Panattoni Fully Lets Completed Phases of Poznań XIV Park with 4M Pro&Invest Lease

Panattoni has signed a lease agreement with 4M Pro&Invest at Panattoni Park Poznań XIV, completing the leasing of the project’s two completed phases.

The tenant has taken nearly 4,100 sqm of warehouse space, along with around 190 sqm of office and support areas. The agreement brings the existing space in the development to full occupancy.

4M Pro&Invest operates in the e-commerce sector, focusing on the sale of tyres, wheels and automotive accessories. The company plans to consolidate its warehousing operations at the new location and is preparing to launch an online platform.

“We have had ties to the Greater Poland region since the very beginning, so it was a natural step to look for premises to expand our business in this region. Panattoni Park Poznań XIV fully meets our expectations – modern infrastructure – this will be our first warehouse in a Class A building, with a 10-metre ceiling height compliant with fire safety requirements for tyre storage, and a convenient location enabling efficient order fulfilment. Our partnership with Panattoni will allow us to consolidate our warehousing processes in a single facility and support the company’s further growth,” said Mikołaj Andrzejewski, CEO of 4M Pro&Invest.

The tenant is expected to begin operations in the second quarter of the year. The space will be fitted out to meet operational requirements, including the installation of shelving systems, adjustments to internal layouts and the addition of technical infrastructure.

“The agreement with 4M Pro&Invest marks the full let-up of the recently completed section of Panattoni Park Poznań XIV, which demonstrates that our facilities meet tenants’ actual needs,” said Katarzyna Kujawiak, Regional Managing Director for Central Poland & Greater Poland at Panattoni.

Panattoni Park Poznań XIV is located in Głuchowo, near Poznań, with access to the A2 motorway and the S5 and S11 expressways. The development is planned to include three warehouse buildings with a total area of approximately 49,000 sqm, with further construction phases expected.

The project has received a BREEAM Excellent certification and incorporates energy-efficient systems and environmental features, including space prepared for photovoltaic installations and landscaped areas.

Middle East Tensions Add New Pressure to Europe’s Food Price Outlook

Growing instability in the Middle East is starting to raise concerns about its potential impact on food prices across Europe, with Central and Eastern European markets likely to feel the effects more strongly over time.

While there has been no immediate surge in prices, analysts and industry representatives point to rising costs in energy, transport and agricultural inputs as key factors that could gradually feed into the cost of food. These effects are not expected to appear instantly, but rather with a delay as higher expenses move through supply chains.

One of the main areas of concern is the cost of fuel. Any sustained increase in oil prices affects transportation, production and distribution, which in turn influences the price of goods on store shelves. For food producers and retailers, this creates additional pressure at multiple stages, from sourcing raw materials to final delivery.

Agricultural inputs are another factor under close watch. Fertilisers, which are closely linked to energy markets, could become more expensive if the situation escalates, raising costs for farmers and potentially affecting future harvests. This could lead to further price increases later in the year.

Disruptions to global shipping routes are also contributing to uncertainty. Delays or higher costs in transporting goods, particularly from Asia, may affect the availability and pricing of certain imported products. In some cases, this could lead to temporary shortages or higher prices for specific categories.

The potential impact is particularly relevant for Central and Eastern Europe, where households typically spend a larger share of their income on food compared to Western Europe. As a result, even moderate price increases can have a more noticeable effect on consumers.

Despite these risks, some economists suggest that the overall impact will depend on how long the tensions persist. If commodity markets remain relatively stable, price increases may be limited and gradual rather than immediate.

For now, the situation remains uncertain. However, the conflict is increasingly being viewed as a factor that could interrupt the recent easing of food price growth and introduce renewed cost pressures across European markets.

Falling Birth Rates Across CEE Begin to Weigh on Children’s Goods Market

The ongoing decline in birth rates across Central and Eastern Europe is starting to have a tangible impact on the children’s goods sector, with the Czech Republic among the markets where the effects are becoming increasingly visible.

