Latest Updates

International bond investors are selling off local EM debt in all but the best markets

Emerging markets capital markets have been through a revolution in the last decade, but the coronavirus pandemic and rising political and economic risks in some markets have seen these investors turn tail and flee.

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US flips Security Council the bird on Iran

Washington claims right to unilaterally reimpose UN sanctions on Tehran. France, Germany and UK lead opposition to move they say is legally void.

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Disasters in the making

Iran, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan among countries ranked most vulnerable by inaugural edition of Ecological Threat Register.

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Zelenskiy's rating down by a quarter in just three months

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s approval rating has tumbled from over 70% last year to just 29% now, but he remains by far the most popular politician in the country.

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Novichok found in a water bottle in Navalny’s hotel room

Colleagues of anti-corruption blogger and opposition activist Alexei Navalny found a bottle of water containing traces of the nerve agent Novichok used to poison him in a water bottle in his hotel room in Tomsk.

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COMMENT: Ukraine’s the Old Rotten System is alive and well

In the nearly 18 months since Volodymyr Zelenskiy was inaugurated President of Ukraine, it has become increasingly clear that he, like all his predecessors, is willing to accept, and even support, the Old Rotten System.

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Ukraine’s partners worried about deteriorating commitment of Zelenskiy administration to judicial reform

Lack of commitment to the rule of law and judicial reform are causing consternation, while the increasingly politically motivated actions of recently appointed General Prosecutor Iryna Venedyktova are raising tensions.

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Lukashenko, Putin meet in Sochi, Russia grants $1.5bn bailout loan... and more?

Embattled Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko flew to Sochi in Russia and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to broker a rescue deal on September 14.

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A new growth area in a clean new world

Hungary-based producer of anti-bacterial coatings Resysten was doing respectably well before the coronavirus pandemic caused demand for its product to explode.

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Hackers release another 1,000 Belarusian police officers' names after OMON again ratchets up violence at weekend rallies

Skopje tries to fix row with Bulgaria over revolutionary hero that could derail EU bid

Georgia experiences its first wave of COVID-19

Hackers release another 1,000 Belarusian police officers' names after OMON again ratchets up violence at weekend rallies

Riot police, operating in larger groups, slowly escalating level of violence. Officers are grabbing protesters making their way home. Scandalous move sees authorities intern six-year-old son of detained activist in orphanage.

Skopje tries to fix row with Bulgaria over revolutionary hero that could derail EU bid

Both sides claim ownership of Goce Delcev, who fought for an independent Macedonia at the turn of the 20th century.

Georgia experiences its first wave of COVID-19

With their borders still largely closed, Georgians hit the beach and let their guard down. The epidemiological result was inevitable.

News

Foreign investors drop net $30mn of Borsa Istanbul shares

“Sad to see Turkey's weight in MSCI Emerging Markets index hitting all time low at 0.3%,” remarks observer. Regulator cuts “direct market access” of UBS’ London branch to stock exchange. Garanti BBVA's Spanish parent at lowest level since 1995.

Sberbank starts taking climate risk seriously

Russia’s Sberbank has set out its climate agenda, which aims to reduce the bank’s carbon footprint and put climate risk at the top of its investment strategy.

Poland’s ruling coalition in crisis over Kaczynski’s pet bill on animal rights

Poland’s United Right coalition appeared to be coming apart at the seams after a bill boosting protection of animal rights passed in the parliament thanks to cross-party support rather than the usual partisan vote.

Kosovan opposition MPs block adoption of economic recovery law

Head of Kosovo's Chamber of Commerce says "economic collapse is inevitable" without the law as businesses will be forced into bankruptcy without state support.

Lukashenko warns of war, closes the Western borders… not

Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko called on the people of Poland and Lithuania to “stop your crazy politicians”, who he warned are spoiling for war, and announced that he was closing the borders with Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine.

