Armenia
Armenian parliament passes bill on launching EU accession process
Bill adopted despite Russian criticism formally declares the start of Armenia’s EU accession process, but officials stress it does not constitute a formal membership application.
Several EU countries back push to fund Prague-based RFE/RL in response to Trump axeing it
Member states want EU to fund Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after US President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at dismantling the Agency for Global Media.
Iran, EEU free trade deal to take effect in mid-May
A comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union will come into force on May 15, paving the way for stronger economic ties and potentially doubling trade volumes.
Tensions rise over peace treaty talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia
Reports of ceasefire violations along the border have intensified, further complicating the fragile peace process.
Azerbaijan and Armenia reach agreement on historic peace deal
Agreement sets the stage for the formal end of over three decades of hostilities, but structural and political obstacles remain.
Former Karabakh leader’s trial in Baku puts Armenian government under pressure
Ruben Vardanyan’s ongoing trial has sparked protests and deepened anti-government sentiment in Armenia, where PM Nikol Pashinyan has been slammed for his lack of action.
Central Asia and Caucasus are some of the most hazardous places to drive in the world
Traffic-related deaths and injuries taking an economic toll.
Can Emerging European countries afford to rearm?
As European countries face a pressing need to rearm amid fears the US may pull back from its security commitments, an EBRD report shows higher defence spending is already putting pressure on public finances.
Iranian parliament approves free trade zone with EEU
After years of negotiations, Iran's parliament has ratified an agreement with the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) to create a free trade zone.
COMMENT: Armenia, the last man standing
In a neighbourhood of authoritarian strongmen, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is increasingly isolated and exposed as the sole democratic statesman left standing in the region.
Armenia introduces first crypto regulation framework to address sector risks
New legislation intended to protect consumers and attract international investors to the sector, says Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan.
EBRD lowers 2025 forecasts citing subdued global growth and trade fragmentation
Weaker external demand and potential impact of Trump tariffs weigh on Emerging Europe, Central Asia and Semed regions, with growth now projected at 3.2%.
Fitch warns over political and geopolitical risks to South Caucasus sovereign ratings
Political and geopolitical developments that heighten external vulnerabilities and policy weaknesses in the South Caucasus are exerting a significant influence on the sovereign credit profiles of the region’s countries, rating agency says.
Armenia, EU close in on new partnership agreement
Plans for an ambitious 'partnership agenda' were unveiled last year, coinciding with Armenia's growing estrangement from Russia.
Armenia's economic growth slows as sanctions boost fades
EFSD reports slowdown in Armenia's growth, citing a decline in re-export volumes and reduced tourist inflows from Russia.
COMMENT: Trump’s return holds both peril and promise for the South Caucasus
Struggling democracy Armenia left isolated and vulnerable, while for the leaders of Azerbaijan and Georgia, Trump’s victory indicates a welcome relief from the usual US emphasis on democracy and human rights.
Families of Karabakh Armenian leaders condemn sham trials in Azerbaijan
Trials of Russian-Armenian billionaire Ruben Vardanyan and fellow former Karabakh leaders draw little Western attention despite Azerbaijan’s poor human rights record.
China enhances position as Central Asia’s economic overlord
Trade balance heavily favours Beijing.
Azerbaijan's President Aliyev demands land corridor through Armenia as tensions rise
Ilham Aliyev's repeated demand for Armenia to open a land corridor to its Nakhchivan exclave fuels fears of renewed military conflict.
RIDDLE: Sanctions and the Eurasian Economic Union
The first months of 2025 are likely to mark a turning point in the history of sanctions against Russia: after three years of "escalating" but steadily reducing the tempo of sanctions policy. Are sanctions working?