On January 14 the twelfth meeting of the Steering Committee of the Ukraine Donor Platform, established to coordinate international assistance and address the immediate needs and long-term recovery of Ukraine, took place. During the meeting, the partners discussed the Platform’s priorities – mobilising resources for external budget support for Ukraine in 2026 and Ukraine’s recovery…
In December 2024 the general fund of the state budget of Ukraine received UAH 13.1 billion in excise tax on manufactured and imported excisable goods, up by 45% YoY. The revenue target was achieved by 104.1%, with an additional UAH 0.5 billion coming to the budget. In December 2024 the revenue targets for alcoholic beverages…
The January 6 launch of the new Tallinn-Riga-Vilnius route marks the return of passenger rail service connecting the Baltic States. While the full journey – with transfers at Valga and Riga – takes over ten hours, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania’s rail operators hope to attract riders for shorter legs. On January 6 Baltic Station (Balti…
Businesses in Bulgaria remain on high alert, described as “code yellow”, due to persistently high electricity prices. Vasil Velev, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Industrial Capital (AIKB), stated that protests had been postponed following assurances from parliamentary groups. They have pledged support for legislative provisions that would empower the Ministry of Energy…
In 2024 the State Property Fund of Ukraine sold 377 state-owned objects at privatization auctions, attracting UAH 11.1 billion to the budget. The State Property Fund’s press service announced this on its Facebook page. The target for revenues from the privatization of state-owned property in 2024 was exceeded 2.5 times, with the budget receiving UAH…
A recent survey within Bulgaria’s financial sector reveals a growing concern among businesses regarding employment levels, with many expecting a decline in new hires. The survey, which includes representatives from commercial banks, investment intermediaries, pension insurance companies, and management firms, highlights a shift in sentiment compared to previous reports. While 53% of financial intermediaries expect…
Sweden’s largest forest owners association and forest industry group “Sodra” plans to sell forest properties and related businesses in the Baltic States, according to an announcement on the company’s website. The statement mentions that “Sodra” is looking for those interested to move forward with the sale process. “Sodra Skog” business manager Peter Karlsson notes that…