Publication

This paper discusses the factors that led to the serious economic problems facing Belarus in 2014 as well as the prospects for the future of the country's economy. More specifically, the authors examine 1) the links between the Russian and Belarusian economies; 2) the impact of the Russian economic crisis on Belarus; 3) how the crisis in Ukraine has affected the country; 4) the state of the Belarus' labor market; and 5) trade. The authors also discuss 1) the potential impact of the economic situation in Belarus on the country's scheduled November 2015 presidential elections; and 2) what the IMF, the EU and other actors can do prevent an economic crisis there.