In a cozy snow-covered village located in Lapland, people celebrated St. Nicholas Day.

On Wednesday, December 6, a number of Catholic countries celebrated St. Nicholas Day, a holiday important for the majority of not only religious but also secular citizens. It puts you in high spirits, helps to remember the deeds of the famous saint, and for some serves as a prelude to Christmas and New Year. In Finland, this holiday is celebrated in a special place - in Lapland.

In Lapland, there is the famous village of St. Nicholas, which is an amusement park. It is located eight kilometers from the city of Rovaniemi.

Let us note the fact that earlier Lapland was considered the birthplace of St. Nicholas. At present, the Finns also adhere to these traditions.


An important attribute of the Lapland character is a deer harness and sleds. These noble animals are his indispensable companions.


In this truly magical place, you can feel the Christmas mood not only on holidays but also for the whole year. Guests of the park can admire the fabulous snow-covered forest, bright cozy buildings, as well as the unusual interiors of the St. Nicholas' village's premises.

In Europe, a lot of Christmas markets have opened on the eve of Christmas and New Year.

In late November and early December, pre-Christmas efforts begin in Europe: Christmas markets open, sales of holiday accessories, Christmas toys and various sweets start. Shelves burst with souvenirs, creating a magically upbeat mood. Here you can find out what Christmas markets take place in European cities.

Hungary

In the north-east of Hungary, in the town of Eger, near Budapest, the Christmas Market shines with lights, urging everyone to visit it. In the center of the fair, on Dobo Square, there is a giant Christmas tree ball, which attracts the eye.

Austria

Austrian Christmas Fair is distinguished by the noise and brightness of colors. In the ski resort of Mayrhofen, namely in the Waldfestplatz, where the event takes place, there is fun, and the festive mood is in the air.

Sankt Pölten (Austria)

The Austrians are breaking records this year in terms of the number of fairs. They know how to have fun and with special joy expect two important holidays of December - Christmas and New Year. In an effort to diversify the festive event, the Austrian authorities built a huge brilliant light tunnel at the Sankt Pölten fair.


Germany

In Germany, festive fairs also have long been working. Delicious souvenirs and unforgettable entertainments await both children and adults. One of these attractions is a large glowing Christmas carousel, located on Romerberg Square in Frankfurt am Main.

Germany (Strasbourg)

Nobody will be indifferent to the oldest fair in Europe, held in German Strasbourg. It is one of the longest in Germany, the largest and brightest, it is difficult to ignore. There is a lot of red-golden magnificence of fur-tree toys, appetizing sweets and an impressive number of New Year's accessories here.

Switzerland

One of the most famous fairs taking place near the Einsiedeln Abbey is considered another major market that opens on the eve of Christmas and New Year's Day. Its area is vast, and the festive assortment is magnificent. The fair can accept all comers.

The UK

Christmas Market, held in London's Hyde Park, also has a long history. It starts to work quite early - from the middle of November and lasts until the Nativity of Christ. The magnificence of souvenirs and bright illumination of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Christmas attracts many visitors.

In Europe, a lot of Christmas markets have opened on the eve of Christmas and New Year.

In late November and early December, pre-Christmas efforts begin in Europe: Christmas markets open, sales of holiday accessories, Christmas toys and various sweets start. Shelves burst with souvenirs, creating a magically upbeat mood. Here you can find out what Christmas markets take place in European cities.

Hungary

In the north-east of Hungary, in the town of Eger, near Budapest, the Christmas Market shines with lights, urging everyone to visit it. In the center of the fair, on Dobo Square, there is a giant Christmas tree ball, which attracts the eye.

Austria

Austrian Christmas Fair is distinguished by the noise and brightness of colors. In the ski resort of Mayrhofen, namely in the Waldfestplatz, where the event takes place, there is fun, and the festive mood is in the air.

Sankt Pölten (Austria)

The Austrians are breaking records this year in terms of the number of fairs. They know how to have fun and with special joy expect two important holidays of December - Christmas and New Year. In an effort to diversify the festive event, the Austrian authorities built a huge brilliant light tunnel at the Sankt Pölten fair.


Germany

In Germany, festive fairs also have long been working. Delicious souvenirs and unforgettable entertainments await both children and adults. One of these attractions is a large glowing Christmas carousel, located on Romerberg Square in Frankfurt am Main.

Germany (Strasbourg)

Nobody will be indifferent to the oldest fair in Europe, held in German Strasbourg. It is one of the longest in Germany, the largest and brightest, it is difficult to ignore. There is a lot of red-golden magnificence of fur-tree toys, appetizing sweets and an impressive number of New Year's accessories here.

Switzerland

One of the most famous fairs taking place near the Einsiedeln Abbey is considered another major market that opens on the eve of Christmas and New Year's Day. Its area is vast, and the festive assortment is magnificent. The fair can accept all comers.

