Who has the answer? That’s a good question. So far, none of the EU’s leaders have a straight answer. The banking sector is similarly equivocal – take the Bank of England’s head Mervin King speaking in November: “We thought that by now funding conditions would be better but in fact they are worse. That’s one of the things that made assessing the economy, very difficult…”

We need answers – just not these answers! So, who did we turn to? Someone at the very coal face of the European economy; someone who isn’t hamstrung by convention, consent or indeed the UK’s Conservative party backbenchers? The person we chose was Petra Wassner, CEO of NRW.Invest, and what a choice it was. Being hardwired into Germany’s most successful federal state, Wassner doesn’t mix her words and has a clear view of what’s happening and the direction our future is heading.

How’s this for a sample line? “With economic output that accounts for almost a quarter of Germany’s gross domestic product, our federal state generally reflects the overall economic situation in Germany.”

This frank and exclusive interview is one of the best we’ve ever run and makes for reassuring reading – it’s good to know that someone is leading from the front as we head into the unchartered territory of 2012.

Building on NRW, we also highlight one of the region’s biggest architecture practices, HPP. Based in Dusseldorf’s hip Media Harbour, the company is resolutely conceptual and modern in outlook but as our report states, the practice is rooted in tradition.

Formed 75 years ago by Helmut Hentrich and is currently led by the 4th generation of architects HPP Hentrich-Petschnigg & Partner GmbH + Co. With a staff of 260, and offices in Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, Leipzig, Stuttgart, Shanghai und Sofia, the HPP group reflect the prosperous confidence of North Rhine Westphalia in their buildings and their outlook.

We have investment reports on Finland, a nation that simply refuses to get bogged down by the trials and tribulations of European Union membership. Going from strength to strength through the sovereign debt debacle and tapping into neighbouring Russia’s vast wealth, this northernmost EU nation should be an inspiration to us all.

Then we have our own first foray into the Great Russian nation, admittedly dipping our toes into Saint Petersburg with the aid of Tsar Events who guided us through their remarkable hometown. The possibilities for meetings and incentives here are truly out of the ordinary.

From one vast beautiful city to the small but perfectly formed Ljubljana, our reporter explores the Slovenian capital for another MICE and business destination city focus. We also tacked on a visit to Croatia, continuing the trip from Dubrovnik up to the head of the Adriatic and the incredible region of Imatra. This wonderful part of the world has now reached the attention of foodies – the opinion formers who have money and influence and the power to turn around a nation’s fortunes.

Almost like ratings agencies but with a finer palate…