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.

The Baltic states officially severed their energy ties with Russia and Belarus on February 7, 2025, successfully desynchronizing from the BRELL electricity network without experiencing blackouts. However, recent cable disruptions in the Baltic Sea have raised new energy security concerns, underscoring the need to diversify and decentralize power systems. A new SITE policy brief analyzes the challenges and lessons learned from this transition and compares it to Ukraine’s energy resilience.

Western support for Ukraine is at a crossroads, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. A new policy brief from the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE), authored by Torbjörn Becker, Maria Perrotta Berlin, Anders Olofsgård, and Jesper Roine, argues that continued aid is not only a moral duty but also an economic necessity for Europe, emphasizing that the cost of allowing Russia to win would far exceed the price of sustained assistance.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 sparked an unprecedented wave of solidarity among the Polish society and generous official support from the Polish government. Three years later, both the level of support and attitudes towards Ukrainian refugees in Poland continue to occupy headlines, raising questions about public policies, as well as economic and social impact. These questions will likely gain in prominence, as the electoral campaign ahead of this year’s presidential election enters its crucial stages. A new policy paper explores these issues, challenging misleading claims and highlighting the importance of accurate data.

Sweden has slashed gasoline taxes, making driving more affordable, but experts warn of long-term consequences. A new policy brief from the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) examines how recent fuel tax cuts have lowered prices while increasing household vulnerability to oil price spikes and slowing the shift to electric vehicles.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has intensified the urgency of European Union (EU) enlargement, bringing Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia closer to potential membership. A new policy brief, based on discussions at SITE 2024 Development Day conference, highlights the political, economic, and security challenges these countries face as they seek EU integration​.

Ukraine has halted the transit of Russian gas to Europe, ending decades of direct pipeline deliveries and significantly reshaping the region's energy landscape. This new policy brief explores the financial and geopolitical consequences, including Europe's increased reliance on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the risks for Moldova and Ukraine.

Moldova is now firmly on the path to European Union membership, but the breakaway region of Transnistria remains a significant roadblock. A recent policy brief, published in October 2024, explores how Transnistria's economy, though influenced by Russia, is deeply connected to Moldova and the EU.

Russia is expanding its presence in Africa, aiming to gain influence in areas with weak institutions and governments. A new policy brief published in September 2024 explores this trend and the potential consequences for Africa’s development.

Gender equality is vital for global progress. As we near the 2025 Financing for Development conference, Maria Perrotta Berlin, Assistant Professor at SITE, stresses integrating gender into financing strategies. This includes fiscal policies, social protection, and climate finance to support women, particularly in low-income areas, promoting equality, resilience, and sustainable development.