In recent years, the number of births in the Czech Republic has dropped sharply, reversing the growth seen earlier in the decade. This shift is now feeding through into lower demand for products linked to early childhood, including baby equipment, toys and clothing. Market participants report a noticeable reduction in customer numbers, while some retailers have already scaled back operations or exited the market.

The situation reflects a broader regional trend. Across much of Central and Eastern Europe, birth rates have been declining steadily, driven by a combination of social and economic factors. Delayed family formation, rising housing costs and greater financial uncertainty have all contributed to a sustained drop in the number of new households with young children.

Although several governments in the region have introduced financial incentives aimed at encouraging higher birth rates, these measures have generally produced only temporary results. After short-term increases, the overall trend has continued downward, suggesting deeper structural changes in demographic behaviour.

For businesses, the consequences are long-term. A smaller number of births translates directly into reduced demand across multiple consumer categories, limiting growth potential and altering market dynamics. This is particularly evident in sectors closely tied to early life stages, where demand is highly sensitive to demographic shifts.

At the same time, recent economic pressures have added to the challenge. High inflation in recent years has reduced purchasing power, prompting households to limit spending, especially on non-essential goods. While economic conditions have begun to stabilise, consumer caution remains a factor.

In response, companies are adjusting their strategies, focusing on efficiency, diversifying product ranges or targeting different customer groups. However, expansion opportunities outside domestic markets are also constrained, as similar demographic trends are evident across Europe.

As a result, the children’s goods market in Central and Eastern Europe is entering a period of adjustment, shaped less by short-term economic cycles and more by long-term demographic change.

Slovak Cities Call for Stricter Pawnshop Regulation to Address Urban Safety Concerns

Municipal representatives in Slovakia are calling for stricter regulation of pawnshops, citing concerns over their impact on public safety and quality of life in urban areas.

At a press briefing in Bratislava, city officials outlined proposals aimed at addressing what they describe as a lack of clear rules governing pawnshop operations. According to local authorities, these businesses can contribute to criminal activity, including the circulation of stolen goods and associated social issues in surrounding neighbourhoods.

Bratislava Mayor Matúš Vallo said: “We have a number of concrete solutions for the operation of the pawnshops. However, their implementation also requires legislative changes, so we are calling again to the state to proceed as soon as possible. For if this state does not, the communities living around the lien will continue to suffer.”

The proposed measures include stricter requirements on ownership transparency, mandatory identification and recording of goods and sellers, and increased oversight. Municipalities are also seeking greater authority to regulate the location and operating conditions of pawnshops.

Martin Chren, Mayor of Bratislava’s Ružinov district, said: “Therefore, to be able to regulate where the pawnshop may be and where not, what opening hours it can have, and if it is evident that there is a public order violation in connection with its operation, then also be able to cancel the operation of such a lien.”

Local residents have also raised concerns about the day-to-day impact of pawnshop activity. Ján Sabo, a resident of the affected area, said: “Every day we see the same scenario. People come with different goods, which often still contains anti-theft security features. After the monetization, a drug dealer is waiting a few meters further. And after a quick exchange, drugs are applied, often directly at our homes. There is a hazardous waste and people under the influence of drugs right in the space where we live. This doesn’t happen once in a while. This happens daily, in front of the eyes of the inhabitants, in a locality full of families with young children. People are often afraid to walk past their own home. It has a very specific impact on the quality of our lives.”

City authorities said they have already taken steps to improve safety in affected areas, including increased police patrols, infrastructure upgrades and traffic adjustments. However, they argue that these measures are undermined by the continued operation of pawnshops without tighter regulation.

Vallo added: “Over the past year, we have invested enormous efforts in this area to improve security. We radically intensified the patrol of the police here, people reported problematic behaviors, followed by prompt police exits. Last year, the number of interventions by the city police in this neighborhood has quadrupled. We have improved the lighting here, have made changes in transport, we are checking the places reserved for taxis, as it was those abused by dealers for drug sales. And it must be said that the state also reacted to our call for deteriorating security, and some of the things we have pointed out have moved forward. For example, repeated petty thefts are already a criminal offence again.”

