The ambition is to inform while at the same time encourage a dialogue between the public and the embassy. In feed-back from readers, no subject should be too small to raise. It could be something of relevance to services the public can expect from the embassy, or that is related to the embassy's work and performance. It could of course also deal with any other topic I have raised, or that a reader wants to raise. An enhanced dialogue could help the embassy to improve its services and help in the planning of its future activities.
Spring is here, and one of the highlights of the season for Norwegians is the celebration of Norway’s National Day on the 17th of May. Norwegians and friends of Norway all around the world celebrate the signing of the Norwegian constitution in Eidsvoll on 17th May 1814. The date also marks the country’s declaration of independence from Denmark. Today Norway enjoys a very good cooperation both with Denmark as well as with Sweden, Finland and Iceland.
Co-operation
The unique cultural fellowship between the Nordic countries is also reflected here in Greece, in particular the Nordic embassies’ cultural activities in 2009, such as the Nafplion Festival of classical music with a tribute to the Nordic countries, a series of lectures on Nordic architecture at the Benaki museum, and common participation at the Thessaloniki bokk fair.
In addition, the Nordic embassies collaborate on emergency preparedness with a joint contingency plan in order to be prepared in the best possible way in case of a crisis that may arise.
The word “crisis” has been used a lot this winter to describe the current global financial situation. “Crisis” comes from the ancient Greek κρίσις and was used among others to express the idea of a turning point. This implied that every crisis embodies a chance to change things for the better. A “greening” of the economy should be a major result of the crisis. We can, and must, all do our share.
Green Projects
The Norwegian Government will finance many green projects both in and outside Norway, including projects in the rain forests in Brazil and Congo. Also in Greece exciting projects are going on. One example: through the EEA Financial Mechanism Norway will co-finance with the Greek government a project called: THINK GREEN. Project promoter is the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The purpose is to improve the environmental consciousness and ecological awareness amongst small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will create a Green Business Network, establish an environmental mentor program, and develop a Green web portal for SMEs.
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I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Sverre Stub
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