Foreign investors drop net $30mn of Borsa Istanbul shares

2 days ago

Sberbank starts taking climate risk seriously

2 days ago

Poland’s ruling coalition in crisis over Kaczynski’s pet bill on animal rights

3 days ago

Kosovan opposition MPs block adoption of economic recovery law

3 days ago

Lukashenko warns of war, closes the Western borders… not

3 days ago

More News

Tech

Gaming giant Stillfront buys Croatia’s Nanobit for up to $148mn

Takeover of Croatia's Nanobit allows Stockholm-based international gaming group to move into narrative lifestyle RPGs targeting a female audience.

Turkey’s first 'flying car' prototype completes short test flight

The "Cezeri" flew up to 33 feet in the air before landing.

Target Global bets on Russo-Estonian startup “to disrupt crypto payments”.

Mercuryo.io, a Russian-founded startup based in Estonia, announced in the first week of September the completion of its first round of funding, having received €2.5mn from Target Global

China’s Huawei opens innovations centre in Serbia

Huawei opens an innovations and development centre in Serbia’s capital Belgrade as the US is pushing for CEE governments to reject the Chinese tech company.

US’ Dexcom to open services centre in Vilnius in 2021

Medical technology company Dexcom's new global business services centre will support its operations and customers across EMEA.

Gaming giant Stillfront buys Croatia’s Nanobit for up to $148mn

20 hours ago

Turkey’s first 'flying car' prototype completes short test flight

3 days ago

Target Global bets on Russo-Estonian startup “to disrupt crypto payments”.

5 days ago

China’s Huawei opens innovations centre in Serbia

5 days ago

US’ Dexcom to open services centre in Vilnius in 2021

5 days ago

More Tech

Opinion

STOLYPIN: Whatever is happening to Putin?

Something has changed, Russian president Vladimir Putin seem to have lost some of his finesse as his regime becomes more brutal and aggressive. Has he just been on the job too long?

FPRI BMB Ukraine: Lawmakers’ promises, one year later

During last summer’s parliamentary elections VoxUkraine’s analysts collected the promises made by party leaders. One year later, they’re back to see which political parties have actually delivered.

FPRI BMB Russia: Russian to hold elections in 83 regions

Russia will hold local elections on September 11-13. In contrast to previous years, voting will take place over three days, culminating on Sunday, Russia’s “single voting day”. Elections will occur in 83 regions.

Turkmenistan: They call me Mr. Boombastic

For all the bombastic propaganda, there is no papering over the fact that Turkmenistan is still clearly struggling with a COVID-19 problem.

The Balkans: External debts in uncertain times

Are countries in the Balkan region taking on more debt than they can afford?

STOLYPIN: Whatever is happening to Putin?

7 days ago

FPRI BMB Ukraine: Lawmakers’ promises, one year later

11 days ago

FPRI BMB Russia: Russian to hold elections in 83 regions

12 days ago

Turkmenistan: They call me Mr. Boombastic

12 days ago

The Balkans: External debts in uncertain times

12 days ago

More Opinion

Data

Ukraine's statistics service confirms 11.4% GDP drop in Q2

The fall in the gross domestic product (GDP) of Ukraine in April-June 2020 amounted to 11.4% compared to the same period in 2019, the State Statistics Service said on September 18, confirming its preliminary assessment published in the middle of Augu

Russia's CBR keeps interest flat on geopolitical tensions

The Board of the Central Bank of Russia has resolved to maintain the key interest rate flat at 4.25% in its policy meeting of September 18. The economy is doing well, but geopolitical tensions are rising

Hungary's domestic tourists save the day for embattled sector

Hungary’s tourism sector was on track for another record year in 2020 before the pandemic hit the country, plunging it into a critical situation overnight.

Romania’s construction sector shows strong growth in 7M20 despite pandemic

Construction, one of only two economic sectors in Romania that made a positive contribution to GDP growth in Q2, maintained a robust, double-digit annual growth rate in July.

Russia industrial production fall slows to -7.2% in August y/y

In August, Russian industrial production posted a 7.2% y/y decline. August brought the 8M20 dynamic to -4.5% y/y.

