Breaking the ice with Russia.

In April 1986, Swedish scientists alerted the world to the Chernobyl disaster after they detected radioactivity in the atmosphere. The fact that news of the accident got out in such a random manner spoke volumes about the state of east-west relations at the time.

Communication between the former Cold War foes has improved remarkably since then, even if the two sides do not see eye to eye on many issues. And this new openness was present in a lively panel discussion on business, energy and environmental issues at the Baltic Development Forum.

Sitting at the same table did not mean the participants pulled any punches. Fraser Cameron, Director of the EU Russia Center, an independent think tank, criticized Russia's environmental laxity. Every year it wastes more gas than France consumes, and Cameron asked why Russia isn't pressured more over it being the world's third biggest carbon emitter. Russia needs investment while the EU needs energy, but this symbiosis is spoiled by Russia "sowing seeds of distrust," according to Cameron. And it is moving too slowly on securing the rule of law and strengthening civil society.

Igor Yurgens, First Vice President at Renaissance Capital, a Moscow investment bank, accused the EU of snubbing Russia by excluding it from the Eastern Partnership, a forum created this year for talks with several CIS states.

"If you want us on board, you should consult us in advance," he said.

Asked about the recent corruption problems experienced by IKEA in Russia, Yurgens admitted it is part of a broader problem.

"Russians who want to build a new business suffer a million times more, so this is not anti-Nordic--it is anti-business. But yes, it is a PR disaster," he said.

Rene Nyberg, former Finnish ambassador to Moscow, said the secret to better relations is to engage each other, citing successful cooperation on a St. Petersburg water treatment plant as an example of what can be done if relationships are developed. Despite Russia's dependence on oil, which Nyberg said breeds both stability and arrogance, Russia is Finland's most important growth market. He cited gas pipelines as a business where everyone has to be open, an experience which generates broader understanding.

"You have to be in for the long term, because there are no quick returns," said Nyberg. "Russia needs foreign partners, but you have to be tough enough to believe in yourself."