
EU Holds Off Naming Negotiator for Talks with Russia Amid Strategic Review
The EU delays appointing a negotiator for talks with Russia, focusing first on clarifying goals and increasing sanctions pressure amid the Ukraine conflict.

The EU delays appointing a negotiator for talks with Russia, focusing first on clarifying goals and increasing sanctions pressure amid the Ukraine conflict.

Uzbekistan’s meat imports surged 62.8% in early 2026 amid slowing local production and rising global prices, pushing domestic meat costs higher.

The Central Bank keeps the key rate at 14% citing persistent inflation in food prices and external risks, despite overall inflation easing in early 2024.

Uzbekistan’s halted gold exports since September 2025 caused a 29.3% drop in exports despite overall trade growth in Q1 2026, driven by strong import growth and dominant trade with China.

Uzbek banks saw credit portfolios grow by 19.3 trillion UZS in Q1 2026, with non-performing loans rising by 1.8 trillion UZS, mainly in state banks.