Officials noted that similar issues have been identified in other parts of the city and argued that existing local measures are insufficient without changes at the national level.

Chren added: “If we look at companies providing, for example, fast loans or on a gaming room, this type of business is regulated in Slovakia. It’s a perfectly normal and common thing that such a business is regulated. Anyone who goes to the playroom must show an ID card. Similarly, in reserving, if someone takes over the goods, they should be responsible for their legal origin.”

Vallo concluded: “This is an acute problem that needs to be addressed. The problem of safety is one of the most important for residents and does not have a party T-shirt. I therefore ask all political parties to face this challenge and adopt a rapid legislative change that will return the lives of residents around troubled pawnshops to normal. We invest a lot of time, money and energy in solving the problem of security, and we don’t want it all to go out.”

Slovak Cities Launch Joint Initiative to Address Rising Availability of Psychoactive Substances

Union of Cities of Slovakia has prompted a coordinated response from Bratislava, Trnava and Nitra, which, together with several non-governmental organisations, are seeking to address the growing availability of new psychoactive substances.

The three cities, working alongside organisations including STORM, OZ Odyseus, OZ Prima and OZ KASPIAN, have highlighted increasing concerns over the accessibility of such substances, particularly among children and young people. The initiative builds on existing cooperation in risk reduction and addiction prevention, with stakeholders pointing to a rise in intoxication cases and potential impacts on mental health.

According to the participating organisations, the current lack of effective regulation remains a key issue, especially in relation to sales through vending machines and online platforms, where age verification and product oversight are limited.

The coordinated effort aims to introduce a more unified approach, combining policy engagement with practical measures based on field experience. This includes proposals to limit access for minors, strengthen prevention and education programmes, and improve oversight of sales channels.

The group has also expressed its readiness to contribute to the preparation of new legislation on psychoactive substances, offering expertise from direct work with communities, schools and young people. Their involvement is intended to ensure that any regulatory framework is both practical and enforceable.

A central focus of the initiative is improving awareness and prevention. Stakeholders emphasise the need for clear and accessible information about the risks associated with these substances, alongside education programmes that support decision-making, resilience and risk recognition.

Field experts continue to engage directly with young people in schools, public spaces and events, providing factual information and guidance on how to respond in potentially risky situations. The broader objective is to reduce harm by combining prevention, education and improved regulation, particularly in protecting minors from unrestricted access to these substances.

Polish Banks Record Stronger Profits and Balance Sheet Growth in 2025

Poland’s banking sector reported improved financial performance in 2025, supported by higher income generation and a reduction in risk-related costs. The sector’s overall profit increased compared to the previous year, reflecting a combination of stronger earnings from core activities and a more favourable cost environment.

The improvement in results was largely driven by higher income from lending activities, alongside a turnaround in other operational areas and lower provisioning levels. Despite rising operating expenses, the overall performance of the sector remained positive, with profitability indicators showing clear growth year-on-year.

At the same time, the size of the banking sector continued to expand. Total assets increased steadily, while capital levels strengthened, indicating a more solid financial position. The structure of bank balance sheets remained broadly unchanged, with loans and other financial assets continuing to represent the largest share.

Lending activity grew across both households and businesses. Loans to individuals, particularly for housing, remained the dominant segment, while corporate lending also expanded, with small and medium-sized enterprises playing a key role. Demand for investment and working capital financing contributed to this trend.

Deposits also increased, supporting liquidity in the system. Most funds were held in current accounts, while the share of longer-term deposits declined slightly, reflecting customer preferences in the prevailing interest rate environment.

The number of banks operating in Poland rose marginally during the year, driven by new market entrants, while the number of cooperative institutions decreased slightly. Foreign-owned banks continued to account for a significant portion of the sector.

