Europe
Parallel imports continue to support Russia’s economy
Parallel imports have played an important role in enabling Russia to mitigate the worst effects of Western sanctions
RussiaPolitical instability looks set to grow in Croatia
The centre-right, pro-Western HDZ party won Croatia’s election but does not have enough seats for a majority coalition
CroatiaShort-run election plans raise long-run budget risks
The IMF Fiscal Monitor highlights the importance of budget tightening worldwide, but also the difficulty of doing so
InternationalAsia’s coal embrace will imperil climate targets
More than renewables, coal has met increasing Asian energy demand since 2000, with domestic production rising sharply
InternationalEU/UK financial trading risks need close monitoring
Risk concentration in EU and UK financial trading has the potential to disrupt markets at times of high volatility
EUReligious freedom will slowly expand in Vietnam
The issue of freedom of religion was under the spotlight during a visit by the Vatican’s top diplomat
VietnamIran will seek to reduce Western influence in Caucasus
Yerevan has assured Iran that the South Caucasus will not become an area of “geopolitical competition”
ArmeniaLatest survey reinforces EU election trends
More voters are likely to vote in June’s EU elections than in 2019, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey
EU
