Europe
Poland’s need for foreign workers will persist
Foreign workers’ unpopularity will be an enduring problem for Poland as demographic trends exacerbate labour shortages
PolandRussia will rely more on Chinese demand for gas
Russia has largely lost its 40-year hold on Europe's gas market, jeopardising its position as a leading gas exporter
RussiaEuro-area GDP will struggle to top 1% in 2024 and 2025
The euro-area grew by 0.1% year-on-year in October-December and 0.5% year-on-year in 2023, compared to 2.5% US growth
EUGerman assent would boost prospects for EU AI Act
The German government is reportedly ready to endorse the EU's AI Act
EUFrench protests could have cross-border implications
France’s farmers have pledged to continue protesting despite concessions from the government
FranceItalian development plan for Africa will flop
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni has proposed a EUR5.5bn plan to boost European access to African energy supplies
AfricaNorth Macedonia vote may delay move to free EU impasse
Upcoming elections may revolve around the constitutional amendments Bulgaria requires for continuing EU accession talks
North MacedoniaDifferent demand pictures dominate the outlook for oil
Demand-side uncertainty offsets the risk to oil trade of Middle East instability amid strong non-OPEC oil supply growth
International
