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.
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.
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.
By year 2020, Russians will make an average of 30.000 USD a year, labour productivity will be increased 3-4 times, life expectancy rise to 75 years and the innovation economy flourish, the Russian government’s new long-term development plan reads.
Companies in northern Norway are ready to provide 200 million NOK of fresh funding in an attempt to save Norway’s bid for the Tromsø Winter Olympic Games 2018.
The growing Russian inflation increases the likelihood of social frustration and unrest. Still, mass protests in the country are unlikely, several studies conclude.
