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Over recent years, NATO allies and Russia have scaled up military exercises in the region; Chinese and Russian warships conducted a joint exercise in the Bering Sea in September. Four Arctic experts say it would take the West at least 10 years to catch up with Russia's military in the region, if it chose to do so. "NATO is increasing its presence in the Arctic with more modern capabilities," NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg told Reuters. Now NATO and Arctic allies are changing their stance. Sweden and Finland have begun investing in surveillance and deterrence capabilities and military hardware including jets so their air forces can fight alongside Arctic NATO allies.

☆ The 'world's largest floating wind farm' produces its first power
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( Anmar Frangoul | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

A facility described as the world's largest floating wind farm produced its first power over the weekend, with more turbines set to come online before the year is out. The use of a floating wind farm to help power the production of fossil fuels is likely to spark some controversy, however. Earlier this year, meanwhile, the White House said it was targeting 15 gigawatts of floating offshore wind capacity by the year 2035. As well as the 15 GW ambition, a "Floating Offshore Wind Shot" aims to reduce the costs of floating technologies by over 70% by the year 2035. "Bringing floating offshore wind technology to scale will unlock new opportunities for offshore wind power off the coasts of California and Oregon, in the Gulf of Maine, and beyond," the statement added.

☆ The Fed and other central banks could deliver a 'Santa Pause' rally for global stocks this year as they dial back the size of rate hikes, Schwab says
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( Carla Mozée | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A "Santa Pause" rally for stocks may be taking shape as central banks signal a step-down in rate hikes, Charles Schwab said. The Fed and the BoE are among those indicating they're considering less aggressive rate hikes in the future. The Federal Reserve is among the central banks over the past week that has indicated a slower pace of rate increases. BoE's comment came as it kicked up its benchmark rate by 75 basis points, the largest increase in 33 years. The Bank of Canada last month unexpectedly raised its overnight rate by 50 basis points instead of an anticipated 75 basis points.

☆ New missions in the high north are taking US and British aircraft carriers closer to a frigid frontline with Russia
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( Christopher Woody | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Throughout the war in Ukraine, US destroyers have continued "operating with allies and partners in the high north to put pressure on Russia, to make sure that they know that we're there with capable platforms," Gilday added. The British Royal Navy followed suit this spring, sending HMS Prince of Wales into the Arctic for seven weeks — the first Arctic deployment for the UK's new Queen Elizabeth-class carriers. By sending the carrier that far north, the Royal Navy sought "to push the boundaries of UK carrier operations in the cold, harsh environment," the ship's commanding officer said. British Royal NavyHMS Prince of Wales' deployment reflects the British navy's increasing investment in Arctic operations. In 2020, the British navy "recommenced" routine operations in the Arctic, according to the UK's updated Arctic strategy, released in March.

☆ Finland urges Turkey, Hungary to swiftly approve Swedish, Finnish NATO bids
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Lehtikuva/Vesa Moilanen/via REUTERSHELSINKI, Nov 1 (Reuters) - Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Tuesday urged Hungary and Turkey to swiftly approve the Swedish and Finnish applications for membership of the NATO defence alliance. Hungary and Turkey are the only two remaining NATO members to not yet have ratified the applications. "All eyes are now on Hungary and Turkey. Finland and Sweden last week reiterated they would join NATO at the same time, presenting a united front to Turkey. Reporting by Essi Lehto and Anna Ringstrom, editing by Terje SolsvikOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Climate Change Is Real. Markets, Not Governments, Offer the Cure. - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-28 | by ( Bret Stephens | Mr. Stephens Is An Opinion Columnist. Mr. Winter Is A Staff Photographer On Assignment In Opinion. | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +32 min

worse-case, highest-carbon-emission scenario.” (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is the U.N. body that assesses climate change.) How do we weigh the risks of underreacting to climate change against the risks of overreacting to it? While he’s not an expert on climate change, he has spent decades thinking deeply about every manner of risk. That’s particularly true if climate change is akin to cancer — manageable or curable in its earlier stages, disastrous in its later ones. Maybe, I realized, in assessing my newfound concerns about climate change, my long-held beliefs might provide a solution — look to the market.

