Features
Tiny Moldova stands up to Russia’s might
Moldova has tackled Russian hybrid attacks in the energy sector, the media and via the separatist Transnistria republic. The next battlefield will be the fight to control the parliament.
This winter’s gas crisis in Europe is already over before it began
Europe went into this year’s heating season, which started on November 7, with its tanks full to bursting; the EU gas storage tanks were close to 100% full as the weather turned cold.
US vows to maintain pressure on Russian energy sector for decades to come
The US ambition is to halve Russia’s revenues from oil and gas by the end of the decade.
Transition risks for petrostates higher than ever, says report
Petrostates are currently confronted with significant challenges arising from the ongoing energy transition. The diminishing demand for oil and gas is exerting downward pressure on commodity prices, which in turn threatens future revenue streams.
Ukraine running out of money again, as deficit hits a monthly record of $4bn in November
Ukraine is running out of money again as the state budget deficit surged to a record high of UAH145.1bn ($3.96bn) in November 2023, a sharp increase from UAH98.4bn in October and UAH87.0bn in September, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Finance
Russian oligarch to revive woolly mammoths in a real life Jurassic Park to stop Siberian permafrost melting
Russian billionaire chemicals oligarch Andrey Melnichenko has a plan to resuscitate prehistoric woolly mammoths to the frozen wastes of Siberia and Yakutia to stop the permafrost melting, which would be a climate catastrophe.
LONG READ: The boomerang effect: sanctions hurt Europe more than Russia
After two years of war in Ukraine, the sanctions regime has run its course. As sanctions rules are tighten they are starting to boomerang back and are increasingly hurting Europe more than they are Russia.
COP28: Cities in the face of the rising tide
By 2050 an estimated 1bn people globally will be living in coastal areas, which are already threatened by rising tides.
INTERVIEW: Media expert says ‘no limits’ to aggressive Serbian pro-government media
Tabloids target government’s opponents with furious criticism and obscenity-filled headlines ahead of December general election.
COMMENT: China will drive a hard bargain for Russian gas
China would like more Russian gas. But it does not need it urgently, and will make Moscow pay for the privilege.
Armenia marks new era with French military purchases
After its army was battered in the 2020 Second Karabakh War, and with its traditional supplier, Russia, both unable and unwilling to send arms shipments, Yerevan has been desperately seeking other procurement partners.
75,000 jobs at risk as high lek makes Albania’s fashion industry uncompetitive
Sharp rise of Albania's currency against the euro has caused a slump in exports this year.
INTERVIEW: Kosovo’s banking sector is competitive and resilient, says RBK CEO
Raiffeisen Bank Kosovo CEO Anita Kovacic tells bne IntelliNews the banking sector in Europe’s newest country has proved itself to be resilient, mature and capable of adapting to new circumstances.
COP28: UAE’s renewables champion Masdar is more bark than bite
As world leaders gather in the the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital of Dubai for the COP28 energy summit, its national renewables champion Masdar is showcasing its achievements. The only trouble is that the company is not as big as it claims to be.
Kazakhstan: Government tackles personal debt mountain, but not everyone is happy
New legislation will place stronger requirements on lenders to ensure people taking out loans are able to pay back.
CEE Bankwatch slams new wave of Balkan gas projects
NGO urges development partners to stop funding fossil fuel projects in the region and focus only on renewables.
INTERVIEW: Eurasian Development Bank brings Central Asia together with sustainable green investments
Central Asia is once again the “navel of the world” as overland trade between Asia and Europe takes off.
Irish engineering firm owner flees Russia as companies fear hike in exit price
Russian government commission now demanding additional discounts after previously seeking a 50% discount on all foreign deals plus a “contribution” to the Russian budget of at least 10% of the price.
Ukraine EU accession talks will be "difficult", European Council President Michel says
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, predicts that the December summit on Ukraine's accession to the EU will be “difficult".
EBRD survey reveals surprising surge in life satisfaction in Emerging Europe
In the last seven years, Emerging Europe has grappled with pandemic, war and a cost of living crisis. So why did people get happier?