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Erdogan needs to go says analyst assessing Turkey’s economic collapse
German MEP, meanwhile, says Turkish president’s “power base is shrinking” and that “the guy is sweating”.
Hungarian MEP involved in Brussels lockdown orgy bust
MEP Jozsef Szajer, one of the founders of Hungary's ruling conservative Fidesz, tried to flee down a drainpipe when police broke up the illegal gathering of 25 men including several diplomats.
Mongolian coal exports to China paralysed as Beijing demands virus testing of truck drivers
State budget exposed to significant pressure if situation not remedied quickly. Mongolia in lockdown following recording of first Covid community transmissions.
Russian shoe retailer Obuv rebrands, moves to non-fashion
Dubbed the "Magnit of shoes" the regional focused Russian shoe shop chain Obuv Rossii is rebranding and expanding its product range as sales start to recover following this year's lockdowns
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Cheap credit, relaxed virus controls fire Turkey to Q3 GDP growth of 6.7% y/y
Quarter on quarter gain is 15.6%. Loose policy sent lira back into depths of crisis and attempt to fix situation plus recognition of true extent of country’s COVID-19 emergency set to brake economy in Q4. Trade deficit is widening.
EU diplomats say no chance of Bulgaria removing veto for Skopje to start EU accession talks
Efforts continue in the hope of enabling Sofia and Skopje to resolve their differences but diplomats don't expect a breakthrough before the European Council meeting in December.
Sharp drop in COVID-19 cases prompts new questions on Poland’s strategy of containment
The sudden drop in confirmed new cases coupled with the worryingly very high percentage of positive tests – 22.8% on November 30 – prompted questions on the handle Poland’s right-wing government has on the pandemic.
Aegon to sell its CEE business to Vienna Insurance for €830mn
The transaction follows a difficult first half of the year for Aegon in Hungary, Poland, Romania and Turkey, where insurance markets suffered the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Prominent Orban ally who drafted Hungary's new constitution on an iPad retires from politics
Departure of Jozsef Szajer and fellow moderate conservative Peter Gottfried a blow to the PM, who is locked in a fierce battle with European leaders after vetoing the EU budget and recovery fund.
Lukashenko says he may quit as president
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he would step down after a new constitution is adopted, state media reported. "I am not going to be the president once the new constitution is in place," he said.
Iranian prosecutors pledge to pursue Trump for Soleimani killing even after he leaves White House
Statement comes as supreme leader seeks “definitive punishment” of those involved in assassination of Iran’s top nuclear scientist.
Analysts cheer Russia's X5 retailer's e-grocery IPO plans
The analysts met with enthusiasm plans by Russia's largest food retailer X5 Retail Group to IPO its e-grocery and express delivery assets in the medium term.
Hungary and Poland reaffirm united stance on veto, keeping up pressure on EU
Right-wing leaders of Hungary and Poland met in the Hungarian capital to coordinate their strategy after they blocked the EU's €1.8 trillion budget and coronavirus recovery package.
Turkey’s private airlines seek state help to restructure 20bn lira of loans
Strain caused by crises also felt by Turkish banking industry though it can still report huge profits because of “regulatory forbearance” exercised by the Erdogan administration.
Webinar & Podcast: Whither Ukraine in 2021?
Without an IMF deal can Ukraine get through 2021 without a crisis? With $11bn of debt to pay in debt redemption but only $26bn in reserves, Ukraine is headed for a crisis unless it can kiss and make up with the IMF.
Von der Leyen tells Poland and Hungary to contest rule of law link to EU money in court
Warsaw and Budapest are blocking the adoption of the EU’s €1.8 trillion budget for 2021-2027, including the €750bn recovery plan to reinvigorate the bloc’s economy after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Constitutional Court defers decision on Romania's budget-busting 40% pension hike
Scaling back the pension hike is a prerequisite for avoiding a sovereign downgrade.
MEPs urge European Commission to act against Hungarian media financing in North Macedonia and Slovenia
MEPs suspect “gross interference” in democratic process in North Macedonia by Hungarian companies close to PM Viktor Orban’s inner circle.
Turkey starts releasing virus data that includes symptom free cases
Move comes out of the blue—and shows a daily case total more than twice as high as Iran’s.
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Ukraine strikes deal with Turkey to produce killer drones instrumental in Karabakh conflict
Production might possibly be complicated by parts export ban introduced by Canada.