| 12 |
Cold Shower for the EU by Alexander Timakov, Brussels
Less than a year ago EU prospects looked good: the expansion was a seeming success, integration was going forward full swing and everyone was anxiously awaiting the ratification of a new common constitution. Two referendums unveiled problems hidden beneath: unemployment, mass workforce migrations, differences in economic and political maturity. |
| 17 |
Clueless by Andres Kingisepp, Strasbourg
Under pressure from the undisputed economic leader - USA and in the face of the rapidly growing "Eastern Tigers" Europe has no other choice but to unite: consolidate its economies, have a common foreign policy and a vast geographic presence. Great changes require great sacrifices which can obviously not be popular with the voters. Is it possible to find a balance or are more decisive measures required to push Europe into the changing reality? |
| 19 |
Closer than Switzerland by Modris Auzins, Riga
Historically Riga has been the connecting point between the East and the West, serving as a relay port for goods and capitals. And though in other business activities it lags considerably behind its neighbors, in banking it knows no equals. The new slogan: "We are closer than Switzerland", seems to be working just right, attracting more and more business from nearby states. |
| 24 |
Banking in Russia by Alexander Istomin, St. Petersburg
Russia has been very reluctant to let foreign banks unto its territory. Not many foreign banks have a presence on the Russian market and most of those that do are no more than representative offices. What does the modern banking scene look like and what chances do foreign banks have for working and competing in Russia. |
| 28 |
Hansabank Going East by David Mardiste, Tallinn
Hansabank Group is the largest financial institution in the Baltic countries. It has identified the three Baltic countries as its home market, and has a committed strategy for Baltic expansion. The Group also serves niche segments in Russia, where it operates in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad regions. |
| 32 |
License revoked by Andrius Mankus, Vilnius
Daughter companies of Russia's insurance giant Ingosstrakh can be found all over the world. They are successfully working in Finland (IngoNord) and Estonia (Inges). But for some reason the same did not happen in Lithuania, where Ingosstrakh's company could not find its place and had its licen |
| 35 |
Paper Peace by Veronika Pennanen, Helsinki
Finland's paper lockout has cost the economy millions of euro and served a devastating blow to its reputation, turning Finland into a country of high business risk. The industry workers celebrate victory amidst fear for the industry itself. And with labour productivity abroad often 2 times higher than in Finland many industrial enterprises are looking to move. |
| 42 |
Pulp Fiction by Konstantin Ranks, Helsinki
Genetically modified products are nothing new to the modern consumer. But what would you say to genetically modified wood used as raw material for paper production? Genetically modified trees might soon become a reality in the forests of Northern Europe. Pros and cons. |
| 46 |
Who is Rebuilding Russia by Natalia Erchova, Helsinki
There is a common misconception that foreign companies cannot compete on Russia's wild and unorthodox construction market. The Finnish Limcon Oy crashes through these stereotypes. In Russia it deals with housing and industrial construction projects, reconstructions and renovations. |
| 50 |
BalticBuild
From the 13th to the 16th of September 2005 St. Petersburg will be hosting its annual building exhibition - BalticBuild. The event has attracted much praise in recent years: it was twice the winner of the Best International Project of the Year award. Among the 600 companies from 20 countries taking part in the exhibition are such industry giants as Terex, Volvo, Hitachi, Bobcat. |
| 52 |
On the Way to Reform by Marina Koluyartseva, St. Petersburg
One of the conditions that Russia has to meet in order to join the WTO is modernization of its housing and communal services. Changes in this area have already opened the way to private businesses. It is not long before foreign companies will also be able to join this part of Russia's market. What is the situation in this sphere and what changes are to be expected in the future? |
| 60 |
When Themis Fakes Impartial Justice by Victor Rainer, Tallinn
It is customary to respect the decision of the court, but when the decision is made based on circumstantial evidence and speculation questions arise and suspicions flourish. Estonian courts condemned the owner of Tallinn's central market to 9 years in prison for murder. The accusations seem so farfetched that our correspondent decides to conduct his own investigation. |
| 66 |
Speak Finnish in just Two Months by Anita Oskalne, Riga
Could it be that a new method has been found to help people learn foreign languages faster and more efficiently? Quick Teacher promises its pupils that they will be able to speak the language of their choice already after two months of lessons. What is the secret of this new method? And how is it different from the ones that have been here before. |
| 68 |
Being True to Oneself by Jorma Reionen, Helsinki
At the time when all of Europe is pining under the weight of cheap textile from South Asia and European fashion businesses are thinking of closing down local production, Finish designer clothing from Anniki Karvinen is growing in demand both at home and abroad. High quality original designs that help accent your individuality are the key to her success. |
| 72 |
Helsinki's Design District by Viktor Kirzhakov, Helsinki
There is no need to introduce Finnish design to the world. This concept has been well-known and respected for decades. No wonder that Helsinki even has a whole district in its center, officially recognized as Design District Helsinki. Tours around this part of the city are organized each summer for those interested in design, architecture and just beautiful things. |
| 76 |
Choosing Nature by Heikki Vasamies, Masala
Modern tourists are more often looking for a different form of tourism than they did ten years ago. Palm trees and beaches are not always top of the list when choosing a holiday destination and people often prefer tranquility and unspoiled beautiful nature, choosing such places as Finnish village Masala. |
| 78 |
Russian Resort on Black Sea by Ljubov Meinert, Sochi
With so many holiday destinations to choose from the competition is fierce. It is especially difficult to compete for Russia's old resort towns. Sure they have their old reputation going for them, but what is the situation their today? Not many want to risk their vacation to find out. This is why we conducted our own investigation. Today's focus is on Sochi ? Russia's own Switzerland. Or maybe Marbella? Or a combination of both in the Russian way? |
| 84 |
Spanish Abode
More and more Northern Europeans are buying real-estate in Southern countries. Spain has long been the favorite for holiday goers and people wanting to live their pension years in style on the coast of a warm sea in soft climate. The company ATLAS INTERNATIONAL helps people from abroad find their dream home in Spain. |
| 86 |
Best Hotels of the World: Schlössle Hotel in Tallinn ? Historical Times Then & Now by Anatoliy Kovalev
In the heart of Estonia's capital, steps away from one of the oldest squares in Europe, discover the medieval architecture, vaulted cellars and limestone stairways of the Hotel Schlössle. Parts of the building are dated as early as 1363. Now the character and history of this fine building are restored and preserved in flawless detail for you to enjoy. |
| 90 |
Flying for Pleasure
Light aviation is becoming more and more popular among Northern Europeans. It is especially popular among those who love to spend their time in tranquility among untouched nature far away from civilization. Viljo Levelä from Kevytilmailu ry - Finland's Light Aviation Association - sheds light on this new form of tourism. |
| 94 |
Business Legislation:
Estonia:
Some essential details of buying land for further construction (Material prepared by company Larssen)
Finland:
Some essential details of buying land for further construction (Material prepared by company NordLex, Law Offices) |
