RUSSIA: Starting (premature) economic reopening
Economic concerns and regional differences in the epidemiological situation across the country are pressuring Russian authorities to embark on a gradual restart of the economy despite the rapid spread of Covid-19. This poses the risk of a premature reopening, which may prolong th… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username […]
EUROPE: CEE PULSE
The economic reopening is gathering pace across Central and Eastern Europe, with Latvia set to remove border controls and other travel restrictions with its Baltic neighbors later this week. Uncertainty surrounding the presidential election continues to dominate Poland’s politica… Become a member to read the rest of this article
RUSSIA: Covid-19 exposes political and institutional weaknesses
● Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has contracted Covid-19, as new cases continue to surge. ● Mishandling the disease in Russia’s regions could significantly undermine public trust in President Vladimir Putin. ● The government will likely boost the fiscal response to Covid-… Become a member to read the rest of this article
EUROPE: CEE PULSE
Most countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) appear to have largely contained the spread of Covid-19 and are taking steps to reopen their economies. Croatia and the Czech Republic are some of the regional leaders in this respect, while Hungary is taking a more cautious appr… Become a member to read the rest […]
EUROPE: CEE PULSE
Most countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) are beginning to ease the Covid-19-related restrictions on economic and public activities cautiously. However, Russia is still focusing on containment and economic support measures amid the continuing surge of new cases. Meanwhil… Become a member to read the rest of this article
RUSSIA: Low oil prices and Covid-19 push Moscow to OPEC+ deal
● The steep drop in global oil prices and the deepening of the Covid-19 crisis at home has forced Russia to accept significant oil production cuts at the latest round of OPEC+ meetings. ● The technical details of the deal and Moscow’s reluctance to comply with the previous OPEC+… Become a member to read […]
SAUDI ARABIA: Truce in the oil price war, but long-term challenges persist
● In a week of drawn-out oil production negotiations, Saudi Arabia managed to preserve OPEC+ and seemingly deliver a win to US President Donald Trump. ● Sustained low oil prices will squeeze reform and modernization efforts in Saudi Arabia, but it will not end them. When Saud… Become a member to read the rest […]
SAUDI ARABIA/RUSSIA: The challenges and limitations of a US-brokered deal
● Saudi Arabia’s principal financial problem is a collapse in global oil demand due to the Covid-19 crisis. ● The oil price war that has broken out between Russia and Saudi Arabia exacerbates the effects of diminished prices, but an end to that price war will not by itself res… Become a member to […]
RUSSIA: Who leads the response to Covid-19?
The government’s slow and uncoordinated response to Covid-19 has prompted municipal and regional administrations to take the lead in tackling the outbreak. While the central government now appears to be taking a more proactive approach, President Vladimir Putin is still playing a… Become a member to read the rest of this article