Ukraine's statistics service confirms 11.4% GDP drop in Q2

2 days ago

Russia's CBR keeps interest flat on geopolitical tensions

2 days ago

Hungary's domestic tourists save the day for embattled sector

4 days ago

Romania’s construction sector shows strong growth in 7M20 despite pandemic

4 days ago

Russia industrial production fall slows to -7.2% in August y/y

5 days ago

More Data

Features

An “Italian strike” is hobbling production at Belarus’ biggest companies

The opposition leaders called for a general strike in Belarus on August 11, two days after the disputed presidential election. It flopped. But as details of brutal police beatings came out two days later one company after another walked out on strike

Turkey takes assertive role in Caucasus conflict

The shift is motivated in part by energy considerations and in part by nationalist politics.

Russia to vote in 83 regional elections

Russia goes to the polls this weekend for important regional elections in 83 regions where the Kremlin will face a challenge due to the sinking popularity of the ruling United Russia Party.

Questions raised over veracity of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine test data

A group of international doctors have written to the British medical magazine The Lancet raising questions about the veracity of data presented in a recent paper that showed Russia's Sputnik V vaccine was “100% effective” in Phase II trials.

Azerbaijani power struggle intensifies

The under-the-surface schism within the government has dominated public discourse in Azerbaijan in recent weeks.

An “Italian strike” is hobbling production at Belarus’ biggest companies

22 hours ago

Turkey takes assertive role in Caucasus conflict

4 days ago

Russia to vote in 83 regional elections

9 days ago

Questions raised over veracity of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine test data

10 days ago

Azerbaijani power struggle intensifies

11 days ago

More Features

Blogs

BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: The Borsa Istanbul, part II. Think thrice

Latest data shows foreign investors continuing to exit Turkey’s stock exchange. Regulators, meanwhile, have broken up the trading party in football club shares. And officials keep trying to squeeze dubious market lifts out of Ankara’s gas discovery.

BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: The Borsa Istanbul. Don’t go there without a jaundiced eye

Foreigners have fled the market. But, despite the Turkish lira carnage, an ‘invisible hand’ keeps the main index above the 1,000 threshold. Tread carefully, or better still, don’t tread at all.

BALKAN BLOG: Serbia and Kosovo under pressure to do a deal in Washington

Trailing his rival in the polls, US President Donald Trump would benefit from a foreign policy triumph. Can the Western Balkans deliver one?

MINSK BLOG: Artem Shraibman asks: What kind of dialogue can save Belarus?

Well-known Belarusian journalist Artem Shraibman rejected international mediation and called on multi-denominational council of religious leaders to mediate between the regime of Alexander Lukashenko and the Coordinating Council.

BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Has Erdogan discovered more reserves of hot air?

So far the markets don’t see Turkey’s gas find in the Black Sea as a game-changer and the more cynical perceive Ankara as bigging it up to put a brake on the beleaguered lira. The jury, however, is still out.

BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: The Borsa Istanbul, part II. Think thrice

9 days ago

BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: The Borsa Istanbul. Don’t go there without a jaundiced eye

11 days ago

BALKAN BLOG: Serbia and Kosovo under pressure to do a deal in Washington

17 days ago

MINSK BLOG: Artem Shraibman asks: What kind of dialogue can save Belarus?

27 days ago

BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Has Erdogan discovered more reserves of hot air?

30 days ago

More Blogs

Latest Updates

News

“Sad to see Turkey's weight in MSCI Emerging Markets index hitting all time low at 0.3%,” remarks observer. Regulator cuts “direct market access” of UBS’ London branch to stock exchange. Garanti BBVA's Spanish parent at lowest level since 1995.

Russia’s Sberbank has set out its climate agenda, which aims to reduce the bank’s carbon footprint and put climate risk at the top of its investment strategy.

Poland’s United Right coalition appeared to be coming apart at the seams after a bill boosting protection of animal rights passed in the parliament thanks to cross-party support rather than the usual partisan vote.

