German woes darken central Europe's recovery prospects

But now those ties risk becoming a drag on the economies of Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia. Employees work at Madeta dairy factory in the town of Plana nad Luznici, Czech Republic, January 24, 2022. Employees work at the production line as Skoda Auto carmaker launches production of MEB battery systems in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, May 17, 2022. Within central Europe, Hungary has led a charge in attracting investments in battery and electric car manufacturing from China, positioning itself as a meeting point for Eastern and Western investors. Employees work in the Ceska Zbrojovka small arms factory in Uhersky Brod, Czech Republic, August 31, 2021.