☆ European gas prices to remain high for years, says Equinor CEO
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

OSLO, Oct 28 (Reuters) - The price of gas in Europe will remain high for years to come following the cuts in deliveries from Russia, the chief executive of Norway's Equinor (EQNR.OL) said on Friday. The company, which has this year overtaken Russia's Gazprom (GAZP.MM) as the biggest supplier of gas to Europe, early on Friday posted record third-quarter profits thanks to the spike in energy costs. "The fundamental problem in Europe is a shortage of gas and there will be a shortage over time, and if Europe is to attract that gas it should expect to pay a high price in the coming years," Chief Executive Anders Opedal told a news conference. "Our contribution will be to produce as much as possible and our gas will remain valuable in the years ahead," he said. Reporting by Nerijus Adomaitis, editing by Terje SolsvikOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

A suspected Russian spy was arrested in a Norwegian Arctic town this week, adding to fears about Moscow’s activity in the region after a string of recent incidents. “The person concerned was an intern at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, and thus not employed by the university,” the statement said. He said both he and the arrested man were part of a research network for students and researchers working on different types of security. It said that the “spy mania against Russia has been actively promoted in Norway lately.”“Everything Russian, whether it be state bodies, private companies or individual citizens, is suspicious and smacks of espionage,” it added. The latest incident comes after Norwegian media reported at least eight arrests of Russian nationals in recent weeks, suspected of flying drones and taking photos in restricted areas in northern and central Norway.

☆ ATP roundup: Stan Wawrinka ousts Casper Ruud in Switzerland
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/7] Aug 8, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Stan Wawrinka (SUI) hits a shot against Emil Ruusuvuori (FIN) (not pictured) during first round play at IGA Stadium. David Kirouac-USA TODAY SportsOctober 25 - Playing in his home nation and on a protected ranking, 37-year-old Stan Wawrinka knocked out No. 2 seed Casper Ruud of Norway 6-4, 6-4 in the first round of the Swiss Indoors Basel on Tuesday in Switzerland. He saved all three break points he faced against Ruud, went 2-for-2 in break points converted and held a 9-5 edge in aces. In the second round, Thiem could face No.

Putin and top Russian officials have repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons to protect Russia. "Second, there is no reason for him to use any nuclear weapons ... For Putin, the threat of using nuclear weapons "is more valuable than if he actually uses them", said Kristoffersen. Asked whether he thought Russia was more willing to use nuclear weapons than before, Kristoffersen said Putin was following the Russian doctrine of using nuclear weapons when the country's "very existence" was at risk. Yet, Kristoffersen stressed Russia could rebuild its land forces in a hurry given it trains about 250,000 conscripts every year.

☆ Consortium including Aker, Trafigura offers to buy OMV's E&P unit -report
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( David Carnevali | Foo Yun Chee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File PhotoVIENNA, Oct 18 (Reuters) - A consortium including Norwegian energy group Aker has made an unsolicited offer to buy most of Austrian oil and gas firm OMV's exploration and production business, according to newspaper report on Tuesday which an industry source confirmed to Reuters. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterAn industry source confirmed the consortium's expression of interest but identified Aker BP as the member rather than Aker ASA. OMV confirmed that it had received a letter expressing interest in its E&P business. The offer also did not include OMV's Romanian unit Petrom or E&P business in Russia, Kurier reported. The consortium estimated the value of the 51% stake in the E&P division at $5.5 billion to $7 billion, Kurier added.

☆ Russian roulette: Is Putin serious about nuclear war, or bluffing?
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-14 | by ( Jason Corcoran | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +14 min

On Oct. 26, President Vladimir Putin appeared on Russian state television overseeing a practice run of Russia's strategic nuclear deterrence forces. The conflict has revived Cold War-era fears of nuclear war across the region. In August, a Ukrainian official said that 9,000 Ukrainian military personnel had been killed, though another source said the number could be far higher. (President Zelensky previously estimated that 30% of Ukraine's power stations have been damaged or destroyed, although the figure is now likely to be greater.) In a wide-ranging answer, Putin had offered, almost as an aside, that Russian victims of nuclear war "will go to heaven as martyrs" while Western citizens would perish without having "time to repent."

