Central Asia & Caucasus: governments spending heavily on arms
Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan have gone on a weapons spending spree over the past decade, collectively increasing their defense spending five-fold, according to a report recently released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Japan's deflation gloom continues
Consumer prices in Japan are continuing to fall, latest figures show, threatening the country's recovery from recession.
Ukraine's Premier Wants 'Clean Slate'
Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, seeking to revise a gas contract with Russia, called for the two sides to forget the legacy of Ukraine's previous government during talks Thursday with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
Estonia praised for euro readiness
European Commission President Jose Barroso has praised Estonia's economic efforts and said he supports the country's bid to join the eurozone next year.
Bulgaria Trade Unions Defy Govt's Plan to Up VAT
Bulgaria’s two major trade unions have declared themselves explicitly against the government’s intention to raise the value-added tax from 20% to 22%.
Eesti Energia is losing clients to Latvians
In the beginning of April 2010, 34 major consumers of electricity in Estonia will change suppliers when 35% of the electricity will open up, abandoning Eesti Energia and start buying electricity from Latvenergo, LETA/Äripäev writes.
Seeking Lower Fuel Costs, Ukraine May Sell Pipelines
In recent years, state-owned natural gas pipelines in Ukraine have been the source of such tension that a midwinter fight between Russia and Ukraine over pricing — often leading to Russia’s shutting the valves and leaving people in Europe freezing — has become an annual ritual.
Ukraine govt draws blank in first Russia gas talks
A first attempt by Ukraine's new government to secure lower Russian gas prices ended without visible success on Tuesday, although Kiev might refresh talks at a meeting of the countries' prime ministers later this week.
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