It is already cooler outside, the first trees has turn into yellow. The children went back to school. It is dark outside already at 9pm. Rowan berries are red, apples will soon be ready, there are a lot of mushrooms … Read More
Category Archives: Archived
Donald Tusk: A champion for Eastern Europe in a leading role at EU
Well before his appointment to one of the most senior posts within the European Union, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk had honed a reputation as one of the bloc’s most pro-European and politically savvy leaders. The 57-year-old Mr. Tusk has … Read More
Culture – the fourth pillar of sustainability
The transformation towards a sustainable society requires not only technological progress and innovative solutions, but also a strong cultural sector that inspires change in consumption and production. Culture is the fourth pillar of the Nordic countries’ sustainability approach, complementing its … Read More
Is boating bad for the baltic sea?
If you ask a leisure boater, the Finnish summer has been great. The weather in July-August has been phenomenal - though perhaps too hot or non-windy to some taste- but very welcome for most. Our longest trip was some two … Read More
Baltics’ people attitude towards EU
The latest Eurobarometer survey results published in July 2014 is the first EU-wide opinion poll conducted since the European Parliament elections in May which were organised under the slogan “This time it’s different”. The opinions collected have shown that this … Read More
What Iceland is about
It has been quite a while since my last blog entry here; nevertheless I believe my excuse to be reasonable and acceptable enough. The story this time leads me quite far away from everything I know and am used to. … Read More
The Time to Touch
Estonian Song and Dance Celebration 2014 How many singers or dancers have you seen on one stage performing together? More than a hundred, more than a thousand? Song and Dance Celebration is held in Estonia after every five years. On … Read More
Top 5 festivals in St.Petersburg to put on your travel list
St.Peterburg has built an enviable reputation for hosting spectacular events. Being a citizen of this city I am lucky to have a so-called 24/7 entertainment ticket to any event I like, as I can easily pick up the time and … Read More
Week with Cinematic Art
The spring sun slowly comes over Poland and days are getting warmer and warmer. People have long been eager to spend their free time outside. Therefore, with the first breath of spring air, myriad of festivals have started. In May, … Read More
Lattelecom establish 2.000 free Wi-Fi hotspots
2,000 free public access Wi-Fi hotspots has now been opened throughout Latvia by the largest Latvian telecom provider Lattelecom. The company already owned a Wi-Fi hotspot network, but now it is offering a free, ad-supported access. The users have to watch … Read More
One BSR in California – a get-together abroad
During the times of the Soviet Union, many Lithuanians fled to the U.S. Some have also migrated more recently. According to Wikipedia, there are currently 681,000 Lithuanians living in the U.S., making it the largest Lithuanian population living outside of … Read More
The dark side of boating
It’s been forever since my previous post due to various reasons, all of them equally unsatisfactory and one of them the beloved boat itself. It’s been causing lots of headache and is not even set to sea yet due to … Read More
Alexander Stubb to be Finland’s next prime minister
Finland’s EU minister Alexander Stubb, who wants to cut taxes and take his neutral country into NATO, has won the leadership of his ruling Conservative party, putting him on track to become prime minister later this month - June. British … Read More
Exhibition celebrates iconoclast Monroe
A retrospective art exhibit at the Novy Museum features photographic portraits of the artist posing as famous cultural figures. Like in any major transitional period in history, Perestroika saw a rebirth of creative self-expression. One of the most provocative Russian … Read More
“Outsider” at an Investment Promotion Agency meeting
During June 9-10th I was invited to participate in the Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) Forum 2014, partly hosted by the ONE BSR project. To be honest, I didn’t really have a clue what I was getting in to, I am … Read More
About Finnish crowds
Another situation in which the “common” behaviour of Finns vastly differs from other European countries, apart from the classic (weather), is when looking at Finnish concert audiences. To be fair, I should mention that this observation excludes events where the … Read More
From words to action – governance of macro-regional strategies
I have made it my habit to be rather frank when I speak to you at our annual meetings. So, I don’t mind telling you, that when I became European Commissioner in 2010, I really didn’t expect the Macro-Regional Strategies … Read More
Nature is waking up
I guess now it is the most joyful and beautiful time of the year because in May it’s a new beginning in nature – everything becomes green, people are getting fresh energy from the nature and start making new plans … Read More
Democracy at its best?
Last sunday European citizens decided where the European Union is heading. In times of discussing the democratic legitimacy of certain ballots, I wondered how an EU-wide election actually works on its most fundamental stage. Observations from ‘Wahllokal 107′ in Berlin … Read More