☆ Factbox: The structure of the Porsche IPO
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

- As part of the deal, Volkswagen sold 25% plus one ordinary share in Porsche AG to Porsche SE (PSHG_p.DE), the holding firm controlled by the Piech and Porsche families, effectively giving them a blocking minority in the namesake brand. WHO CONTROLS PORSCHE AG? - Volkswagen AG and Porsche SE jointly own all of Porsche AG's ordinary shares in a 75% minus one share-25% plus one share split. - Overall, 75% minus one ordinary share of Porsche AG's total share capital is owned by Volkswagen AG after the IPO. - Porsche SE now owns 12.5% plus one ordinary share of Porsche AG's total capital while Qatar owns 2.5%.

☆ Chess-World champion Carlsen alleges Niemann has cheated more than he admits
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

read more"So far I have only been able to speak with my actions, and those actions have stated clearly that I am not willing to play chess with Niemann," Carlsen said in a statement on Twitter. "When Niemann was invited last minute to the 2022 Sinquefield Cup, I strongly considered withdrawing prior to the event. I ultimately chose to play," Carlsen said. "I believe that Niemann has cheated more - and more recently - than he has publicly admitted," Carlsen said on Monday. "Chess organisers and all those who care about the sanctity of the game we love should seriously consider increasing security measures and methods of cheat detection for over-the-board chess," Carlsen added.

☆ What it's like to work in Svalbard, a group of Arctic islands where anyone can live visa-free — as long as you don't run out of money and abide by its unique set of rules
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-24 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Insider spoke with four locals (one of whom was deported) about what it's like to work in Svalbard. Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago 500 miles from the North Pole, is home to the world's northernmost human settlement. He moved to the island from the US in 2008 with around $1 million dollars in the bank and ambitions to launch an English-language newspaper, Sabbatini told Insider. Courtesy of Martin FialaThanks to the local housing crisis, it's easier to find work on Svalbard than a place to live. The price to pay is that it's exhausting and chaotic, but that's pretty awesome," Fiala told Insider.

☆ Oil slides nearly 4% on heightened recession worries and a fresh 20-year high for the US dollar
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-23 | by ( Carla Mozée | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Oil prices slumped Friday and were on course to lose ground for the week. WTI crude oil fell to a nine-month low and traded just above $80 a barrel. Fears about global recession ramped up after this week's round of rate hikes by central banks. Oil prices were also lower as the US Dollar continued to march higher. Dollar-denominated oil prices can be hurt by gains in the greenback's value as it makes the commodity more expensive to purchase by holders of foreign currencies.

☆ Palantir CEO Alex Karp says this deadly tidal wave of macroeconomic risks will wipe out some companies
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-22 | by ( Yun Li | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir arrives ahead of a "Tech For Good" meetup at Hotel Marigny in Paris on May 15, 2019, held to discuss good conduct for technology giants. Palantir co-founder and CEO Alex Karp believes this period of "deadly" macroeconomic uncertainties will crush many companies with shaky fundamentals. "Bad times are incredibly good for Palantir ... bad times really uncover the durable companies, and tech is going through bad times.... I\interest rates are the reason," said Karp said Thursday on CNBC's "Squawk Box." "Will this deadly tidal wave wipe out some companies? Karp said that only those quality companies producing durable goods would survive the hard times.

☆ Norway raises rates by 50 basis points, eyes smaller hikes ahead
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-22 | by ( Victoria Klesty | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterA view shows the building of Norway’s central bank (Norges Bank) in Oslo, Norway, June 23, 2022. REUTERS/Victoria KlestyOSLO, Sept 22 (Reuters) - Norway's central bank raised its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 2.25% on Thursday, as most economists had expected, but said future hikes would be more "gradual", weakening the crown currency. read more"The policy rate will most likely be raised further in November," the bank said in a statement. read moreThe Swiss central bank hiked by 75 bps on Thursday, while the Bank of England is expected to raise rates later in the day. Core inflation, which excludes energy, stood at 4.7%, exceeding the central bank's goal of 2.0%.

