On June 18, 2025, the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE), supported by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, hosted a high-level public seminar exploring the evolving landscape of international sanctions on Russia. This seminar also marked the official launch of SITE’s new Sanctions Web Portal—an open-access platform offering data, analysis, and resources for policymakers, journalists, and researchers. The full recording is now available on SITE’s YouTube channel.

As Ukraine continues to defend itself and rebuild from war, one idea is gaining traction: seize Russia’s frozen assets to help foot the bill. This policy brief, by Anders Olofsgård, Deputy Director of SITE, explores legal and economic arguments that support the case for turning these resources into a long-term support fund for Ukraine’s recovery.

A new digital portal launched today provides a comprehensive, research-driven overview of the effect of international sanctions imposed on Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Designed to help policymakers, researchers, journalists, and the public navigate the complexities of economic sanctions and their consequences, the portal offers a data-rich, systematic examination of one of the most significant tools in modern geopolitics.

On May 13, Torbjörn Becker, Director of the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE), presented SITE’s latest report on the Russian economy to the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) in Brussels. The meeting brought together EU Finance and Economy Ministers to address the Union’s internal economic and financial priorities, while also making space to consider the broader implications of Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. This discussion comes at a particularly timely moment, coinciding with the EU’s preparations for its 17th sanctions package, which is expected to be formally adopted by the Council on May 20.

Russia’s attempt to fight back against international sanctions is steering its economy toward more government control and less competition. This new policy brief analysis, by Anna Anisimova from the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE), reveals how measures meant to protect the economy are instead tightening state grip on industries, stifling growth, and threatening fiscal stability.

Russia's car market is struggling under the weight of war, sanctions, and inflation—and it's starting to show deeper cracks in the country’s economy. A new policy brief from the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) reveals how the decline in new car sales tells a broader story about weakening household finances and growing financial risks.

Sweden has shifted its climate policy from carbon taxes to big investments in nuclear energy, but this new approach may create financial and environmental risks. A new SITE policy brief analysis explores why carbon pricing and green industrial policy should work together—not separately.

As part of its ongoing research on the economic consequences of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) has presented a new report to Sweden’s Minister of Finance. The report provides updated insights into the growing imbalances in the Russian war economy and the financial challenges the government faces in sustaining its current level of military spending.

Sweden has given strong support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion—but there’s been far less attention on the Ukrainians who’ve fled to Sweden. A new policy brief shows that these displaced people face unclear rights and limited support, which makes it harder for them to rebuild their lives and contribute to both Swedish society and Ukraine’s future.

Finnish politicians are on average more intelligent, motivated, and honest than the general population. Jaakko Meriläinen, Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics at SSE, and co-authors show in a new study that both local and national politicians demonstrate higher cognitive and non-cognitive abilities, suggesting that voters and parties effectively select capable leaders.