and the development of a park. The terminal is a major component, but it’s part of a broader urban renewal effort,” he said.

In the future, the terminal is expected to serve as the endpoint for the tram line from Liberec, requiring approximately 800 meters of new track along Soukenná Street and across Dolní náměstí. However, construction on this extension is unlikely to begin before 2026.

“I’m a bit pessimistic about that timeline because the design work is not progressing as quickly as I’d like. It’s not under our direct control, as the investment falls under the Liberec transport company,” Vele noted, adding that the region has pledged financial support for the tram extension project.

Source: CTK

Hercesa Romania launches Vivenda Prime residential project in Bucharest

Hercesa Romania has announced the launch of Vivenda Prime, a new residential project in eastern Bucharest aimed at the medium-high market segment. The development will include 105 apartments and introduce new amenities to the company’s portfolio, reflecting contemporary urban living trends.

“Vivenda Prime is Hercesa’s most ambitious residential project in Romania and directly addresses changing expectations in the housing market,” said Alejandro Solano, CEO of Hercesa Internacional. “Our strength lies in our in-depth understanding of Bucharest’s residential market, where we have been active for over 20 years, and our ability to adapt to the evolving needs of our clients,” he added.

The project features various amenities designed to enhance urban living while maintaining a sense of community and comfort. These include an outdoor pool exclusively for residents, energy-efficient systems such as heat pumps to ensure low energy consumption and year-round comfort, and secure access to the complex. Additional infrastructure supports modern lifestyles, including dedicated parking for delivery services and couriers.

Vivenda Prime will also offer commercial spaces accessible to the public, as well as a multifunctional area reserved for residents, suitable for meetings, events, or private gatherings. The development allows for a high degree of home customization to meet individual resident preferences.

“Vivenda Prime represents a significant upgrade for the Vivenda community, bringing together comfort, innovation, and an integrated urban lifestyle,” said Romeo Ghica, Operations Manager at Hercesa Romania. “The project was developed using insights gained from Building L in Vivenda Residencias, which offered a limited selection of 3- and 4-bedroom apartments that performed strongly in sales, confirming demand for medium-high segment housing in this area,” he added.

Vivenda Prime responds to feedback from existing residents of the Vivenda Residencias project, many of whom are seeking modern, sustainable homes without relocating from their current neighborhood. The new development will consist entirely of 3- and 4-bedroom apartments, ranging in size from 83 to 218 square meters, with starting prices at €182,700 plus VAT. Hercesa aims for Vivenda Prime to meet the growing demand for high-quality housing that supports community living, sustainability, and modern comfort.

Develia sells Arkady Wrocławskie property to Vastint Poland

Develia has completed the sale of the property housing the Arkady Wrocławskie complex in Wrocław to Vastint Poland, part of an international group focused on commercial real estate investments. The net transaction value is EUR 42.967 million, equivalent to approximately PLN 182 million.

Arkady Wrocławskie, a mixed-use retail and office complex commissioned in 2007, is situated within the streets Powstańców Śląskich, Swobodna, Komandorska, and Nasypowa in Wrocław. The sale agreement includes the land and all associated buildings. The complex is currently undergoing demolition.

“With the sale of Arkady Wrocławskie, we have achieved one of our strategic goals—exiting our office and retail portfolio. In recent years, this strategy has allowed us to redirect capital into expanding our core residential business, both organically and through acquisitions, strengthening our market position,” said Andrzej Oślizło, CEO of Develia. “I am pleased that the site of Arkady Wrocławskie, which has long been a significant landmark for Wrocław residents, will now be redeveloped by an experienced investor specializing in mixed-use projects. This will contribute positively to the attractiveness of this area of the city,” he added.

Paweł Ruszczak, Vice President of Develia, explained that proceeds from the sale will be partly used to repay a loan previously secured to finance the property, with EUR 26 million allocated for that purpose. The remaining funds will be invested in the residential segment, where the company expects higher returns. “This will be possible in the near term with the completion of our acquisition of Bouygues Immobilier Polska,” Ruszczak said.

The ongoing demolition, initiated by Develia, involves dismantling external structures of the complex and will be continued by Vastint Poland. The new owner plans to develop a modern, mixed-use project on the site.

“For years, Arkady Wrocławskie was a central place for shopping, gatherings, and cultural activities, playing an important role in Wrocław’s commercial landscape. We are now beginning a new chapter for this location,” said Roger Andersson, Managing Director of Vastint Poland. “Our vision is to demolish the current structure and develop a modern, multifunctional complex that is thoughtfully integrated into the urban fabric of the city centre. We aim to create a vibrant space that will attract residents and businesses alike, providing a dynamic environment for living, working, and leisure.”

Vastint Poland has previously developed projects in Wrocław, including the Business Garden office complex and the B10 office building, which houses the Element by Westin hotel.

Develia received legal advisory support from Dentons and commercial advice from Avison Young during the transaction. Vastint was advised on legal matters by Legal Kraft.

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