Features
Czech government remains colour blind on green issues
This could prevent it from tackling some of the country’s biggest problems, such as its dependency on Russian energy, soaring energy bills, worsening environmental problems, and its stuttering economic model.
Poland ups the ante in feud with Brussels over judiciary reforms
If Kaczynski and other PiS figures are to be believed, Poland no longer wants to meet the EU's milestones and will engage in direct opposition to the Commission.
What's the current outlook for Belarus' export sector?
After February 24, sanctions began mounting on Belarus due to its support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. So, what can we expect from Belarus’ foreign trade for the rest of 2022?
Russian gas exports to Europe tumble in June
Russian exports of gas to Europe have tumbled by two thirds, but oil exports by sea have recovered to pre-war levels, according to the European Central Bank’s latest economic bulletin.
Can we trust Russia’s economic statistics?
Russia’ state statistic agency RosStat and the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) have released a string of good economic results recently. Of course Russia’s economy has been badly hurt by sanctions, but by just how much? No one is sure.
LONG READ: Is Russia’s economy headed for 'economic oblivion', as a report from Yale says?
Russia’s economy seems to be doing a lot better than was expected. The International Monetary Fund recently improved its growth outlook for this year.
Is Lukashenko preparing to help Russia reopen Ukraine’s northern front?
Recent Russian and Belarusian military activity on Belarusian territory could be laying the groundwork for Russia to reopen the northern front in its invasion of Ukraine.
Academic sheds light on Rahmon regime’s attempts to crush the Pamiris
Sniper used to kill Colonel Boqir, local leader long at top of hitlist. After brutal crackdown, GBAO region’s inhabitants fear they will be living under a securitised surveillance state.
Kyrgyzstan’s mining sector wilts as authorities seek total control
After seizing the country’s most profitable mine, Kyrgyzstan is using new regulations to drive out more private mining companies and place the bulk of the industry into the hands of a single state firm.
Belarus risks losing long-term potash deals unless it manages to find new ports
As Belarus has been blocked from using EU or Ukrainian ports to transport its potash, it has also been effectively shut out from the world market. If this problem isn't solved soon, Belarus could lose out on long-term deals.
Sanctions bring Russian car market screeching to a halt
Western car brands are leaving Russia en masse as sanctions cause a critical shortage of components. The Russian government promises that homegrown alternatives will fill the gap, but in the meantime, spiralling prices are causing demand to collapse.
Russia woos Africa with arms, grain and nuclear power
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov took to the road this week and toured Africa to build closer ties with non-aligned nations.
INTERVIEW: Usmanov’s sister Saodat Narzieva battles sanctions imposed on her by the EU
Saodat Narzieva, the sister of Uzbek-born oligarch Alisher Usmanov, was placed on the EU sanctions list on April 8. An investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) linked her to a number of his bank accounts.
What’s in Istanbul grain deal for Russia?
Millions of tonnes of grain trapped in Ukraine can now be exported thanks to the Istanbul grain deal that was signed on July 22 by Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN. But what does Russia get out of the agreement?
The Great Escape: The Odyssey of Renault in Russia
Carlos Ghosn, the onetime CEO of Renault and Nissan who brought the company to Russia, fled corruption charges in Japan by escaping to Lebanon; now Renault has fled Russia, leaving Lada-maker Avtovaz in the lurch.
Kazakhstan adds tennis to investment profile as championships come to Nur-Sultan
Kazakhstan expects an influx of tourism and investment this year after it was revealed that Nur-Sultan will host two prestigious tennis championships. bne IntelliNews takes an in-depth look at the sectors and trends driving the Republic's economy.
Tajikistan: The cost of Chinese debt
What is Tajikistan prepared to give China as it struggles to settle its liabilities?
DON: Why is Russia’s progress in the Ukraine campaign so slow?
Ukrainian resistance in the Severodonetsk and Lysychansk salient finally collapsed, but it took Russia more than 60 days to capture the towns, despite seriously outgunning its opponents. Russian forces are advancing at a snail's pace.
Serbia’s push into Africa revives old Cold War ties
Belgrade is reviving ties forged during Yugoslavia’s time as a leader of the non-aligned movement now a new Cold War is looming.
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Pentagon issues rare warning to Iran on sending drones to Russia but experts question battlefield value of systems at hand
Britain’s spy chief, meanwhile, assessing the likely fate of the JCPOA nuclear pact, says “I don't think the Supreme Leader of Iran wants to cut a deal”.