Head of Kosovo's Chamber of Commerce says "economic collapse is inevitable" without the law as businesses will be forced into bankruptcy without state support.

Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko called on the people of Poland and Lithuania to “stop your crazy politicians”, who he warned are spoiling for war, and announced that he was closing the borders with Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine.

Tech

Takeover of Croatia's Nanobit allows Stockholm-based international gaming group to move into narrative lifestyle RPGs targeting a female audience.

The "Cezeri" flew up to 33 feet in the air before landing.

Mercuryo.io, a Russian-founded startup based in Estonia, announced in the first week of September the completion of its first round of funding, having received €2.5mn from Target Global

Huawei opens an innovations and development centre in Serbia’s capital Belgrade as the US is pushing for CEE governments to reject the Chinese tech company.

Medical technology company Dexcom's new global business services centre will support its operations and customers across EMEA.

Opinion

Something has changed, Russian president Vladimir Putin seem to have lost some of his finesse as his regime becomes more brutal and aggressive. Has he just been on the job too long?

During last summer’s parliamentary elections VoxUkraine’s analysts collected the promises made by party leaders. One year later, they’re back to see which political parties have actually delivered.

Russia will hold local elections on September 11-13. In contrast to previous years, voting will take place over three days, culminating on Sunday, Russia’s “single voting day”. Elections will occur in 83 regions.

For all the bombastic propaganda, there is no papering over the fact that Turkmenistan is still clearly struggling with a COVID-19 problem.

Are countries in the Balkan region taking on more debt than they can afford?

Data

The fall in the gross domestic product (GDP) of Ukraine in April-June 2020 amounted to 11.4% compared to the same period in 2019, the State Statistics Service said on September 18, confirming its preliminary assessment published in the middle of Augu

The Board of the Central Bank of Russia has resolved to maintain the key interest rate flat at 4.25% in its policy meeting of September 18. The economy is doing well, but geopolitical tensions are rising

Hungary’s tourism sector was on track for another record year in 2020 before the pandemic hit the country, plunging it into a critical situation overnight.

Construction, one of only two economic sectors in Romania that made a positive contribution to GDP growth in Q2, maintained a robust, double-digit annual growth rate in July.

In August, Russian industrial production posted a 7.2% y/y decline. August brought the 8M20 dynamic to -4.5% y/y.

Features

The opposition leaders called for a general strike in Belarus on August 11, two days after the disputed presidential election. It flopped. But as details of brutal police beatings came out two days later one company after another walked out on strike

The shift is motivated in part by energy considerations and in part by nationalist politics.

Russia goes to the polls this weekend for important regional elections in 83 regions where the Kremlin will face a challenge due to the sinking popularity of the ruling United Russia Party.

A group of international doctors have written to the British medical magazine The Lancet raising questions about the veracity of data presented in a recent paper that showed Russia's Sputnik V vaccine was “100% effective” in Phase II trials.

The under-the-surface schism within the government has dominated public discourse in Azerbaijan in recent weeks.

Blogs

Latest data shows foreign investors continuing to exit Turkey’s stock exchange. Regulators, meanwhile, have broken up the trading party in football club shares. And officials keep trying to squeeze dubious market lifts out of Ankara’s gas discovery.

Foreigners have fled the market. But, despite the Turkish lira carnage, an ‘invisible hand’ keeps the main index above the 1,000 threshold. Tread carefully, or better still, don’t tread at all.

Trailing his rival in the polls, US President Donald Trump would benefit from a foreign policy triumph. Can the Western Balkans deliver one?

Well-known Belarusian journalist Artem Shraibman rejected international mediation and called on multi-denominational council of religious leaders to mediate between the regime of Alexander Lukashenko and the Coordinating Council.

So far the markets don’t see Turkey’s gas find in the Black Sea as a game-changer and the more cynical perceive Ankara as bigging it up to put a brake on the beleaguered lira. The jury, however, is still out.

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