Latest Updates

Bulgaria’s latest nuclear u-turn

PM Boyko Borissov indicated plans for the new Belene nuclear power plant will be dropped and the equipment purchased used to expand the existing Kozloduy NPP.

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BALKAN BLOG: Only better waste management can clean rivers of trash

Huge islands of waste floating down rivers are a common problem in Southeast Europe.

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OUTLOOK 2021 Azerbaijan

The country won the Nagorno-Karabakh war, but can it win the peace? Crisis-hit 2020 looks to have taken 5% off Azerbaijani GDP. For now the path is clear to growth this year of around 2%.

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INTERVIEW: “The weekend’s protests were the Russian people's, not the opposition’s” – Maxim Reznik

Russians took to the streets this weekend in over 100 cities in support of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny and to protest against Putin’s two-decade-long rule.

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MOSCOW BLOG: Has Navalny started a revolution?

Russia was changed by the nationwide protests on January 23 as an estimated 100,000 people answered anti-corruption blogger and opposition activist Alexei Navalny’s call to demonstrate. But has he started a revolution?

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Russia's biggest demonstrations since 2011 in protest against Navalny jailing

Russians took to the streets of at least 85 cities in support of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny and to protest against Putin’s two-decade-long rule on January 23.

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Opposition activist Navalny's call for mass protests a success as thousands take to the streets across Russia

As the sun comes up over Vladivostok and the dawn in Russia sweeps west, it is already clear that anti-corruption blogger and opposition activist Alexei Navalny's call for mass protests today has been a success.

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Biden seeking a five-year extension to START II missile treaty

The freshly minted US President Joe Biden intends to ask Russia for a five-year extension to the crucial START II missile treaty, one of the pillars of the Cold War international security infrastructure that is due to expire in February.

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M&A in Central and Eastern Europe fell 16% in value in 2020, says CMS report

COVID-19 blighted dealmaking in 2020 but a strong Q4 indicates a sharp rebound this year.

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Czech billionaire Kellner´s PPF makes another bid for Moneta Money Bank

Estonia's two big parties agree on grand coalition

State-owned Ukrgasbank signs off on convertible €30mn IFC loan ahead of its privatisation

Czech billionaire Kellner´s PPF makes another bid for Moneta Money Bank

Limited share offer to be followed by merger to create Czechia's fifth largest banking group.

Estonia's two big parties agree on grand coalition

New government will be equally balanced between Reform and Centre, and by gender, and has many new faces.

State-owned Ukrgasbank signs off on convertible €30mn IFC loan ahead of its privatisation

The state-owned Ukrgasbank bank signed off on a €30mn loan from the International Financial Corporation (IFC) on January 25, as part of the bank’s preparations for privatisation.

News

Montenegro’s special prosecution probes finance minister over €750mn Eurobond issue

The bond was placed just three days after the government took office, and was not announced in advance.

Russia's retailer X5 Group posts 13% sales growth in 4Q20

Russia's largest retailer X5 Group reported 13% year-on-year sales growth in 4Q20 versus 15.4% growth seen in 3Q20. Like-for-likes sales were up by 5% y/y in 4Q20, while food inflation accelerated to 5.8% in 4Q20 from 4.3% in 3Q20.

Kosovo’s biggest opposition party risks being unable to run in general election

Despite a huge poll lead, Vetevendosje could be barred from running in February vote.

Slovenia lost €10bn by neglecting wood industry for decades

Slovenia is one of the most densely forested countries in Europe but has paid little attention to its wood industry.

Retailers and restaurant owners threaten protests in Bulgaria if reopening is delayed

Owners of shopping malls, cafes and restaurants say their survival is at risk as officials warned easing of restrictions will be postponed after the new strain of coronavirus was detected in Bulgaria.

