Two hundred kilometres above the Arctic Circle hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers are finding a new life in northern Norway, but recently the doors have been shutting on those desperate to start fresh in the High North.
With the Arctic becoming an object of steadily growing attention, Murmansk Oblast establishes the “Arctic University” to prepare Barents students for jobs in Arctic oil and gas projects.
As Syrian refugees in the hundreds cross over from Russia, capacities in Kirkenes reach the limits. Now an abandoned military compound is turned into refugee reception center.
Members of the LGBT community in Murmansk speak out about living in a country where the government has declared them an enemy of the state. One organization is reaching out to help youth and adults overcome the stigma and prejudice of homosexuality and live openly. But some are finding escape from Russia is the only way to gain freedom.
Two of the largest university colleges in Northern Norway – Harstad University College and Narvik University College want to merge with the University of Tromsø – the Arctic University of Norway.
North Norwegian city of Tromsø is planning to apply for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. However, recent disagreement within the local Olympic committee is threatening to hamper the plans. On Wednesday, Mr. Petter Rønningen was appointed new committee leader.
The higher level of inflation might again increase the number of poor in Russia. A analysis company believes a total of 20 million Russian will be categorised as poor by the end of 2008.
The Norwegian town of Tromsø has been determined to arrange the 2018 Winter Olympic Games – the first ever Olympics in the Arctic. Now the plans might be undermined by an official report, which claims the price will be too high.
