Published on: 2026-06-29
Source: Official website of the State –
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What mistakes are made when applying for a loan? Is it worth refinancing a mortgage and what are the pitfalls? Why is volunteering and social initiatives needed? How has office culture changed and how much do employees spend on snacks? What happened with gasoline and why did the crisis start at Volkswagen? What can a summer resident be fined for and is it possible to register in a gardening non-commercial partnership (SNT)?
Read about this and more in our weekly digest of comments from GUU experts in the CMI.
—On the development of volunteer activities in RussiaRevealed by Rector Vladimir Stroev. “Volunteering develops self-governance and the ability to collectively solve problems, supports vulnerable groups (disabled, elderly, low-income), helps establish horizontal connections and civic consciousness, raises the level of trust in society,” the professor noted.
—Launch in collaboration with RWB Children’s Business Schoolcommented Vladimir Stroev. “The basic methodology of the school is a project approach that we have been successfully applying for many years… Its distinctive feature is the emphasis on independence, creativity, and the practical use of projects, as well as their uniqueness or social significance. I am confident that the guys will be interested in coming up with and developing their own business ideas,” concluded the rector.
—About the participation of GUU pre-university students in the implementation of social initiativesVladimir Stroev told. He gave an example of conducting master classes on providing first aid for children with disabilities from a school in the Moscow region. He noted that the schoolchildren themselves could not conduct the lessons, so “they acted like real managers: turned to the All-Russian student rescue corps and invited specialized professionals.”
—How office culture has changed in recent yearsAnswered by Associate Professor of the Department of Personnel Management Ekaterina Kashtanova. “A modern employee expects personalized support taking into account their goals, habits, values, and even mental state. For companies, this means the necessity to invest not only in technology but also in a new management culture based on trust and flexibility,” the expert noted.
—How much office workers spend on coffee and snacks, calculated associate professor of the Department of Institutional Economics Svetlana Sazanova. The monthly amount ranges from 6 to 12 thousand rubles, and financial behavior depends on the salary. ‘Office workers with a salary of 50-80 thousand rubles bring their own coffee and treats from home. In the coffee shop, drinks are mainly purchased by employees with a salary of over 100 thousand rubles,’ explained the economist.
—What are the disadvantages of loan refinancing, Svetlana Sazanova said. “In the total payment, the ratio of interest and principal changes from month to month. For the first few years, the borrower mainly pays interest, and the principal debt almost does not decrease,” the economist reminded. Refinancing the remaining balance restarts this mechanism, and the total overpayment may increase.
—Which currency and in what quantity to take when traveling to Belarus, answered Associate Professor of the Department of Economic Policy and Economic Measurements Natalya Kazantseva. The economist noted that “prices for many products and goods in our countries are approximately the same, you can manage with a small amount,” similarly, in Belarus it is quite easy to withdraw money from a ‘Mir’ card or to transfer from card to card.
—About the cause of the Volkswagen crisistold the associate professor of the Department of Logistics and Transport Technologies Artem Merenkov. In the expert’s opinion, the refusal of the Russian sales market, one of the largest in Europe, sanctions regarding energy resources, the liquidation of its own energy infrastructure, etc.
—What and how much a summer resident can be fined for, explained associate professor of the Department of Private Law Vladimir Popov. The lawyer drew attention to serious changes in the system of fines in 2026. For example, from March 1, for a number of offenses, the amount of penalty will be tied to the cadastral value of the land plot. Also, from March 1, all landowners are required to destroy Sosnowsky’s hogweed and other dangerous plants. Failure to fulfill this obligation threatens citizens with a fine ranging from 20 to 50 thousand rubles.
—How to register residence in an SNT in 2026, Vladimir Popov said. The lawyer reminded that “registration for land use for gardening is possible exclusively in a residential property, but not in a garden house.” In addition, the house must be technically suitable, be privately owned, and have an address.
—Why gasoline is getting more expensive, explained Associate Professor of the Department of Economic Policy and Economic Measurements Maksim Chirkov. According to the expert, one of the reasons is the seasonal increase in demand. However, even taking into account the recent rise in fuel prices in Russia, they remain relatively low compared to many other countries.
—Common mistakes when applying for a loannamed Maxim Chirkov. The economist attributed to them overestimation of the loan amount and overvaluation of their own strength, which leads to subsequent payment term breakdowns, careless reading of the contract, and choosing consumer credit instead of specialized credit, which increases overpayment.
—Consequences of an aviation kerosene spillcommented Maksim Chirkov. “The market itself quickly levels prices when additional volumes of fuel appear. So I am sure: this price spike is temporary, and our civil aviation will cope,” the expert assured.
Subscribe to the Telegram channel “Our GUU”Publication date: 28.06.2026
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