Montenegro’s special prosecution probes finance minister over €750mn Eurobond issue

1 day ago

Russia's retailer X5 Group posts 13% sales growth in 4Q20

1 day ago

Kosovo’s biggest opposition party risks being unable to run in general election

2 days ago

Slovenia lost €10bn by neglecting wood industry for decades

2 days ago

Retailers and restaurant owners threaten protests in Bulgaria if reopening is delayed

3 days ago

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Tech

Slovenian crypto payment system enters Thai market

Payment via Eligma's GoCrypto system now possible in Bangkok launderette as it pursues global expansion.

Russia's NorNickel adopts blockchain for supply chain management

Norilsk Nickel, the world’s largest producer of palladium and high-grade nickel and a major producer of platinum and copper, has announced it is joining the Responsible Sourcing Blockchain Network (RSBN).

Russia goes ahead with eSIM technology

Russian mobile phone operators are exploring the promising eSIM technology, but the government's attempts to control and centralise the technology are likely to create hurdles.

Albania needs reforms for e-commerce to thrive, says World Bank

Online markets grew during the coronavirus pandemic as firms expanded their offerings to reach clients during spring lockdown, but Albania's e-commerce sector remains small.

Iran’s technology minister indicted for failing to properly implement internet censorship

Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, who brought 4G to the Islamic Republic, seen as siding with the country's youth.

Slovenian crypto payment system enters Thai market

21 hours ago

Russia's NorNickel adopts blockchain for supply chain management

1 day ago

Russia goes ahead with eSIM technology

1 day ago

Albania needs reforms for e-commerce to thrive, says World Bank

5 days ago

Iran’s technology minister indicted for failing to properly implement internet censorship

5 days ago

More Tech

Opinion

ING: Russian corporates are back to foreign debt redemption in 2020

Russian corporates reduced foreign debt by $11bn in a tumultuous 2020 after a steady 2019. Still, with 89% of the debt refinanced, foreign debt redemption is not a material pressure factor for the ruble.

COMMENT: Mongolia is an island of democracy

The Mongolian PM's resignation was a stirring illustration of public accountability and shows why the country is proud of its democracy, according to Antonio Graceffo.

ING: Russia balance of payments: supportive of ruble in the near-term, but risks for 2H21 mount.

Russia's current account surplus was relatively strong in 4Q20 on merchandise exports and services imports, but it could be in trouble in the second half of this year, along with the ruble

ING: Growth in the Balkans: from zero to hero again?

ING reviews the main macroeconomic forecasts for Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Serbia. While the resurgence of coronavirus infections has dashed hopes for a rapid V-shaped recovery, 2021 should still be a good year.

FPRI BMB Ukraine: Most Ukrainians are optimistic about 2021 – poll

According to the Rating Group’s first public opinion poll of 2021, just over half of Ukrainians surveyed (52%) believe that the new year will be better than the one before.

ING: Russian corporates are back to foreign debt redemption in 2020

18 hours ago

COMMENT: Mongolia is an island of democracy

1 day ago

ING: Russia balance of payments: supportive of ruble in the near-term, but risks for 2H21 mount.

6 days ago

ING: Growth in the Balkans: from zero to hero again?

12 days ago

FPRI BMB Ukraine: Most Ukrainians are optimistic about 2021 – poll

12 days ago

More Opinion

Data

Russian industry falls by 2.9% y/y in 2020.

Crude oil prices returning to comfortable levels faster than expected, defence procurements by the state and colder winter supported industrial output last year – statistics suggest a smaller drop in 2020 GDP

Ukraine’s industrial output jumped 4.8% y/y in December

Ukraine’s industrial output jumped 4.8% y/y in December after declining 0.3% y/y in November, the State Statistics Service reported on January 22.

Pandemic pushes public debt close to 80% of GDP in Albania and Montenegro

Albania’s debt overtook Montenegro’s in 3Q20 as GDP contractions and hikes in public spending sent debt-to-GDP ratios soaring across the region.

Polish industrial production continues boom in December

Growth soars to 11.2% y/y in December, more than doubling compared to November.