Overall, the data suggests that Poland’s banking sector maintained stable growth in 2025, with improved profitability, expanding lending activity and a solid funding base.

Slovakia’s Market Production Rises 3.5% in January 2026, Led by Industry and Services

Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic reported that total market production in Slovakia increased at the start of 2026, following several months of decline.

According to the office, total market production rose by 3.5 percent year-on-year in January 2026. Growth was recorded across all main sectors of the economy, including industry, services, trade and construction. Industrial production had the strongest impact, increasing by more than 4 percent, while services also contributed with a similar rate of growth. Trade recorded a more moderate increase, and construction showed marginal growth.

The data is based on the Total Market Production Index (TMPI), a newly introduced indicator designed to provide a consolidated monthly overview of economic activity. The index combines four key sectors: industry, construction, trade and services, and has been developed in line with a broader initiative by Eurostat.

On a month-on-month basis, however, overall market production declined slightly by 0.1 percent. The decrease was mainly driven by weaker performance in trade and construction, while industry and services recorded moderate growth during the same period.

The TMPI is intended to offer an early indication of economic trends, with data adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects. Eurostat is expected to publish comparable aggregated figures for the European Union and euro area in April 2026.

Brose Opens Third Northern Moravia Facility at Ostrava Airport Multimodal Park

GRIDARCH has completed the second phase of the Ostrava Airport Multimodal Park (OAMP) in Mošnov, with the delivery of an 11,300 sqm industrial facility to Brose, which has launched operations at its third production site in Northern Moravia.

The new facility includes production, office, testing and development space and is focused on the manufacture of seat structures for automotive clients. The site forms part of Brose’s wider network in the Czech Republic, where the company already operates in Kopřivnice, Rožnov pod Radhoštěm and Ostrava.

“I am pleased that we are once again expanding our capacities and can continue to take advantage of the benefits offered by the Ostrava region. The plant in Mošnov not only includes extensive manufacturing facilities, but also testing and development departments as well as modern social amenities for our employees,” said Niclas Pfüller, Managing Director of Brose Czech Republic.

According to the company, the new plant is intended to strengthen coordination between its regional operations, supporting the exchange of expertise and improving production efficiency. Its location within a logistics park with direct access to road, rail and air transport is expected to support supply chains across the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

“With our investments in the Moravian-Silesian region, we are demonstrating our confidence in the Czech Republic as an important industrial location and its strategic role in the global footprint of the Brose Group. At the same time, I am pleased to bring new skilled jobs to the region and to offer opportunities for professional development through both technical and personal advancement,” Pfüller added.

The Ostrava Airport Multimodal Park is located near Leoš Janáček Airport and combines air, rail and road connections. Since its initial phase was completed in 2020, the park has developed into a logistics and light industrial location serving both domestic and cross-border markets.

“From discussions with our tenants, we know that they particularly appreciate the unique combination of transport connections – air, rail and road. This is also the case for Brose, which will supply automotive manufacturers operating in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia from Mošnov. The location of Brose’s operations in OAMP is further proof that the park is not only a premium logistics hub, but also an attractive location for manufacturing companies with high demands on the technical expertise of their workforce,” said Tomáš Novotný, CEO of GRIDARCH.

The park currently comprises multiple completed phases and continues to expand, with further industrial space under construction and additional phases in preparation.

Łódź Region Strengthens Position as Key Logistics Hub Amid Strong Demand and Limited New Supply

AXI IMMO reports that the Łódź region continues to strengthen its role as a logistics hub in Poland, supported by sustained tenant demand and improving vacancy levels, despite a slowdown in new development.

According to the firm’s latest report, total leasing activity in 2025 reached 1.17 million sqm, an increase of 17 percent year-on-year and one of the highest levels recorded across the country. At the same time, total industrial and logistics stock in the region exceeded 5.1 million sqm. New supply declined to 216,000 sqm, reflecting a more cautious approach by developers, while the vacancy rate fell to 7 percent by the end of the year.

