The labour market in Murmansk Oblast seems to react rather slowly to the expected difficulties. This was the conclusion after the last meeting of the recently established Murmansk Oblast government’s crisis commission.
The Russian government has submitted a bill to the State Duma, which will broaden the definition of treason. That could create new trouble for Russian NGOs.
The nature reserve around the Bear Island in the Barents Sea will be expanded. This is a measure to help preserve the environment in the Barents Sea and around Svalbard, the Norwegian government says.
The world’s nickel producer number one Norilsk Nickel has hired Grand Duke Georgy Romanov to lobby its interests in Brussels. The company fears new EU environmental regulations could harm its exports.
In its session last week, the EU Council not only reached agreement on a new energy and climate change package. It also approved a historic agreement on the European Security and Defence Policy.
Last weekend 972 larger traffic accidents were registered in Russia. 153 persons died in these accidents and almost 1200 were injured, web site RBC reports. 47 accidents were caused by drunk drivers.
The Russian government last week approved plans for the 300 billion RUB development of the Murmansk Transport Hub. Regional Governor Yuri Yevdokimov is confident that the government approval will speed up project implementation.
The introduction of visa-free travel between Russia and the EU would be a “brilliant project”, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in a briefing today.
The Shtokman Development Company wants the state to introduce tax exemption for the companies developing offshore gas fields. Among the tax benefits should be no value added tax on advanced import goods like LNG-technology, company leader Yuri Komarov says.
