Data
Trust in Zelenskiy jumps to 65% following Trump’s comments, but still trails General Zaluzhnyi
Public trust in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has jumped to 65%, up from 57% in January, after US President Donald Trump claimed that his popularity was only 4% and called him a “dictator” without legitimacy.
The war in Ukraine has reduced inequality and made Russian society fairer, poll shows
The three-year war in Ukraine has improved the structure of Russian society and reduced social and income inequality, Russians believe for the first time ever, the state-owned Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) found in a recent survey.
Polish industrial production declines 1% y/y in January
Poland’s industrial production contracted 1% year on year at constant prices in January (chart), after a gain of 0.2% y/y the preceding month, unadjusted data from the statistical office GUS showed on February 22.
North Macedonia surpasses €1bn in FDI for the first time
Increase reflects North Macedonia’s growing appeal as a destination for high-tech manufacturing and sustainable energy solutions.
Gold hits new record as global prices surge while dollar spikes in Iran
Gold prices in Iran spiked due to the weakening rial exchange rate against the US dollar on February 20.
Serbia's central bank forecasts 4.5% GDP growth in 2025
Automotive sector to buoy economy in 2025 after Serbia achieved one of the fastest growth rates in Europe last year.
Uzbekistan: Shadow economy responsible for generating over one-third of GDP
Officials use indirect methods to look at the unobservable.
Inflation in Russia has probably peaked and rate cuts may start in June, says Rencap
Inflation in Russia has probably peaked, as the annualised preliminary January rate reached 9.9%, says Renaissance Capital, and rate cuts could begin as soon as June, but that will also crash economic growth.
S&P projects 15% growth for Azerbaijan's banking sector in 2025, lifts GDP outlook
From 2021 to 2024, bank lending grew by 18%, largely driven by a surge in consumer loans.
Every third citizen in North Macedonia considering emigration
Survey by Skopje-based Institute for Political Research finds low salaries are the primary motivating force for emigration.
RENCAP: No major surprises as the Central Bank of Russia keeps rates on hold
The decision to maintain the key rate at 21% aligned with the consensus forecast. The regulator's rhetoric turned out to be slightly more hawkish than anticipated at the start of the week as inflation pressures remain.
Polish inflation unexpectedly jumps to 5.3% y/y in January
Poland’s consumer price index rose to 5.3% year on year in January (chart), up from 4.7% in December, data from the country’s statistical office GUS showed on February 15.
Russia’s CBR maintains key rate at 21% after putting brakes on lending
The board of the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) at the policy meeting of February 14 resolved to keep the key interest rate at 21%. As followed by bne IntelliNews, this is in line with expectations.
Romania’s GDP grows 0.9% in 2024, flash estimate shows
Romania’s economy expanded by 0.9% year on year in 2024 (chart), after posting a 0.7% y/y increase in Q4, according to a flash estimate from the national statistics office.
Romania’s industrial output contracts 1.6% y/y in 2024 despite Q4 rebound
Utilities sector weighed on overall performance, while food manufacturing, chemicals and oil refining bucked the negative trend.
Azerbaijan's energy production stable as investments in Shah Deniz and ACG continue
Azerbaijan's energy sector maintained steady production in 2024, with significant investments directed toward the Shah Deniz gas-condensate field and the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli oil and gas block, according to BP report.
EU has continued to buy Russian fertilizer throughout war – Statista
The Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) has called for increased economic pressure on Russia as well as secondary sanctions on companies supporting its war efforts in a new report, released February 11.
COMMENT: Upside inflation risks build across CEE
Inflationary pressures across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) are intensifying, with higher-than-expected consumer price index (CPI) data prompting a shift in monetary policy expectations across the region, says Capital Economics.
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Czech January inflation confirmed to have slowed down to 2.8% y/y
Czech consumer price indices increased by 2.8% year on year and by 1.3% month on month after the Czech Statistical Office confirmed its previous y/y inflation growth estimate.