Leasing activity was largely driven by renewals, which accounted for around 60 percent of total take-up. Net take-up, including new leases and expansions, reached 475,000 sqm, slightly below the previous year. The city of Łódź recorded the highest level of new leasing activity within the region. Demand continued to be led by retail, logistics and distribution operators, as well as manufacturing companies.

Development activity remained selective, with 189,000 sqm under construction at the end of 2025. Only a limited share of this pipeline was speculative, reflecting a preference for pre-let agreements. Earlier increases in vacancy had led some developers to delay projects, although the reduction in available space during 2025 indicates a tightening market, particularly for larger warehouse units.

Rental levels remained stable, with the region continuing to offer relatively competitive costs compared to other logistics hubs in Poland. Headline rents in older schemes ranged between €3.60 and €4.20 per sqm per month, while new developments achieved between €4.20 and €4.60 per sqm per month. Lower rental levels were recorded in Piotrków Trybunalski, while higher levels were seen within Łódź.

Hubert Wojtera, Director, Industrial & Logistics Agency at AXI IMMO, said: “The Łódź region has long served as one of Poland’s key logistics and distribution hubs. Its advantage stems primarily from its central location and excellent transport infrastructure, which enable efficient nationwide distribution. In 2025, we observed particularly high activity among companies serving the domestic market, which view the Łódź region as a natural base for building national logistics operations. In the coming years, demand may be further supported by the growth of the manufacturing sector and new infrastructure investments. Locations situated near the planned ‘Port Polska’ project will also gain strategic importance, potentially becoming a major driver of regional development in the longer term”.

Looking ahead, AXI IMMO expects the market to remain stable in 2026, with demand largely supported by lease renewals. Additional activity is likely to come from distribution companies and manufacturing firms, particularly those separating production and storage operations.

DHL Supply Chain Appoints Bernard Wierzbik as Managing Director for Poland

DHL Supply Chain has appointed Bernard Wierzbik as Managing Director for Poland, as part of its ongoing development strategy in Central and Eastern Europe.

He succeeds Petra Káňa, who has taken on the role of Managing Director of DHL Supply Chain in the Czech Republic. The company acknowledged his contribution to strengthening its position in the Polish market.

Bernard Wierzbik brings experience from several international organisations. Most recently, he served as Managing Director at Greiner Packaging in Poland. He previously held operational roles at Lantmännen Unibake and PepsiCo, where he was responsible for logistics and customer service across multiple Central and Eastern European markets.

Poland continues to be a key logistics market within the region, supported by its role in European supply chains. Commenting on his appointment, Bernard Wierzbik said: “Poland is today one of the most important logistics markets in Europe and a key hub for the entire CEE region. Our ambition is to further strengthen this position by developing modern, integrated, and resilient supply chains. Logistics is no longer just an operational function, it is about designing ecosystems that directly impact our customers’ competitiveness.”

The company operates across sectors including e-commerce, retail, FMCG, technology, automotive and life sciences, with an increasing focus on automation, digitalisation and data-driven solutions.

“In the coming years, the key will be combining technology with operational expertise. Artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced analytics enable not only greater efficiency, but also improved demand forecasting and risk management within supply chains,” he added.

Wierzbik also highlighted the importance of resilience in supply chains, noting: “Today’s supply chains must be prepared for volatility, whether geopolitical, economic, or operational. Our role is to provide our customers with stability and predictability, even in the most demanding environment.”

He added that the organisation’s workforce is a key factor in its operations: “The strength of DHL Supply Chain lies in its teams, highly committed professionals who bring deep expertise and a strong customer focus to everything they do. I am truly excited to become part of this great team and to work together in shaping the future of our business in Poland.”

DHL Supply Chain in Poland is part of the company’s global contract logistics platform, which continues to expand its capabilities in technology and supply chain services.

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