| 16 |
ASEM in Helsinki. by Nikolai Meinert, Helsinki
This September Helsinki hosted the 6th ASEM summit at the level of Heads of State or Government. Organised 10 years ago the Asia-Europe Meeting focuses on common economic interests of the European Union and leading Asian countries. In its closing stages, the summit approved guidelines for the future of the cooperation process between the two continents and adopted a decision on the admission of new partners. USA and Russia are not welcome here.
|
| 22 |
Complications’ Kaleidoscope. by Arturas Mankevicius, Vilnius
The hot political summer in Lithuania was followed by the not less hotter autumn: the ruling coalition disintegrated, the 13th government of the country resigned, the leader of the main party is hiding from the Interpol, the country’s largest company specialising in oil processing is sold to Poland and suddenly stops receiving oil from Russia…
|
| 28 |
Backstabbing on the Oil Market. by Krzysztof Szczepanik, Warsaw
After a hard-fought bidding war in a tender contested by Russia’s leading oil companies, Poland’s company Orlen bought Lithuania’s Maziekiu refinery. Not long after a leak put the pipeline leading to the refinery out of commission for at least 21 months. Coincidence?
|
| 35 |
Mine, Yours, Ours. by Gorran Svensson, Helsinki
Everyone knows that buying real estate in Finland is a profitable investment, but few realise that it will turn out to be a lesson in democracy as well. All the decisions regarding the newly acquired flat are made by the majority of the housing co-operative shareholders.
|
| 38 |
Fairytale City. by Michael Boguslavski, Tallinn
Tallinn is a beautiful fairytale city acknowledged by UNESCO as one of the worlds most valuable architectural sites, but the problems the city faces are very ordinary. Bad roads and the lack of parking places have become a regular inconvenience for visitors and locals. What are the chances they will be dealt with in the near future?
|
| 42 |
Water on the Brain. by Alexander Istomin, St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is actively working towards promoting its image as one of the cultural capitols of the world. In order to increase its attractiveness more attention is planned to be given to the maintenance and creation of new fountains, which are already one of the city’s main tourist attractions.
|
| 46 |
Flower People. by Natalia Gracheva, Stockholm
In the modern world burial has become an issue of concern, especially for large cities. The traditional methods are hazardous to the environment and to the health of people. Sweden has come up with a new ecology friendly way of burying the dead by turning them into plants. The new method was approved both by the authorities and the church.
|
| 50 |
The Same Flight. by Nikolai Borovikov, Vantaa
The government of the Russian Federation has decided to merge two of the state owned airlines Pulkovo and GTK Rossiya. The representative of Pulkovo airlines in Helsinki Andrey Ivanenko comments on the merger.
|
| 54 |
Clean Water for a Dying Sea. by Alexej Smirnov, Gotland
Every summer the Baltic Sea turns into pea soup. The reason is the mysterious cyanobacteria, which flourishes in warm weather conditions. It is impossible to predict when and where it will appear and it is not yet clear what causes it to flourish, but scientists think that excess of phosphate in the waters might be responsible.
|
| 60 |
European Youth in Focus. by Sanda Lapinsh, Arthur West, Hyvinkää
The demographic situation in Europe has been rapidly changing. High life expectancy and a significant influx of aging people filing for pensions is mirrored by the tendency of young people to start jobs and families later in life and high levels of youth unemployment. The European Union is trying to launch an effective common youth policy aimed at promoting active citizenship.
|
| 65 |
Financial Aspects of the Theatre. by Marina Koluyartseva, St. Petersburg
The possibility of a theatre reform in Russia has led to heated debates. Can and should the theatre be profitable? NH asked Vladimir Smolkin, director of Vladimir Smolkin Production Centre, to share his views on this matter.
|
| 70 |
Masters of Sound. by Nikolai Meinert, Helsinki
Organising concerts for touring musicians demands state of the art logistics services. No concert will begin without the proper equipment and few stars can afford to carry their own all over the world. Finnish Eastway Ltd is the leading lighting, sound and AV technical supplier in Finland, they provide their services to more than 1500 events annually.
|
| 74 |
Spending the Holidays in a Prison Cell. by Natalia Gracheva, Långholmen
Långholmen Hotel was once a prison. Now the cells are pleasingly and functionally furnished, with their own shower, WC, telephone, radio and cable TV. For those who like more authenticity there are less civilised accommodations. The unique experience attracts both businessmen and tourists from all over the world.
|
| 78 |
«Alps» in Lapland? by Natalia Erchova, Ukkohalla
Finland is rapidly becoming a desired destination for winter holidays. Just in 2005 it was host to more than 1,7 million Russian tourists who come to this country mainly in the skiing season. Its holiday resorts are expanding, but the main goal now is to even out the interest of tourist throughout the seasons.
|
| 82 |
The Power of Steam. by Natalia Erchova, Helsinki
Is it possible to turn the sauna business into one of the leading industries in a country’s economy? The reputation and traditions of Finnish saunas are known worldwide. Saunas in Finland are becoming a hot export product and a popular tourist attraction.
|
| 86 |
Best Hotels of the World: The Three Sisters Hotel in Tallinn. by Nikolai Meinert
In the Baltic countries the Three Sisters is the only boutique hotel that is a member of the prestigious Design Hotels group. It is located in a 1362 building, or more precisely 3 buildings merged together in the heart of the Old Town.
|
| 90 |
Hybrid in Wheels. by Nikolai Borovikov
Lexus has brought its new all-wheel-drive LS600h to the Mondial de l’Automobile Show in Paris this year. It will be the world’s first vehicle of any class or category to feature a full hybrid V8 powertrain, combining an all-new five-litre V8 petrol engine with high-output electric motors and a large-capacity battery pack. The LS600h will be launched in Australia in the first half of 2007.
|
| 94 |
Business Legislation
• Regulation of International Trade: responsibility for the cargo
(Materials prepared by Hedman Osborne Clarke Alliance, St. Petersburg office)
• Real-estate laws in Finland (continued):
building fences and walls on your property
(Materials prepared by NordLex Law offices)
|
