Kaliningrad

: For other uses, see Kaliningrad (disambiguation) and Königsberg (disambiguation).

Kaliningrad's future

Some have argued that because of Kaliningrad's special position and situation, as an exclave of Russia surrounded by EU territory, it should be given special treatment compared to other regions of the Russian Federation. As both the Lithuanian and Polish economy, as well as the economies of the other new members of the EU, are expected to continue to grow and benefit from their membership in the biggest economy on the planet, Kaliningrad could prosper as well. The most optimistic see a future where Kaliningrad could become a "Hong Kong of the Baltic Sea".

Related Topics:
EU - Lithuanian - Polish economy - Hong Kong - Baltic Sea

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These bright scenarios, however, are far from being fulfilled. Kaliningrad faces extreme social, economic, medical and environmental problems. A large part of the population lives in poverty (a bigger percentage than the Russian average). The former largest employer in the area, the military, has suspended most of its activities. An HIV-epidemic is getting bigger and bigger, particularly among drug-addicts and the homeless. Also, the military activities of the last 50 years have left enormous amounts of toxic waste, making large areas uninhabitable.

Related Topics:
HIV - Homeless - Toxic waste

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Instead of being an area with great potential, which could be fulfilled through cooperation with its neighbors, Kaliningrad is a headache for Poland and Lithuania, and the rest of the EU, with a high crime rate, much organized crime and huge social problems.

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