Regional

1. THE DEMISE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

There is a growing risk that the process of European integration will unravel, with far-reaching implications for economic and political stability in Eastern Europe.

Russia and the West

2. THE NEW COLD WAR

Russia and the West are engaged in a multi-dimensional conflict over the boundary between them which is destabilising regional politics and causing significant economic damage.

The Balkans and the European Union

3. THE MIGRANT CRISIS

A wave of immigration from Africa and Asia into Eastern Europe poses a significant risk to civil order, governmental stability and the integrity of supply lines.  

Central Europe and the Balkans

4. ECONOMIC NATIONALISM

There is a growing trend for governments in the region to reassert national control over strategic sectors to enforce conformity with their political objectives.  

Regional

5. STATE CAPTURE AND CORRUPTION

Eastern Europe has a serious problem with corruption and the capture of the state by oligarchical elites, posing risks to the viability of investments and to political stability.

Regional

6. CIVIL UNREST

There is an elevated risk of strikes and demonstrations leading to institutional paralysis, a slowdown in economic activity, and breaches in supply lines.

Islamic State

7. TERRORISM

There is an increased danger of terrorist attack, especially in the Balkans, linked to the rise and fall of Islamic State.

The Balkans

8. STATE DISINTEGRATION

There is a growing risk that multi-ethnic states in the Western Balkans will disintegrate, reigniting conflict in the region.

Ukraine

9. STATE FAILURE IN UKRAINE

Eastern Europe’s largest country is under severe political and economic stress, with negative consequences for much of the region.

China and the Region

10. THE ARRIVAL OF CHINA

China is becoming a major direct investor in Eastern Europe, diluting the political influence of the EU and US in the region, and exposing the region a variety of long-term economic risks.