Features
Kazakhstan: Swathes of land confiscated from Nazarbayev’s brother ahead of vote
De-Nazarbayevification is a useful electoral strategy, which may explain why the news was announced by Kazakhstan’s ruling party ahead of polls next month.
Jury still out on the effectiveness of the oil price cap scheme on Russian exports
The oil market took a double shock on December 5 when an EU ban on importing Russian oil and an oil price cap scheme were introduced simultaneously. That was followed by a product ban on February 5. The jury is still out on if these will work.
Turkey numb with shock as fears grow death toll from two giant earthquakes could climb past 20,000
Thousands with homes reduced to rubble left stranded in the open in heavy snowfall and subzero temperatures.
IMF issues Russian economic growth outlook that is more optimistic than Bank of Russia's
The International Monetary Fund has released one of the most optimistic forecasts for Russia’s economic growth for 2023, predicting 0.3% for this year. The reason? Oil exports will defy sanctions.
INTERVIEW: Helen Rodwell, head of CMS’ corporate practice in CEE
Dealmaking in Central Europe is set to rebound, says law firm's long-standing Prague managing partner, as new kinds of investor move into the region.
Baltic companies still trading extensively with Russia
Baltic states maintain trade in unsanctioned goods with their giant neighbour Russia since President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, despite their staunch opposition to the Russian aggression.
Time running out for wrecker of Tajikistan’s internet as Rahmon loses temper
Beg Sabur has been dispatched to the Pamirs to start work on overhauling the nation's internet.
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Artel pioneers ESG in Uzbekistan
As the leading privately owned company in the country and a large employer, Artel is trying to lead by example and promote best and responsible ESG business practices in Uzbekistan, the company said in its recently released progress report for 2022.
Russian gas pipe flow dips to record low in January
Russian pipeline gas flowing to Europe dipped to a record low in January, down 30% compared with supplies in December, while experts warn that there could be significant further downside risk to the country’s deliveries.
Geopolitics overshadows Western Balkan nearshoring ambitions
Friendshoring has replaced nearshoring after the invasion of Ukraine, benefiting Western-aligned states but causing a shift away from Serbia.
OUTLOOK 2023: Ukraine
Ukraine’s economy has been devastated by the war with Russia and at the start of 2023 the situation has only been getting worse.
OUTLOOK 2023: Russia
The Russian economy is starting 2023 in a far better state than many had anticipated in the spring following the invasion of Ukraine and ensuing Western sanctions.
West prepares to impose price caps on Russian petroleum products
The price caps would work by barring Western insurance and shipping companies from insuring or carrying cargoes of Russian oil products unless they were bought at or below the caps, which will be imposed after February 5.
M&A in Emerging Europe fell by 20% to €32.93bn in 2022
The weak macroeconomic backdrop and the spectre of possible recession are likely to stifle M&A in the coming months, according to the annual CMS/Emis Emerging Europe M&A Report.
Italy pushes for investments into Western Balkan strategic sectors
Benefiting from its geographic proximity and historic ties, Italy is already one of the top investors and trading partners of the Western Balkan countries.
Belarus Corruption Watch: How one of Lukashenko’s 'wallets' evades sanctions
The Belarusian Investigative Centre (BIC) continues to unravel corruption and sanctions avoidance schemes by Belarusian businessmen. This time, they show how a Belarusian businessman continues to operate in Germany despite EU sanctions.
Poland basks in the glory of being Kyiv’s chief ally in Europe
Poland leading the effort to get the tanks delivered to Ukraine may give the ruling PiS extra clout in an election year.
Russia forges ahead with gas ambitions in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan
Moscow is driving forward its energy ambitions in Central Asia as it seeks new markets for gas that Europe now shuns.
Mongolian government accused of rushing through veiled law that dismantles freedom of speech
Ministers say legislation will end much social media harassment. Critics reject that explanation. Say country’s young, fragile democracy will be hurt.
Russia is preparing for spring mass mobilisation
The Russian government appears to be preparing for a second wave of mass mobilisation with a series of changes to the laws to increase the pool of eligible candidates for conscription by a third, pointing to a new mobilisation in the spring.
