Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

Germany’s economy in 2025: stagnation, challenges, and hopes for recovery

In 2025, Germany’s economy continues to face serious challenges. After two consecutive years of GDP decline (0.3% in 2023 and 0.2% in 2024), the current year is characterized by stagnation, with GDP growth forecast at 0.0%. This makes Germany the only G7 country that has not shown economic growth in the last three years.

Key economic indicators

  • GDP: In the first quarter of 2025, the German economy grew by 0.2%, avoiding a technical recession.
  • Inflation: In April 2025, the inflation rate was 2.1%, indicating price stabilization.
  • Unemployment: In April, the unemployment rate reached 6.3%, the highest level since December 2015, excluding the pandemic period.
  • Consumer sentiment: The GfK consumer sentiment index improved to -20.6 points in May, indicating cautious optimism among the population.

Key challenges

  • Trade tensions: New tariffs imposed by the administration of US President Donald Trump are putting pressure on Germany’s export-oriented industry, particularly in the automotive and metal sectors.
  • Structural problems: Demographic change, a shortage of skilled workers, and high energy costs continue to hold back economic growth.
  • Political instability: Delays in forming a new government after the February 2025 elections are creating uncertainty about economic policy.

Measures to stimulate the economy

The new government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is due to take office on May 6, is expected to present a package of measures to stimulate the economy. These include

  • The creation of a €500 billion investment fund for infrastructure and defense.
  • Reform of the tax system to reduce the tax burden on businesses.
  • Simplification of bureaucratic procedures to stimulate entrepreneurial activity.

Forecasts

Economists predict a moderate recovery of the German economy in 2026 with GDP growth of around 1.0%. However, the successful implementation of these forecasts will depend on the new government’s ability to effectively address internal and external challenges.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/ekonomika-nimechchyny-u-2025-rotsi-stahnatsiia-vyklyky-ta-nadii-na-vidnovlennia/

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Albania suspends visa-free regime with Belarus

On April 24, 2025, the Government of Albania officially suspended the agreement on mutual visa waiver with the Republic of Belarus signed in February 2020. This decision cancels the partial suspension introduced in May 2024, which applied only to diplomatic passports. Now Belarusian citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Albania.

Earlier, in May 2024, Albania partially suspended the agreement, limiting visa-free entry for holders of diplomatic and service passports. The current measure completely abolishes the visa-free regime for all categories of Belarusian citizens.

The decision takes effect immediately and is published in the official gazette of Albania.

Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/881

 

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Greek residential real estate market 2025: analysis and forecast for 2026 by Relocation

The Greek residential real estate market 2025 continues to show steady growth despite global economic challenges. Demand for housing remains high among both local residents and foreign investors, which contributes to higher prices and the development of new projects.

Current market situation

  • Price growth: According to The Luxury Playbook, the average cost of residential real estate in Greece in 2024 was $292,700, and it is expected to reach $364,500 by 2029. This indicates a steady increase in housing prices.
  • Foreign investment: The Golden Visa program continues to attract foreign investors. In 2024, more than 11,870 visas were issued, bringing in more than €2.9 billion in foreign direct investment in the real estate sector.
  • Tourism and leasing: Growth in tourism is driving demand for short-term rentals, especially in popular tourist destinations such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and the islands. However, the government is introducing restrictions on new short-term rental licenses in central Athens to balance the interests of locals and tourists.

Forecast for 2026

  • Stabilization of price growth: House price growth is expected to slow but remain positive. Annual growth is projected at 3.2% to 3.7% until 2029.
  • Infrastructure development: Large projects, such as Ellinikon on the Athens Riviera, continue to attract investment and contribute to infrastructure development, making the region more attractive to buyers.
  • Impact of interest rates: Rising interest rates may affect the availability of mortgage financing, especially for local buyers. This could lead to a decrease in demand for housing in some market segments.

