operation

The problem is widespread in both countries, but slightly more so among Norwegian respondents. When asked whether they have confronted their partners with these occurrences, two thirds of the relevant respondents had done so, why the remaining third had not. Norwegians are slightly more likely to ask their partners the reason for the perceived standstill. Norwegians, on the other hand were more likely to be either fully (44%) or partially (56%) satisfied with the explanation given for the lack of action. Russians, on the other hand were fully satisfied with the answers given only in 7 percent of the instances, while 87% were only partially satisfied and another 7% not satisfied at all.

2.9 Cross-border contacts resulting from project co-operation

Professional networking among project participants also takes the form of developing closer personal contacts between project participants. Professional relations sometimes develop into more personal relations and even friendships. Survey data indicate that this has taken place to a large degree among participants in the projects funded by the Barents Secretariat. No less than 84% have exchanged private e-mail correspondence, and the same percentage has had a private meal or drink together with their partners. Almost a similar share (78%) have sent private Christmas or New Year cards to their colleagues in the projects, while two thirds (66%) have been invited to the home of their Russian or Norwegian partner. There is virtually no difference between the respondents from the two countries in this respect, with one exception: Norwegians appear to be less inclined to categorize their e-mail correspondence to be private, as 95% of the Russian respondents ascertain that they have engaged in this type of activity, while the corresponding percentage among Norwegians is 76%.