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.

The Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE), together with the American University of Armenia (AUA), is pleased to announce a two-day Paper Development Workshop on June 3-4 as part of the program “Closing Gender Gaps Through Economics Research”, supported by the Swedish Institute Eastern Partnership Cooperation Project.

Governments spend billions on procurement, but can these contracts be a tool to drive innovation? A new study co-authored by Giancarlo Spagnolo, professor at the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE), explores the effectiveness of Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI). Forthcoming in the International Journal of Industrial Organization, the study finds that while PPI can foster innovation—especially for small and young firms—major challenges remain in policy design and implementation.

Sweden is moving toward a fossil-free future, but its electricity market faces significant uncertainties regarding demand, costs, and policy directions. A new report by SITE research fellow Chloé Le Coq and her co-authors highlights that Sweden’s energy transition cannot happen in isolation. Strong European cooperation and robust regulatory frameworks are crucial for ensuring stability and efficiency.

War reshapes societies, but does it make people more cooperative or more divided? A new policy brief from the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) explores how exposure to violence affects social trust, cooperation, and political engagement. The findings have important implications for Ukraine’s future, particularly its path toward EU membership.