The UK

Christmas Market, held in London's Hyde Park, also has a long history. It starts to work quite early - from the middle of November and lasts until the Nativity of Christ. The magnificence of souvenirs and bright illumination of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Christmas attracts many visitors.

In Europe, a lot of Christmas markets have opened on the eve of Christmas and New Year.

In late November and early December, pre-Christmas efforts begin in Europe: Christmas markets open, sales of holiday accessories, Christmas toys and various sweets start. Shelves burst with souvenirs, creating a magically upbeat mood. Here you can find out what Christmas markets take place in European cities.

Hungary

In the north-east of Hungary, in the town of Eger, near Budapest, the Christmas Market shines with lights, urging everyone to visit it. In the center of the fair, on Dobo Square, there is a giant Christmas tree ball, which attracts the eye.

Austria

Austrian Christmas Fair is distinguished by the noise and brightness of colors. In the ski resort of Mayrhofen, namely in the Waldfestplatz, where the event takes place, there is fun, and the festive mood is in the air.

Sankt Pölten (Austria)

The Austrians are breaking records this year in terms of the number of fairs. They know how to have fun and with special joy expect two important holidays of December - Christmas and New Year. In an effort to diversify the festive event, the Austrian authorities built a huge brilliant light tunnel at the Sankt Pölten fair.


Germany

In Germany, festive fairs also have long been working. Delicious souvenirs and unforgettable entertainments await both children and adults. One of these attractions is a large glowing Christmas carousel, located on Romerberg Square in Frankfurt am Main.

Germany (Strasbourg)

Nobody will be indifferent to the oldest fair in Europe, held in German Strasbourg. It is one of the longest in Germany, the largest and brightest, it is difficult to ignore. There is a lot of red-golden magnificence of fur-tree toys, appetizing sweets and an impressive number of New Year's accessories here.

Switzerland

One of the most famous fairs taking place near the Einsiedeln Abbey is considered another major market that opens on the eve of Christmas and New Year's Day. Its area is vast, and the festive assortment is magnificent. The fair can accept all comers.

The UK

Christmas Market, held in London's Hyde Park, also has a long history. It starts to work quite early - from the middle of November and lasts until the Nativity of Christ. The magnificence of souvenirs and bright illumination of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Christmas attracts many visitors.

Experts highlight a number of trends with regard to natural gas prices in the new fiscal year. Check out details in our article.

The new financial year, which has kicked off on October 1, will be crucial for the dynamics of natural gas prices. According to Peter Stewart, chief energy analyst at Interfax Global Energy, attention should be paid to 10 key trends that will directly affect the gas prices in the new 2017-2018 gas year.

• Chinese LNG market growing

  China's switch to a greater gas consumption instead of coal is expected to persist, the analyst believes. The Chinese government continues a clampdown on coal, preparing to heat millions of houses by gas, thus boosting the demand for it. Growing gas consumption in China is contributing to an increase in LNG imports. So far this year, the country's LNG imports surged by almost 44%.
  
  

  
  

  • Increase in LNG supplies from South America and the US

    In the current gas year, experts predict an increase in LNG exports from the countries of the Americas. This is not surprising: the US, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Peru are boosting their raw materials' exports. From January to September 2017, combined exports of these countries amounted to 19.74 million tonnes of LNG, which is 51.5% more than in 2016. According to Stewart's forecasts, North and South America will increase natural gas exports by 10% to 28.4 million tonnes.
    
    

    
    

    • Oil prices seeing geopolitical risk premium

      At the moment, experts note a high level of OPEC/non-OPEC oil cut compliance. This helps to keep the global oil market balanced.
      
      

      
      

      • Potential rise in Henry Hub natural gas prices

        Henry Hub natural gas spot prices could be higher this year and next year in case forecasts about a very cold winter in the US come true. Demand for gas in the commercial sector could substantially increase; while natural gas marketed production in the United States could decline. This would result in the depletion of reserves in 2017-2018. According to Stewart's forecasts, US natural gas inventories would total about 30 billion cubic meters, down from 58.4 billion cubic meters a year before.
        
        

        
        

        • Activity of Japanese firms selling LNG set to increase

          According to analysts, nuclear power plants in Japan are set to resume operations in the 2017-2018 gas year. In 2016, Japan witnessed a decline in LNG exports as the nuclear power plant's operations had been restarted and the government had launched electricity production from renewable sources. Japan is the world's largest gas consumer, but due to changes in its energy policy, the country may lose its previous position by 2020, Stewart believes.
          
          

          
          

          • Russian gas exports to Europe to continue

            Analysts claim this winter Europe could face a shortage of natural gas. The reason is a reduction of the Groningen natural gas production cap in the Netherlands as well as the shutdown of Rough, the UK long-term gas storage facility, which takes place amid tensions in the Brexit negotiations. Stewart believes Russian gas exports to Europe could reach record levels by the end of 2017 and next year.
            
