Features
World GDP forecasts raised, but US slowdown anticipated - Fitch
Global growth is now forecast to be 2.4% in 2025, up 0.2pp since June but a sizeable slowdown from 2.9% last year and below trend.
Moldova’s dramatic energy sector transformation
Chisinau ended decades of dependence on Russia in just four years — but will the upcoming general election derail the remaining reforms?
Local elections loom in Georgia
Georgia’s October 4 municipal elections are already mired in controversy amid a partial opposition boycott and mounting state repression, as major international observers refuse to participate.
Iran's nuclear materials 'Under rubble of attacks', Foreign Minister claims
Iran's Araghchi says that the only nuclear site currently accessible is the Russian-controlled Bushehr nuclear power plant in his meeting with the IAEA.
Asia’s gas utilities are politically shielded but economically exposed
Many of the region’s gas distributors enjoy the safety net of being government-related entities and are ‘protected’ to a large extent. Their credit profiles are, in reality, extensions of sovereign ratings rather than stand-alone assessments.
INTERVIEW: Slovenia’s sovereign sustainability-linked bond could catalyse Europe’s stalled SLB market
First European sovereign SLB paves the way for other European sovereigns and corporates to follow, IEEFA sustainable finance analyst Kevin Leung tells bne IntelliNews.
Bank Indonesia’s credibility at risk as markets watch and wait
Indonesia’s central bank is finding itself under sharper investor scrutiny after Governor Perry Warjiyo confirmed a new “burden-sharing” arrangement with the government.
The quiet calculus of India’s trade talks with the US
From late August 2025 all Indian goods entering the American market are confronted by some of the world’s steepest barriers.
From World Bank to patriotic homecoming in Indonesia - then dismissal
Indonesia’s long-serving finance minister, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, was abruptly removed from her post in early September and replaced by economist Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.
Central Asia, India see untapped trade potential but face connectivity hurdles
Joint report by Eurasian Development Bank and India Exim Bank reveals significant potential for mutual trade and investment held back by logistical bottlenecks.
INTERVIEW: Kazakhstan repositions as a diversified investment destination
Kazakhstan is doubling down on its drive to attract high-quality foreign investment, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alibek Kuantyrov in an interview with bne IntelliNews.
Europe mulls secondary sanctions as part of the nineteenth sanctions package for the first time
The European Union is considering the unprecedented step of adopting US-style secondary sanctions as part of the nineteenth sanctions package currently under review. The EU has never imposed secondary sanctions before.
Stumbling blocks hinder plan to build Trans-Afghan Railway connecting Uzbekistan to Pakistani seaports
Security risks, financing challenges, difficult terrain and lack of recognition for Taliban among headaches.
PANNIER: Tensions creep into rebuilt Tashkent-Bishkek relations as Uzbek border guards shoot dead two Kyrgyz men
What's known indicates victims were gathering medicinal herb unaware they had strayed across frontier.
Kosovo’s flawed electricity market liberalisation leaves businesses in the dark
Companies face disconnections, uncertainty and higher costs, Kushtrim Ahmeti, executive director of the Chamber of Trade and Industry of Kosovo, tells bne IntelliNews.
Poland faces political paralysis as leadership divide deepens
Poland’s mounting conflict between nationalist President Karol Nawrocki and pro-EU Prime Minister Donald Tusk is paralysing governance and undermining credibility abroad.
Raid at Hyundai’s Georgia plant sparks diplomatic tensions
On September 4, 2025, US immigration officers carried out what officials have called the largest workplace immigration enforcement action in the history of the Department of Homeland Security.
China accused of escalating Taiwan tensions with oil drilling in disputed waters
By placing energy platforms in contested waters, China is signalling both defiance of international rulings and a willingness to tighten the squeeze on Taiwan.
Fat payoff to Mourinho as Turkish football confirms status as eager member of big-spending league
Super Lig clubs splurge €321mn on buying players. Istanbul club Galatasaray Europe’s fifth biggest spender.
Central Asia and Afghanistan heading for “confrontation” over water-thirsty canal, warns analyst
Minimal progress seen in dealing with rightful Taliban claim to share of Amu Darya border river. Region’s water security dilemma worsening.