Europe
Russia’s Snowden Decision Obscures Economic Problems
Russia’s decision to grant temporary asylum to the NSA whistle-blower Edward Snowden did not go over well in Washington. The US response to cancel the bilateral summit in September in
David Cameron’s Energy Strategy Faces Tough Challenges
David Cameron faces tough challenges to his efforts to re-direct the United Kingdom’s energy strategy; whether he succeeds, only time will tell. In early August, UK Energy and Business Minister
Czech Republic Prime Minister loses confidence vote
Czech Republic Prime Minister Jiří Rusnok lost a parliamentary vote of confidence on August 7 by a count of 100-93 (with seven members absent). This development raises many questions about
Confidence in EU Increases Amid Economic Crisis
Recent months have seen a significant boost in European business and consumer confidence, according to the latest official statistics published by Eurostat in late July. The data show that the
Cyprus Bailout Process Moves Forward Despite Risks
Monitors from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Commission and the European Central Bank, collectively called the troika, visited Cyprus from July 17 until July 31 to assess the
Financial service commission ban limits advisory market
Is commission equal to fraud? In Australia, the Netherlands and UK the answer is yes, and more countries look likely to join their ranks. Inherent to the commission system was
The Eurozone Isn’t Quite Bailed-out Yet
According to several recent statistics, the Eurozone’s future is looking brighter than it has in a long time. Not only has Eurozone unemployment fallen for the first time in two
Opposition leader imprisoned in Russia
Alexei Navalny, the most prolific and well-known campaigner against Russian President Vladimir Putin, was arrested in July 2013 on doubtful charges. The anti-corruption activist was prosecuted for a deal he
Chinese Solar Exports Pressure EU Producers
Over the past five years, solar panel production in China has more than quadrupled thanks to the country’s enormous state subsidies and various support schemes targeting national solar technology firms.
Trident Alternatives Review complicates defence investment prospects
On July 13th HM Government released a report, the “Trident Alternatives Review”, assessing the future of Britain’s nuclear deterrent. While the “concept phase” for a replacement for Trident, the current British programme
