Europe
The battle for Ukraine’s future continues
Demonstrations that began in November 2013 in Ukraine turned into violent clashes claiming the lives of at least two people. With talks between the government and the opposition not yet
Will Sochi Winter Games thaw Russia’s rigid economy?
A mega event, such as the Olympics, does not necessarily bring short-term economic gains to the host country. But hosting may lead to a freer market economy down the line.
EU accession key to Serbia’s economic future
Serbia hopes that European Union entry will lift it out of economic crisis and into prosperity. Deteriorating public finances and conflicts with neighbors, however, undermine confidence in a smooth accession.
Readmission deal renews hope between EU and Turkey
The signing of the readmission agreement and the initiation of the visa liberalization dialogue between Turkey and the EU may open the road to further economic integration. On 16 December
Is Greece politically ready for a return to the markets?
The Greek government claims a return to the markets in the second half of 2014, while the country’s European partners argue for the potential necessity of a third bailout. The
Norway’s falling housing prices threaten growth
Negative prognoses based on falling housing prices may not, in fact, spell disaster for the Norway’s economy. Yet, dependency on oil is a continuous policy problem that the new government
Offshore Act aims to tackle tax fraud in Bulgaria
On December 20th, Bulgaria’s Parliament passed a law banning offshore companies from 28 key economic sectors, from banking to insurance funds and media ownership. Although this act is likely to further
Sochi Winter Olympics are the costliest Games ever
The Sochi Olympics, due to be held next February, will be the biggest international event hosted by Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union. While the event aims to
The Ukraine-Russian trade deal puts Kiev firmly in the hands of Moscow
On December 17, 2013, Russia agreed to give US$15 billion in economic aid to Ukraine and significantly cut the price on natural gas exported to Ukraine. The deal will have
Book Review: Can Russia Modernize?
As Russia continues into its second decade under Putin’s leadership, and questions of his successor are swirling, the question of how Russia has been governed under Putin’s network has become
