| 16 |
German Elections by Michael Timakov, Berlin
As Germany is one of the main motors of the European Union the results of the early elections were awaited with anticipation all over the world. What does the change in German leadership signify for us all? Should we expect a significant change in its foreign policy (first of all towards Russia) and to what extent?
|
| 22 |
Better Than Ever by Andres Kingisepp, Oslo
What is happening on the Norwegian political scene and how it is reflected in the country's economy and foreign policy? What troubles the citizens of this wealthy northern European country and causes them to change their political preferences?
|
| 26 |
"Bolivar" Can't Carry Double? by Modris Auzins, Riga
The scandal around the latest visit to Latvia of Russia's outlawed oligarch Boris Berezovski has once again drawn the attention to Latvia's seemingly unpredictable politics and political turns. Certain explanations can be found by bringing the Soros Foundation into the loop.
|
| 30 |
How Much Is Too Much? by Adrián Soto, Helsinki
When the director of a government-controlled Finnish energy company, Fortum Corporation, receives 12 million euro in options it is bound to attract attention. For the last several months the issues of salaries and compensations have been the hottest topics for discussion in Finnish news.
|
| 34 |
The Most Eligible Bachelorette by Andrius Mankus, Vilnius
Following the bankruptcy of Russia's oil giant Yukos, Lithuanian oil refinery Mazeikiu Nafta found itself without an owner. Today Yukos's share is up for sale and the company which fills 18% of the country's budget has no shortage of suitors.
|
| 39 |
Europe's Goldsmith by Natalia Gracheva, Stockholm
Sweden has long held first place in the European Union in the amount of smelted gold. Gold smelting plays its own role in the Swedish economy, but many economists think that it could be far greater if the government paid this industry more attention.
|
| 42 |
Lapland? the New Eldorado? by Veronika Pennanen, Helsinki
In autumn the Finnish government made clear its intentions to reopen the gold mine in Orivesi. It is estimated that the annual capacity of the mine will be 2.5 tons of gold metal. The new century has seen more investment in geological exploration which is already now starting to pay off.
|
| 48 |
Finnish Diamond Mines by Gorran Svensson, Helsinki
Natural diamond resources have been found in northeast Finland and Karelia. What difference will the influx of these diamonds make on the strictly controlled and highly monopolized diamond market?
|
| 56 |
Finnish Jewelry by Aleksandra Tuhkanen, Helsinki
Finnish jewelers are well known among specialists. Today two of Finland's leading jewelry crafting companies Kalevala Koru and Lapponia are merging with the aim of upholding the countries crafting traditions on the world market.
|
| 62 |
Forest Forum by Alexander Istomin, St. Petersburg
The annual international forest forum took place in St Petersburg in October. As before the main topic was the management of the Russian forest resources. Both government and private businesses are interested in the development of Russia's forest industry but there are still a lot of pressing unsolved issues.
|
| 67 |
Finnish Viewers Have no Choice by Eddy Hawkins, Helsinki
Starting August 2007 Finnish viewers will not be able to use there "old-fashioned" television sets without equipping them with special equipment. The choice between digital and analogue television has been made for the consumers without giving them a say.
|
| 70 |
The Swedish Digital Revolution by Alexej Smirnov, Stockholm
In September Sweden took its first step towards becoming a country where traditional television would be fully replaced by digital. However the decision to modernize television reception and transmission has been heavily criticized.
|
| 74 |
Home Sweet Home by Marina Koluyartseva, St. Petersburg
Two years ago the Russian government prioritized the importance of providing every family in Russia with high quality affordable housing. However the will seems not enough for finding a way. Or maybe there was never enough will?
|
| 80 |
Winter Fun by Natalia Erchova, Helsinki
This year Finnish snow resort Ruka has opened its skiing facilities to visitors among the first in Scandinavia. Huge investments into the modernization of the popular skiing slopes have paid off - today it is one of the most popular resorts in Finland.
|
| 84 |
Best Hotels of the World: Design Hotel Klaus K. by Nikolai Meinert
A series of new design hotels has swept the world. They offer all the comfort of traditional establishments but attract visitors with their unusual atmosphere and unique design: modern hotels for the trendy traveler. Recently remodeled Klaus K is the first of its kind in Helsinki.
|
| 88 |
Cayman on the way
New luxury Porsche Cayman S have been developed in Finland and it is car for trendy people. Modern design, power and elegance combined in this model - the next step from Boxster with it significant success on the market.
|
| 90 |
The Land Rover Experience
The Land Rover Experience is for those who like to spend their free time exploring new places and are not afraid to stray from the beaten path. But before you take your car off the highway you might want to get some pointers from professional adventurers.
|
| 94 |
Business Legislation:
- Deposit Insurance in Estonia. (Material prepared by company Larssen)
- Taxation of Private Vehicles Belonging to Foreign Citizens Relocating to Finland. (Material prepared by company NordLex, Law Offices)
|
