Europe
Russian investments at risk from Ukraine sanctions
Ukraine has passed a new law “On sanctions,” which poses a wide range of risks for Russian investors and companies. While investors from Europe and the US are highly unlikely to
EU banking union at risk from uneven regulation
After years of painful adjustment, Western European banks now hope to enter a period of relative calm. Yet, their exposure to uneven regulation and financial instability in the Balkans and elsewhere threatens
Energy still contentious issue between Moscow and West
With European efforts to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependency on Russia, the conflict over energy is likely to spread beyond Ukraine. The fragile ceasefire and negotiations between Ukraine
Iceland weighs benefits of adopting euro in midst of recovery
Iceland has been recovering from its financial crisis of late 2008. What does this mean for the future possibilities of Iceland’s accession to the European Union? After taking office in
Scotland’s ‘no’ answers one question but raises others
Scotland voted to stay in the UK, but there is still debate over how devolution will play out. In the early hours of September 18th, many were relieved as Scotland voted to
Scottish referendum: ‘Keep calm and carry on’
The Scottish referendum for independence on September 18th has led Westminster to promise greater decision-making power to Scotland if they vote no. Scottish independence could set a precedent for other separatist
Mixed prospects loom for Ireland’s economy
Ireland was the EU and IMF’s poster boy during the Euro crisis bailouts, but five years on, the Emerald Isle has not been rewarded for good economic behavior. When I moved to
Self-imposed food embargo hurts Russian consumers
The ban on European and American food imports to Russia may not be as beneficial for Russian companies as President Putin hopes. Many of them are dependent on imports of raw materials, and
Scotland’s independence could hurt British pound
A referendum on Scotland’s independence, due to be held next week, could see Scotland leaving the union after 300 years of membership. Fiercely contested between the pro-independence campaign of Scotland’s
Norwegian economy sees surprise growth
The Norwegian GDP recently posted surprisingly strong growth in the second quarter, defying the recurrent warnings of an imminent economic downturn. The Norwegian economy grew faster than analysts had predicted
