Russia sees any foreign project that touches the former Soviet Union, including the European Union's new eastern partnership, as a direct challenge.

ECONOMIST: Russia and Western clubs

Some would like the countries in the eastern partnership to choose between Russia and the EU, said Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, on the eve of the Prague meeting.

ECONOMIST: Russia and its near abroad

It will host a summit of the eastern partnership (EU countries and six neighbours), push for a free-trade deal with Ukraine and try to nudge more Balkan countries towards membership.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne

Its size, meanwhile, is letting Couche-Tard get better supplier deals and set up more distribution centers, either wholly owned or in partnership with a convenience store wholesaler, such as Warren Buffett's McLane in the eastern U.S. The centers give Bouchard the ability to ship dairy products, sandwiches and pastries to stores two to three times a week to outflank the grocery chains.

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