Armenia
EBRD cuts 2025 growth forecasts citing tariffs and global uncertainty
Development bank lowers forecasts for Emerging Europe, Central Asia and North Africa as slowdowns in Germany and China take their toll.
Post-war order teetering – rights watchdog
Eurasia “at forefront” of assault on individual freedoms.
COMMENT: Europe could benefit from partnering with Armenian tech innovation
Armenia is a democracy with a young, tech-savvy population and a hunger to scale, writes Samson Avetian of Armenia-based investment platform eqwefy.
COMMENT: Embracing “Greater Central Asia” has become a strategic imperative for US
Wider region increasingly seen as arena in which major powers’ interests, such as in sourcing critical minerals, collide and converge.
Armenia courts African countries to supply diamond industry
Armenia is seeking partnerships with African producers of rough diamonds to ensure a stable supply for its diamond processing industry and diversify away from sanctions-hit Russian suppliers.
New study reveals extent of Russian disinformation targeting Emerging Europe
'Pravda network' targeting regions of geopolitical interest for the Kremlin with negative impact on democracy and regional stability.
Measuring impact of US tariffs on Central Asia and South Caucasus
Little near-term pain, but lots of uncertainty about future.
COMMENT: South Caucasus offers a potential diplomatic triumph for Trump
The new US administration wants to become the political team that ends the longstanding conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
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%.