Agronomist and Research Fellow Michele Nori describes the likely effects of disrupted cereal exports from Russia and Ukraine, particularly for dependent regions in Africa and the Middle East. Local control of agricultural systems and food supplies, he argues, remains key for coping with growing uncertainties.

Following the invasion of Ukraine, there is much talk of ‘smart sanctions’ – those with a strong impact on Russia but a low cost for the EU. Visiting Schuman Fellow Daniel Gros argues that a tariff on imports of gas might be smartest sanction of all.

Foreign direct investment in Africa fell significantly in 2020 due to COVID-19. Independent of the success or failure of the EU’s Global Gateway infrastructure initiative, Africa’s governments can boost the region’s recovery, writes Policy Leader Fellow Umar Kabanda, by improving the conditions for public–private partnerships.

What intentions does China have with its investments in the Western Balkans, and to what degree should the EU get involved? Policy Leader Fellow Michael Charokopos takes a look, and draws conclusions on how the EU might facilitate better outcomes for all involved.

Globalisation, and particularly global trade, produces clear winners and losers. EUI visiting fellow and political economist Aydin Yildirim and his co-authors examine the national labour market structures that do best in mitigating unequal returns on global trade.

International trade experts Bernard Hoekman, Matteo Fiorini and Aydin Yildirim urge countries to share information and pursue plurilateral agreements to guarantee supplies of crucial medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.