Publisher: CEPS Centre for European Policy Studies

Ukraine stuck with challenges: what are the chances for economic recovery?

Ukraine stuck with challenges: what are the chances for economic recovery?

Author(s): Oleksandra Betliy / Language(s): English

2020 is a year of full-scale challenges for Ukraine, from the political and economic to the institutional and constitutional. The year is not over yet and the risks for the year-end remain high. They are primarily related to the high fiscal gap that now confronts the government and possible tighter quarantine measures (or even lockdown), which would hamper economic development. As a result, the outlook for Ukraine is uncertain even though most forecasts envisage economic growth of about 4% in 2021.

Results of the local elections in Ukraine: A new political landscape on the ground?

Results of the local elections in Ukraine: A new political landscape on the ground?

Author(s): Artem Remizov / Language(s): English

The local elections in Ukraine that started on October 25 are not officially over yet. While the majority of mayors and local councils were sworn in, the Central Election Commission is still finalising the results in some districts. Moreover, in several communities, elections were rescheduled for early 2021. Nevertheless, it is already possible to assess available results of the voting and its implications for the political landscape of Ukraine

The second war over Nagorno-Karabakh, viewed from Baku

The second war over Nagorno-Karabakh, viewed from Baku

Author(s): Shahla Ismayil / Language(s): English

Keywords: Nagorno-Karabakh; Azerbaijan and Armenia;

The second major war between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh started on 27 September 2020. Recourse to a military solution of the conflict was no surprise to society in Azerbaijan, which considered the 28-year peace talks a diplomatic failure. The military emotions escalated in Azerbaijan earlier in July 2020, when the Tovuz region of Azerbaijan, located 250 km away from the frontline, was shelled by Armenian military forces for several days, targeting the civilian population; hence the restart of the so-called “Nagorno-Karabakh War II” was not unexpected in Azerbaijan.

Implications of the second Nagorno Karabakh war for Armenia

Implications of the second Nagorno Karabakh war for Armenia

Author(s): Benyamin Poghosyan / Language(s): English

Keywords: Nagorno Karabakh;

The second Nagorno Karabakh war ended with Armenia's capitulation. The unrecognized Nagorno Karabakh Republic lost approximately 75 percent of ist territories, including parts of the former Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Region within its 1988 borders. However, despite the clear defeat of Armenia, the conflict has not been solved. Azerbaijan was not able to invade the whole territory of Nagorno Karabakh and currently, some 3,000 square km of the territory is being controlled by Russian peacekeepers effectively creating a de facto Russian protectorate. The defeat of Armenia will have profound economic and political implications for Armenia and will affect Armenia's foreign and defense policy.

Moldova’s forthcoming elections in 2021 and the new President Maia Sandu’s tough agenda

Moldova’s forthcoming elections in 2021 and the new President Maia Sandu’s tough agenda

Author(s): Denis Cenuşă,Adrian Lupuşor / Language(s): English

Keywords: Moldova 2021-elections;

In a surprising move, the government led by the Prime Minister Ion Chicu decided to resign by the end of this year, on December 23rd. The announcement came a few hours before the parliamentary session at which the opposition planned to topple the government in a vote of no confidence. In these circumstances, the new President Maia Sandu will have to negotiate with the parliamentary factions over what to do next. Two options are on the table.