Slovenia’s economic sentiment indicator up 2.2 pp m/m in January

All indicators except for real estate rose in monthly terms in January.

Russian industry falls by 2.9% y/y in 2020.

18 hours ago

Ukraine’s industrial output jumped 4.8% y/y in December

19 hours ago

Pandemic pushes public debt close to 80% of GDP in Albania and Montenegro

1 day ago

Polish industrial production continues boom in December

1 day ago

Slovenia’s economic sentiment indicator up 2.2 pp m/m in January

1 day ago

More Data

Features

Tajikistan: Writing for the president is on the wall (and then scrubbed off)

Predictions of an imminent revolt may be wishful thinking.

OUTLOOK 2021 Mongolia

A tumultuous start to the year brought the resignation of the cabinet amid a coronavirus scandal, but the economy should show good growth this year.

OUTLOOK 2021 Slovenia

Investment and exports will be the main engines of growth as Slovenia emerges from the coronacrisis.

OUTLOOK 2021 Poland

2021 could be another year of tension and unrest, especially if the economic recovery is sluggish, but PiS maintains the advantage of a poll lead over weak and divided opposition.

TEHRAN BLOG: Will Biden bet on a quick return to the Iran nuclear deal?

Saudis and Israelis on edge as incoming US president looks set to restore Barack Obama’s signature foreign policy achievement. The Iranians are playing it cool. But they dearly desire an end to those crushing sanctions.

Tajikistan: Writing for the president is on the wall (and then scrubbed off)

3 hours ago

OUTLOOK 2021 Mongolia

1 day ago

OUTLOOK 2021 Slovenia

6 days ago

OUTLOOK 2021 Poland

6 days ago

TEHRAN BLOG: Will Biden bet on a quick return to the Iran nuclear deal?

7 days ago

More Features

Blogs

BALKAN BLOG: Superstition and resentment surround vaccination plans

Vaccine rollouts are yet to start in four Western Balkan countries and it will be a challenge to overcome widespread belief in conspiracy theories and persuade people to get vaccinated.

ISTANBUL BLOG: Biden must find a way to work with Trump’s strongman pal Erdogan

Incoming US president has described Turkish counterpart as an “autocrat” and urged support for Turkey’s opposition. But he won’t risk losing Turkey as a vital ally straddling the Middle East and Europe.

BALKAN BLOG: US approach to switch from quick-fix dealmaking to experience and cooperation

The outgoing Trump administration sought to score points against the EU in the Western Balkans and ignored the complexities of Balkan politics. His successor Joe Biden can be expected to do the opposite.

CAUCASUS BLOG : What can Biden offer the Caucasus and Stans, all but forgotten about by Trump?

Unlike his predecessor, the new US president will at least take an interest in issues such as Georgia's deep divisions, organised crime in the Kyrgyz government and Nagorno-Karabakh. But his in-tray is rather full with other pressing matters.

VISEGRAD BLOG: Central Europe's populists need a new strategy for Biden

The incoming US president will be tougher on the erosion of democracy but also tougher on Russia.

BALKAN BLOG: Superstition and resentment surround vaccination plans

2 days ago

ISTANBUL BLOG: Biden must find a way to work with Trump’s strongman pal Erdogan

7 days ago

BALKAN BLOG: US approach to switch from quick-fix dealmaking to experience and cooperation

7 days ago

CAUCASUS BLOG : What can Biden offer the Caucasus and Stans, all but forgotten about by Trump?

7 days ago

VISEGRAD BLOG: Central Europe's populists need a new strategy for Biden

7 days ago

More Blogs

Latest Updates

News

The bond was placed just three days after the government took office, and was not announced in advance.

Russia's largest retailer X5 Group reported 13% year-on-year sales growth in 4Q20 versus 15.4% growth seen in 3Q20. Like-for-likes sales were up by 5% y/y in 4Q20, while food inflation accelerated to 5.8% in 4Q20 from 4.3% in 3Q20.

