Eastern Europe / Data
IMF downgrades global growth forecast second time in a row – Statista
The IMF downgraded global growth prospects for the second time this year, saying it expects the global economy to grow by just 3 percent in 2026. In January, this projection had still stood at 3.3 percent, Statista reports.
Russian economic confidence falls to lowest level in two decades as war fatigue deepens
Russian public confidence in the economy has collapsed to its lowest level in at least two decades, according to a new Gallup survey, suggesting the economic resilience that underpinned the Kremlin's wartime strategy may be beginning to fray.
Russian manufacturing PMI returns to growth as domestic demand steadies despite export weakness
Russia's manufacturing sector returned to modest growth in June after more than a year of stagnation, as improving domestic demand offset a renewed deterioration in export markets, although businesses remained cautious over the outlook.
Sausage sales are falling in Russia
Sales of sausage products in Russia fell across most categories in 1Q26 as consumers shifted to cheaper protein and ready meals, which is making producers nervous.
Pro-EU sentiment remains strong across Eastern Partnership countries, but divides widen
Public support for European Union membership remains robust across much of the EU’s eastern neighbourhood, with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova showing particularly high levels of trust and optimism.
Most Russians are not closely following the war in Ukraine - Levada
Two thirds of Russians are no longer paying close attention to the war in Ukraine, according to the latest survey from the independent Levada Center, up from a third in March.
Putin makes a rare call for a rate cut
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a rare call for the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) to cut interest rates on June 11 for the first time since the Central Bank’s benchmark rate moved into double digits two years ago.
Where do deaths outnumber births? - OWID
For most of human history, more people were born each year than died. Populations grew very slowly for most of this history, then rapidly in recent centuries, as child mortality plummeted and people lived longer.
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Supply chain disruptions are back at 2022 levels – Statista
Global supply chain pressures have risen again in recent months, returning to levels last seen during the height of pandemic-related disruptions, Statista reports.
The world's record heatwaves - Statista
According to NASA, there is “unequivocal evidence that Earth is warming at an unprecedented rate”, Statista reports.
Russian services downturn deepens as demand weakens and confidence hits three-and-a-half-year low
Russia’s services sector contracted at a faster pace in May as weaker customer demand and financial strains among clients weighed on activity, according to S&P Global data, signalling continued pressure on the economy despite falling inflation.
Russian manufacturing PMI downturn eases as output returns despite weaker demand
Russia’s manufacturing sector remained in the red in May, although the pace of decline eased slightly as factories increased production to clear backlogs despite a sharper fall in new orders, according to S&P Global data.
India's depreciating currency a symptom of structural problems for New Delhi
The Indian rupee lost nearly 11% of its value against the US dollar y/y between May 2025 and May 2026, a slide that makes it the worst performing currency in the world against the greenback.
Ukraine overtakes Moldova in income race to the title of Europe's poorest country
For years, Ukraine and Moldova have vied for the dubious honour of being the poorest country in Europe. The contest was close enough to be largely academic and they regularly traded last and second to last places for years. That symmetry is over.