| 16 |
What Happened to the President’s Rating? by Andres Kingisepp, Helsinki
The results of the Finnish Presidential Elections were no surprise to anyone, what was surprising is that the favorite to win the elections managed to loose most of her overwhelmingly high rating on the up run to the election day and turned what was expected to be a sure quick victory into a two-round close call.
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| 22 |
Poles Votes against the Polls. by Krzysztof Szczepanik,Warsaw
One of the largest EU countries has just replaced its Parliament and President. The new party that came to power has already started to make changes… the promised coalition has become a thing of the past.
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| 26 |
Russian Stepdaughter in the Heart of Europe. by Vitaly Portnikov, Kaliningrad
It seems that the new Law regulating the status of the Russian Kaliningrad region has proved once more that in the times when oil prices are exceedingly high Russian politicians and economists do not bother with strategic thinking.
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| 31 |
European Energy Solutions. by Alexander Dubrovsky, Helsinki
The shortages of gas supply coming from Russia through the Ukraine in the beginning of the year have once again reminded the European countries of their dependence on energy resources from the East. In search of new solutions Europe turns to the once feared and thus neglected nuclear energy.
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| 36 |
The Price of Electricity. by Natalia Gracheva, Stockholm
In 1980 70% of the Swedish population voted against the use of nuclear power plants on the territory of Sweden. Since then, public opinion on this matter has changed as many times as the weather, but one thing remains constant: nuclear power plants still play an important and crucial part in the Swedish energy market.
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| 40 |
Dutch Wind Power. by Alexej Smirnov, Copenhagen
Harvesting the energy of the wind has long been popular in Denmark, and although other countries have not been keen on catching on to the use of this source of energy the Dutch are full of enthusiasm. It is estimated that in a decade or so, this presently heavily subsidised industry will see its first profits.
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| 45 |
Changing with the Times. by Veronika Pennanen, Helsinki
The previous year has not been kind to the transportation industry of Finland: strikes in the paper and stevedoring industries have taken their toll on the profit margin of all the Finnish transportation companies. But the Port of Kotka was one of the exceptions: by quickly reacting to the changing market it not only managed to stay out of the red, but grabbed a significant segment of a new market.
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| 50 |
American Way. by Victor Rainer, Helsinki
When Unitrans-PRA just started their regular transportation services from the USA to Russia, they decided to use the way to Russia through Finland. Now they consolidate the cargo coming from all over the world to Russia in their own warehouse on the territory of the Port of Kotka.
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| 54 |
On the Road Again. by Andres Reimer, Tallinn
Estonia’s rail roads are once again changing owners. And it is not an easy task.
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| 58 |
No Space for Trees. by Modris Auzins, Riga
Riga’s Development Plan for 2006-2018 is has become the new cause for controversy among Latvia’s citizens. Despite the long time it took to prepare – it is still far from ideal and many go as far as saying that it has set the city up for an ecological catastrophe.
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| 62 |
Casino Boom in Russia. by Marina Koluyartseva, St. Petersburg
Legalized gambling has become a serious problem in the Russian Federation. Moscow alone is host to 56 casinos and 50 thousand slot machine halls. In their efforts to curb the growing problems resulting from the rise in gambling among the populace, the government and senators are coming up with various new law initiatives…
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| 68 |
Finns Always Win. by Gorran Svensson, Helsinki
Not many countries can say that they are proud of their gambling industry. In Finland all proceeds from gambling go to charity organizations – the industry is monopolized and very well controlled. Even if you loose at the roulette table you can be comforted by the fact that your money will go to those who need it most.
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| 72 |
Cruising the Baltic. by Jim Thompson, LA
The significant rise in the interest towards cruises along the costs of the Baltic Sea has influenced the economies of all the countries on the popular tourist routes. From fairy tale cities like Copenhagen in the south to Tromso above the Arctic Circle to the bustling port of Kiel in Germany and eastwards to the gates of imperial St. Petersburg, Baltic cruising has become one of the hottest segments of the tourism industry.
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| 76 |
Hotels for Collection. by Viktor Kirzhakov
Rocco Forte Hotels is a luxury hotel brand with properties located throughout Europe. Each hotel reflects the individuality of its location and offers outstanding design, delivering the highest standards of guest comfort. And there are special reasons to polish every pearl from this collection.
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| 82 |
Best Hotels of the World. by Nikolai Borovikov, Stockholm
Stockholm’s Nordic Light Hotel is a modern design hotel with a unique soul. Light was the inspiration for its design – a delicate combination of purity and simplicity of forms and colours with ever-changing lightning. Voted World’s Sexiest Hotel by Elle magazine in the year 2004.
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| 86 |
From ‛Colonial“ to Urban
Dressing for success is not a simple matter, but companies like the Finnish Andiata are ready to give their professional advice on the most appropriate attire for business women travelling to different countries. Three new collections for upcoming season.
90 For divers eyes only
The Managing Director of the Finnish-Russian Chamber of Commerce Mirja Tiri has an interesting hobby – scuba diving. She shares the reasons for choosing such a sport and gives some tips on the best ‛dives“.
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| 92 |
Outside the Main Road
New Audi – Audi Q7 – was described as 7 passenger ‛full-fledged off-road vehicle“. First presented Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005 it shoud be on sale in early 2006. Audi Q7 and A8 Model Line Manager Gerhard Hametner, explains: ‛The demand for an ever-greater variety of models increases pressure on the production process“. Is it Audi’s reply on that challenge?
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