Editor's note

At the start of 2008 we have terminated the BC’s paper version, which has existed since 1996 for the Russian language version and 2001 – for the English one. Now we say a farewell to the paper version and we put our efforts entirely into the online-magazine.

No changes in the magazine’s materials and information are incurred. The contents and main directions which made our magazine known internationally remain constant, e.g. the economic, political and business situation analysis in the Baltic States, relations with the European Union and the neighbours on the East, various sectoral and analytical reviews, etc. The only change is that we do not publish on paper any more. 

We regard the transformation to the analytical web-magazine as a timely response. Our readers around the world can get fresh business information right after our authors have made it. And without any delay. 

As to the BC’s international part, we’d like to make our impetus into intercultural dialogue as the EU’s theme of 2008 is European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. According to a Eurobarometer study around 3/4 of the population believe that cultural diversity is a source of wealth for their country. A large majority of Europeans work daily with people of different cultures, religions and ethnic groups. Thus, 83% of those interviewed thought that this situation is "beneficial" but many (55%) say it is also important not to lose one's personal cultural traditions. In addition, 2/3 of those interviewed believe the idea of a year of intercultural dialogue is “really interesting”.

We’d like to keep close links with our readers in making the web-magazine more useful for managers, entrepreneurs and decision-makers.