            

            
            

            • Investments in new gas projects

              Investments in LNG projects are a crucial factor in the global natural gas market. Thus, the first production train of the Wheatstone LNG project in Australia has been launched and the second one is set to be started soon thanks to the investment inflow. The launch of new gas liquefaction facilities in various parts of the planet contributes to the growth of LNG supplies. The number of new LNG production projects is among the factors that will determine the prospects for the natural gas market in the 2020s.
              
              

              
              

              • Importance of associated gas production in MEA region

                Analysts note a growing importance of natural gas in the energy structure of the Middle East and African (MEA) countries. According to Stewart, the production of this type of gas would contribute to the overall gas output in the region in 2017-2018 gas year.
                
                

                
                

                • Growing supplies from North Africa

                  Experts mention numerous projects being launched in Egypt and Algeria aimed to support LNG exports from both countries. Stewart believes that this trend will intensify in 2018. Egypt plans to put into operation four lines of its Zohr project as well as to expand operations of the Abu Qir site. In Algeria, the first phase of the South West Gas project has been launched. The total volume of gas and LNG exports from these countries was 25.23 billion cubic meters in 2017, an increase of 12.1% compared to 2016.
                  
                  

                  
                  

                  • Bright prospects for LNG exporters from West Africa

                    In the 2017-2018 gas year, three major LNG exporters in West Africa - Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Angola - are planning to boost their overseas supplies. This is facilitated by higher activity of portfolio players, helping these countries to sell LNG in the spot market. In the first nine months of this year, these three nations increased their total LNG shipments abroad by 31% to 20.51 million tonnes. According to the forecast of Stewart, this figure will rise by another 10% in 2018.

                  
                  
                
                
              
              
            
            
          
          
        
        
      
      
    
    
  
  

In order to counter the growing pollution of the environment and air, many countries are taking domestic measures aimed at limiting carbon emissions to the atmosphere. In our photo gallery, you can find seven countries that are actively fighting for clean air and the future of our planet

As you know, September 22 is the world day without a car. On this day, motorists of many countries try to abandon the use of fuel vehicles that pollute the environment. In 2015, 192 countries signed the "Climate Agreement" and began to introduce measures to limit carbon emissions in the atmosphere. One of such measures was the promotion of electric vehicles, as well as the reduction of the number of fuel cars on the city streets. In our photo gallery, there are seven countries actively fighting air pollution.

• Germany

  Though not the first to have considered banning petrol and diesel cars, Germany was the first to implement a ban. Back in October 2016, the country's federal council proposed and passed a resolution that calls for a total ban on internal combustion engines by 2030. The decision is a significant one, not just because it's the first, but also because Germany has the fourth largest car manufacturing industry in the world. Germany's also home to some of the biggest car makers out there. As a result, veteran automobile manufacturers Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen have since firmed up on their hydrogen and electric car efforts.
  
  

  
  

  • Norway

    In February 2017, Norway decided to follow and outdo the German example. Not only is this Scandinavian country banning fossil fuel-based cars, they've set a target that's five years earlier than Germany's. By 2025, Norway will only sell cars that are 100 percent electric, doing away with petrol-based vehicles. Their targets for implementing such an ambitious but not impossible plan, strengthened by a green tax system, is clear. In addition, the Norwegian authorities plan to replace 56 km of motor roads with bicycle paths.
    
    

    
    

    • Spain

      In Madrid, the capital of Spain, it is planned to prohibit the use of passenger cars in the city center by 2020, and also to change the urban infrastructure of the 24 busiest streets, adapting them more for pedestrians than for road transport. This initiative aims to reduce the daily use of cars from 29% to 23%. Drivers ignoring the Spanish legislation will be fined $100.
      
      
      

      
      

      • India

        India has instituted a policy, similar to Norway's, to allow only the sale of fully-electric cars by 2030. The effort is financed by the government. The idea is that by 2030, not a single petrol or diesel car should be sold in the country.
        
        

        
        

        • France

          The home of the historic Paris Climate Agreement won't be left behind, of course. The Agreement aims to respond to the global climate change threat by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The country's set radical changes to the country's climate goals into motion. Part of this is a ban on all petrol and diesel vehicles effective on 2040. It's a step-by-step process, which includes having a fleet of 2.4 million rechargeable electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as a 3% of NGV heavy duty vehicles by 2023.
          
          

          
          

          • The UK

            The British have introduced a ban on new diesel and petrol fuel cars by 2040, as part of a $4.06 billion initiative (£3 billion) that trickles down to local councils to improve the nation's air quality. Poor air quality is the biggest environmental risk to public health in the UK and this government is determined to take strong action in the shortest time possible, a spokesperson previously told the BBC.
            
            

            
            

            • The Netherlands

              The Netherlands have expressed interest in curbing greenhouse emissions from cars. The Dutch have been considering a petrol and diesel ban since April 2016. A complete ban on the use of diesel and fuel vehicles will be introduced.