Despite a huge poll lead, Vetevendosje could be barred from running in February vote.

Slovenia is one of the most densely forested countries in Europe but has paid little attention to its wood industry.

Owners of shopping malls, cafes and restaurants say their survival is at risk as officials warned easing of restrictions will be postponed after the new strain of coronavirus was detected in Bulgaria.

Tech

Payment via Eligma's GoCrypto system now possible in Bangkok launderette as it pursues global expansion.

Norilsk Nickel, the world’s largest producer of palladium and high-grade nickel and a major producer of platinum and copper, has announced it is joining the Responsible Sourcing Blockchain Network (RSBN).

Russian mobile phone operators are exploring the promising eSIM technology, but the government's attempts to control and centralise the technology are likely to create hurdles.

Online markets grew during the coronavirus pandemic as firms expanded their offerings to reach clients during spring lockdown, but Albania's e-commerce sector remains small.

Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, who brought 4G to the Islamic Republic, seen as siding with the country's youth.

Opinion

Russian corporates reduced foreign debt by $11bn in a tumultuous 2020 after a steady 2019. Still, with 89% of the debt refinanced, foreign debt redemption is not a material pressure factor for the ruble.

The Mongolian PM's resignation was a stirring illustration of public accountability and shows why the country is proud of its democracy, according to Antonio Graceffo.

Russia's current account surplus was relatively strong in 4Q20 on merchandise exports and services imports, but it could be in trouble in the second half of this year, along with the ruble

ING reviews the main macroeconomic forecasts for Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Serbia. While the resurgence of coronavirus infections has dashed hopes for a rapid V-shaped recovery, 2021 should still be a good year.

According to the Rating Group’s first public opinion poll of 2021, just over half of Ukrainians surveyed (52%) believe that the new year will be better than the one before.

Data

Crude oil prices returning to comfortable levels faster than expected, defence procurements by the state and colder winter supported industrial output last year – statistics suggest a smaller drop in 2020 GDP

Ukraine’s industrial output jumped 4.8% y/y in December after declining 0.3% y/y in November, the State Statistics Service reported on January 22.

Albania’s debt overtook Montenegro’s in 3Q20 as GDP contractions and hikes in public spending sent debt-to-GDP ratios soaring across the region.

Growth soars to 11.2% y/y in December, more than doubling compared to November.

All indicators except for real estate rose in monthly terms in January.

Features

Predictions of an imminent revolt may be wishful thinking.

A tumultuous start to the year brought the resignation of the cabinet amid a coronavirus scandal, but the economy should show good growth this year.

Investment and exports will be the main engines of growth as Slovenia emerges from the coronacrisis.

2021 could be another year of tension and unrest, especially if the economic recovery is sluggish, but PiS maintains the advantage of a poll lead over weak and divided opposition.

Saudis and Israelis on edge as incoming US president looks set to restore Barack Obama’s signature foreign policy achievement. The Iranians are playing it cool. But they dearly desire an end to those crushing sanctions.

Blogs

Vaccine rollouts are yet to start in four Western Balkan countries and it will be a challenge to overcome widespread belief in conspiracy theories and persuade people to get vaccinated.

Incoming US president has described Turkish counterpart as an “autocrat” and urged support for Turkey’s opposition. But he won’t risk losing Turkey as a vital ally straddling the Middle East and Europe.

The outgoing Trump administration sought to score points against the EU in the Western Balkans and ignored the complexities of Balkan politics. His successor Joe Biden can be expected to do the opposite.

Unlike his predecessor, the new US president will at least take an interest in issues such as Georgia's deep divisions, organised crime in the Kyrgyz government and Nagorno-Karabakh. But his in-tray is rather full with other pressing matters.

The incoming US president will be tougher on the erosion of democracy but also tougher on Russia.

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Ukraine has been on a rollercoaster ride this year. After the wild optimism following the election of Ukrainian president Volodymy....

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