Recommendations for investors

  • Consider investing in developing areas: Areas with developing infrastructure and high potential for price growth may offer attractive investment opportunities.
  • Consider changes in legislation: Keep up to date with new regulations and restrictions, especially those related to short-term rentals, to avoid unexpected obstacles.
  • Assess risks: Consider the opportunities for real estate investment. However, it is important to carefully analyze the market and consider all possible risks when making investment decisions.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/rynok-zhytlovoi-nerukhomosti-hretsii-2025-roku-analiz-i-prohnoz-na-2026-rik-vid-relocation/

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Index of economic expectations of investors and analysts in Germany fell to minimum in 3 years

The Index of Economic Expectations of Investors and Analysts in Germany for the next six months, calculated by the ZEW Research Institute, fell to the lowest since July 2023 of minus 14 points in April from the highest since February 2022 of 51.6 points a month earlier. This is the most significant drop since March 2022. Analysts on average expected it to decline to 9.5 points in April, according to Trading Economics.

“Global uncertainty has increased dramatically, not only because of the possible effects of the [US] mirror duties on world trade, but also because of the dynamic nature of their changes,” said ZEW President Achim Wambach. ”This is especially affecting export-intensive industries such as the automotive and chemical industries, as well as the production of metals, machinery and steel, which have recently seen significant improvements.

Meanwhile, the indicator of attitudes toward the current situation in Germany increased to minus 81.2 points this month from minus 87.6 points in March.

In the eurozone, the index of economic expectations in April fell to the lowest since December 2022, minus 18.5 points from 39.8 points a month earlier. The experts’ forecast for this indicator was 14.2 points.

The indicator for assessing the current economic situation in the currency bloc decreased by 5.7 percentage points to minus 50.9 points.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/index-ekonomichnyh-ochikuvan-investoriv/

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Donald Trump Jr. is planning tour of Eastern Europe

The eldest son of US President Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr. is planning a tour of Eastern Europe, including visits to Serbia, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Bulgaria. This was reported by the Romanian portal G4Media.ro, citing sources close to the organizers of the events. The visit to Bucharest is scheduled for April 28, a week before the first round of the presidential election in Romania. Trump Jr. is expected to participate in the Trump Business Vision 2025 business event.

This visit comes shortly after his previous trip to Serbia in March 2025, when he met with President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade. During that meeting, they discussed strengthening bilateral relations between Serbia and the United States. According to Open4Business, one of the key goals of the last trip was to assess the potential for the construction of Trump Tower Belgrade, an ambitious real estate project focused on the premium segment. The project is financed by the firm of Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and has caused controversy among the Serbian public.

Earlier, in December 2024, Trump Jr. criticized the cancellation of the elections in Romania, calling the decision of the Constitutional Court “an attempt by Soros the Marxist to rig the results and deny the will of the people.” His upcoming visit to the region may be linked to supporting certain political forces and promoting the Trump family’s business interests.

Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/783

 

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Serbia invests 50 mln euros in supercomputer and AI

Serbia has signed a €50 million contract with Eviden, a member of the Atos group, to develop a supercomputer and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The move is aimed at strengthening the country’s position in high-performance computing and AI.

The Serbian Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation has signed an agreement with Eviden, part of the Atos group, worth 50 million euros. The purpose of the contract is to develop a supercomputer and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that should strengthen Serbia’s position in the field of high-performance computing and AI.

According to the ministry, the project will enable Serbia to become a regional leader in digital technologies and provide opportunities for research and innovation. The supercomputer is expected to be used in various fields, including medicine, energy, and environmental protection.

Global investment in supercomputers

The world’s largest countries are actively investing in the development of supercomputers and related technologies.

China: In 2025, China plans to allocate about 398.12 billion yuan (approximately 55 billion US dollars) for research and development, in particular in the field of semiconductors, artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

THE UNITED STATES: In 2024, the US Department of Energy announced a budget of $425 million for the construction of two new supercomputers – Sierra and Summit. These systems are intended for scientific research and simulations, including nuclear testing.

Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/774

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