☆ Norway to hike rates by 50 basis points this week - Reuters poll
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A view shows the building of Norway’s central bank (Norges Bank) in Oslo, Norway, June 23, 2022. Of the 30 economists surveyed, 28 predicted Norges Bank will hike by 50 basis points (bps) on Sept. 22 to a rate of 2.25%, the highest level since 2011. A majority of participants in the Reuters poll now say rates will likely hit 2.75% by the end of the year, well above the 2.25% projected by the central bank in June. The central bank last week released a businesses survey indicating a weaker outlook for companies. The Reuters poll predicted that Norges Bank could begin cutting its policy rate in 2024.

☆ Factbox: The structure of the planned Porsche IPO
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

- Shares in Porsche AG are expected to start trading on Frankfurt's stock exchange on Sept. 29. - Volkswagen's proceeds from the sale of ordinary and preferred shares will be between 18.1 billion and 19.5 billion euros. - Volkswagen AG and Porsche SE will jointly own all of Porsche AG's ordinary shares in a 75% minus one share-25% plus one share split. - Overall, 75% minus one ordinary share of Porsche AG's total share capital will be owned by Volkswagen AG after the IPO. - Porsche SE will own 12.5% plus one ordinary share of Porsche AG's total capital while Qatar will own 2.5%.

☆ The world's most powerful are gathered in London for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. Here's who is — and isn't — there
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-19 | by ( Karen Gilchrist | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Wpa Pool | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty ImagesHundreds of global dignitaries are gathered in London Monday to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, marking a level of ceremony unseen in the U.K. for decades. Britain's King Charles III waves as he's driven down the Mall in London on September 19, 2022, ahead of the State Funeral Service of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. - Leaders from around the world will attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. President of United States Joe Biden and Jill Biden arrive for the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England. Japan's Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako arrive at Westminster Abbey in London on September 19, 2022, for the State Funeral Service for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II.

☆ Factbox: World leaders to attend Queen Elizabeth's funeral
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Canadian Prime minister Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau attend the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey. Jack Hill/Pool via REUTERSRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterLONDON, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Queen Elizabeth's state funeral will take place in London on Monday and a host of world leaders, royalty and other dignitaries will attend. Countries that have not been invited include Syria and Venezuela because London does not have normal diplomatic relations with those states. Britain has also not invited representatives from Russia, Belarus or Myanmar after it imposed economic sanctions on those countries. Related ContentFactbox: Plans for Queen Elizabeth's state funeral on MondayFactbox: Comments from crowds in London on Queen ElizabethFactbox: World leaders to attend Queen Elizabeth's funeralFactbox: Order of service for Queen Elizabeth's state funeralWindsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth's home and now final resting placeWestminster Abbey - traditional church for royals in life and death(This story was refiled to correct spelling of first name of Belize governor general)Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterCompiled by Farouq Suleiman and Kate Holton Editing by Deepa Babington and Frances KerryOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ The coworkers who fell in love when they shared a hotel room
▼ + stars: | 2022-08-17 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —When Ida Skibenes pulled up outside the Solstrand Hotel, her stomach was in knots, flipping between nerves and excitement. The historic Solstrand Hotel in Norway played an important role in Hanna and Ida's relationship. The next day, Ida and Hanna were preoccupied with a busy day of meetings and presentations. Hanna and Ida got engaged at the Solstrand hotel, and got married in Bergen in 2022. I’ve never been in such a close relationship before and it changed my life in many different ways.

Persons: Ida Skibenes, Ida, Ida’s, Solstrand, Hanna Aardal, CNN Hanna, Hanna, ”, Montag, messaged, “, Ida didn’t, Ida Skibenes Ida, ’, ’ ”, Montag Hanna, ” Ida, Solstrand Ida, ” Hanna, ‘, Ragnhild Storsletten Åse, Ida Skibenes Hanna, ” “ It’s, she’s, I’ve Organizations: CNN Locations: Bergen, Ida’s Bergen, Solstrand, Norway, Ida

☆ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway
▼ + stars: | 2020-04-15 | by ( ) www.civic.md time to read: 1 min

Hostingul si serviciile internet pentru administrarea portalului CIVIC.MD sunt oferite gratuit de compania Starnet

☆ Why music legends travel to this remote island
▼ + stars: | 2018-04-13 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

On the Northwest coast of Norway sits a small, completely flat island called Giske, home to one of the most remote and exclusive recording studios in the world. Source: CNN

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