Friday, June 19, 2026 The English edition of ostwirtschaft.de Newsletter
Eastern Economy.
Economic intelligence on Eastern Europe, the Caucasus & Central Asia

Our Team

Our correspondents and analysts cover economic developments across Eastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia, the Caucasus and Turkey — providing intelligence that goes beyond the headlines.
Thomas Baier
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Thomas Baier

Thomas Baier is the founder and editor-in-chief of Eastern Economy and has been reporting on economic developments in Eastern Europe, Russia and Central Asia for many years. Drawing on his experience working with chambers of commerce and producing podcasts, he combines in-depth analysis with practical insights for German-speaking businesses active in the region.

Russia Economics Chronicler

Klaus Dormann

Klaus Dormann is widely regarded as one of the leading chroniclers of the Russian economy, having tracked developments in industry, trade and finance for decades. A former analyst at Ruhrgas and E.ON, he delivers comprehensive analysis and a deep understanding of historical context. He writes the weekly Russia Economic Briefing in partnership with the German-Russian Chamber of Commerce.

Thorsten Gutmann
Central Asia Expert

Thorsten Gutmann

Thorsten Gutmann has extensive experience analysing economic trends in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the surrounding regions. He focuses on investment opportunities, trade flows and geopolitical developments with a clear eye on the needs of German-speaking decision-makers.

Ben Aris
Columnist

Ben Aris

Ben Aris is the founder and editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews, the leading English-language intelligence service for markets in Europe, Eurasia and Asia. As a columnist, he delivers sharp analysis of financial and energy markets as well as geopolitical economic trends.

Jonas Prien
Eastern Europe & Turkey Expert

Jonas Prien

Jonas Prien analyses the dynamic economic landscape spanning Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Turkey, with a particular focus on logistics, energy and investment. With expertise and enthusiasm he explains the growing importance of this region for European businesses and markets.

Dietrich Schartner
Caucasus Expert

Dietrich Schartner

Dietrich Schartner reports on economic and political developments in the Caucasus. His focus is on infrastructure projects, energy issues and the region's growing trade ties with Europe and Asia.