Turkey
ISTANBUL BLOG: Erdogan spikes Nato accession talks with Sweden and Finland
Turkish leader leaves US and Europe wondering what his price might be for unblocking what was supposed to be a routine process.
In Nato expansion row Erdogan tells Sweden, Finland ‘Don’t bother sending delegations to Turkey’
Turkish president doubles down on opposing Nordic nations’ applications to join defence alliance.
Erdogan comes out against Finland, Sweden joining Nato
Turkish leader says Nordic countries are “home to many terrorist organisations”. Position may anger Western nations that have tolerated Ankara’s decision not to impose war sanctions on Moscow.
bneGREEN: Climate change, war in Ukraine and rising prices create perfect storm threatening global food security
The war in Ukraine has interrupted grain exports from the country and could create a global food crisis as vulnerable wheat importing countries in Africa and the Middle East face shortages and rising prices.
bneGREEN: Renewables set for record growth in 2022, but 2023 is not so rosy
Renewables are again set to break global records in 2022, with 320 GW of new capacity forecast to come online and new solar projects in China and Europe driving growth.
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Credit card allowance difference between survival and oblivion for millions of Turks amid inflation crisis
Inflation variously measured at from 70% to 157% has wiped out pay rise gains. There are now more credit cards than people in Turkey.
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Turkish scientists work on charging mobile phones using wearable organic solar cells
Small panels weaved on to a shirt or coat could mean never having to bother with a charger.
EBRD expects 30% GDP contraction in Ukraine in 2022, lowers emerging Europe projections
The EBRD has cut its 2022 emerging Europe growth forecasts again, reflecting a sharp downgrade for Ukraine and the regional fallout from the war and sanctions.
ISTANBUL BLOG: With official inflation a hair’s breadth from 70%, Turkey is on the tail of Zimbabwe
Though academics who calculate inflation is actually 157% say it’s already far ahead of the rival basket case.
Turkey’s manufacturing PMI edges further into contraction territory in April
Price pressures remained elevated, supply chain disruption continued and the war in Ukraine added to difficulties. Exports softened for first time in three months.
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RIMMER: Turkey’s ‘Gandhi’ makes Erdogan ‘The Comeback Kid’
One last act of selflessness and devotion to his nation is required of Turkish opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. He must forgo the opportunity of taking on Turkey’s despot and allow someone with box office appeal to take his place.
NEMETHY: How will the war in Ukraine affect Emerging Markets?
We have all heard the adage that a butterfly flapping its wings in the Amazon could affect the weather patterns on the other side of the planet. Might the war in Ukraine also have such unintended consequences?
bneGREEN: Coal expansion slows slightly in 2021, but far more is needed to meet net-zero targets.
Total global coal power capacity under development declined by 13% in 2021 to 457 GW, a record low, with the number of countries building coal plants falling from 41 in 2020 to 34 in 2021.
Kyrgyzstan alarmed by Tajikistan’s reported purchase of Bayraktar drones
Kyrgyzstan had hoped its own acquisition of the same drones last year would give it a strategic edge over Tajikistan.
Emerging Europe growth to fall to an average of 3% this year, says wiiw
Russian GDP forecast to fall by 9-15% this year, while Ukraine's economy could collapse by 38-45%.
Dismay as Osman Kavala sentenced to life in Turkey after ‘sham trial’
Conviction of philanthropist painted as conspirator by strongman Erdogan comes with Ankara likely set to be expelled from Europe’s top human rights body.
ISTANBUL BLOG: Erdogan’s cycles of economic madness now so ‘normal’ nobody utters a word
Regime treats Turkey like an economic guinea pig, say critics. Officials pushing all the buttons at the same time, attempting to avoid, but fuelling chaos.
Current account rot ‘exposes Turkey to risk of further sharp and disorderly falls in lira’
Spillovers from Ukraine war add to splitting economic headache for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who must stand for re-election by June next year.
Ukraine conflict will trigger recessions across CEE, says Capital Economics
Russian GDP forecast to slump 12% in 2022, while Ukraine's GDP will halve. Bulgaria, Slovakia and the Baltic states will have two quarters of negative growth.
Erdogan opponent taunts president over his failed ‘Vision 2023’
“What did you promise for 2023? With eight months to 2023, our nation in today’s Turkey waits in line for bread and butter and buys tomatoes and peppers piece by piece,” says IYI party leader Aksener.
