Argophilia

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European Union

Russia – EU Tourism Glee: Has the Boat Sailed

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Russian Federation Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is all over the news of late. First running for the Presidency again, and today talking about something termed a “Eurasian Union”-or as some proclaim – a soviet bloc party renewed. But, Putin’s ideas could well solve any number of points of pain for his people.

Not Just Rotten in Denmark – Nationalism Surfacing

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The news that the Danish parliament moved on Friday to reintroduce limited border controls, should not really come as any surprise. With one segment of the EU pushing hard for austerity measures on the other side, and the Russian Federation being nixed at every turn on free visa travel, and general upheaval increasing overall, isn’t it clear more than one border crossing is at risk?

Just How Unwired Is the European Travel Commission?

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The European Travel Commission recently announced a travel contest via their Facebook engagement to attract US tourists to the continent. In what could be classified as either symbolic, or simply Europe’s latest and greatest online misfire, the pronounced Facebook engagement is nowhere to be found. The so called “I Wish I Were There” contest, is so far only a dream?

EasyJet Looks to EU to Fund Ash Cloud Detector

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EasyJet has asked the European Union to help fund a new volcanic ash detection system for aircraft.  The technology, developed by the Norwegian Institute for Air Research, is designed to do what radars cannot: detect the presence of dangerous dust particles and volcanic ash in the air, giving them time to adjust course. The detection […]

Estonia – The Next Big Thing In Eco-tourism?

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Largely unexploited Estonia offers huge opportunities for nature tourism devotees, it has been claimed. In particular, the country is a great place for birdwatchers, says Tim Appleton, chief organizer of the world’s largest eco-tourism trade fair, Birdfair. His comments yesterday were reported by the BBN news portal.

European Capital of Culture: Spotlight Burgos

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Every year The Council of the European Union selects two cities to act as the European Capitals of Culture. For 2011 those cities are Tallinn in Estonia, and Turku in Finland. But, the process for cities being selected actually began several years ago. In keeping with the process, future cities are due to be selected later this year – to represent the European Union in 2016 and onward.

Russia – Finland Visa Free Travel a Step Closer

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The door for visa-free travel between Russia and Finland was opened on Sunday as Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Finnish President Tarja Halonen officially opened a high speed rail service between St. Petersburg and Helsinki. The two leaders seemed positive about at least limited free-visa travel between the two countries. A positive outcome for rail between the two could well speed EU and Russian Federation talks to open up travel to Russia.

EU and Russia: Free Visa Talks at Standstill

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Travel and tourism for Russia is up this year despite slow progress on the free visa issue. The EU’s apparent stalling of Russia on free travel is holding up what could be a boom for the industry worldwide. Business between the EU and the Russian Federation could take many countries out of the recession with expanded cooperation, so just why the EU is holding back makes little sense to many.