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The Riigikogu adopted a communication regarding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

Today, the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) passed with 90 votes in favour the Communication of the Riigikogu of the Republic of Estonia to the Parliaments of the Member States of the European Union and NATO, as well as to the Parliaments of other countries regarding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

“The Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) expresses its support to the defenders and the people of the state of Ukraine in their fight against the Russian Federation that has launched a criminal war, and calls on showing absolute support to Ukraine in its war for maintaining its freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Riigikogu underlines that the Russian Federation’s unprovoked aggression and military activities constitute a crime against peace with no statute of limitations, and that all war crimes that have been committed will have to be punished.

The Riigikogu asks the UN member states to take immediate steps to establish a no-fly zone in order to prevent massive civilian casualties in Ukraine.

The Riigikogu urges all national parliaments to adopt statements that call on their governments to support the imposition of additional sanctions against the Russian Federation as well as the Republic of Belarus that participates in the aggression.

The Riigikogu calls for the immediate imposition of a comprehensive trade embargo on the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, which would restrict the capability of the aggressor states to wage war.

The Riigikogu calls on states to close their airspace and ports to the aircraft and ships of the Russian Federation.

The Riigikogu calls on the members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to vote for excluding the Russian Federation from the membership of the Council of Europe, and calls on the member states to adopt a relevant decision immediately.

The Riigikogu invites the membership states to support Ukraine’s official application for the status of a EU candidate state and calls on granting Ukraine a roadmap towards membership of NATO.”

Text of the Communication in Estonian

Text of the Communication in Ukrainian

Text of the Communication in Russian

Text of the Communication in English

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Restrictions on external border traffic extended until 10 April

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — In line with the Government decision of 10 March, the restrictions on entry at Finland’s external borders will continue until 10 April 2022.The restrictions will be eased as of 14 March so that passengers of cruise ships arriving from outside the EU or the Schengen area will be allowed to disembark in Finland if they have proof of full vaccination with an approved COVID-19 vaccine or an EU Digital COVID Certificate showing proof of recovery from COVID-19 less than six months prior to entry. This requirement applies to those born in 2006 or earlier. No certificate is required from Finnish citizens or foreign nationals residing permanently in Finland.Visit the website of the  Finnish Border Guard for more information about the restrictions on entry and the website of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare on health security measures.However, all passengers must present the required certificates as laid down in the Communicable Diseases Act and comply with the decisions made by the Regional State Administrative Agencies on compulsory health examinations.Travellers should note that many countries and transport companies are not permitting entry into the country of destination unless passengers present proof of a negative COVID-19 test, proof of recovery from COVID-19 or proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Travellers must be active and contact the authorities of the country of destination, shipping company or airline concerned to find out which certificates are required. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Ministers to meet in Brussels to discuss equality in working life and reception of Ukrainian refugees

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — EU ministers responsible for employment and social affairs will meet to discuss gender equality in boards of listed companies, prevention of discrimination in recruitment and ways of increasing diversity in working life. The ministers will also discuss the reception of Ukrainian refugees.The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) will meet in Brussels on 14 March 2022. Finland’s representatives at the meeting will be Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen and Minister of Social Affairs and Health Hanna Sarkkinen. The Council will have three policy debates. The first policy debate will focus on the prevention of discrimination in recruitment and on ways of promoting diversity in working life. During the debates, the ministers will share experiences and tools to solve the addressed problems. Finland will present at the meeting measures that it has used to tackle discrimination in recruitment, and its working life diversity programme, for example. “Diversity and the prevention of discrimination play a key role in promoting the employment of immigrants and Finland’s prospects of attracting skilled labour, international students and investments. Diversity in workplaces is also an asset for companies,” says Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen.The EU ministers will also discuss how to encourage elderly people to remain in the workforce. Finland will present a proposal concerning the promotion of the employment of people aged 55 and over, which will be submitted to Parliament this spring. The aim is to improve their opportunities to participate in the labour market.“Living longer is the success story of our society. In the spirit of the wellbeing economy, investments in supporting active and healthy ageing and competence and in maintaining capacity and ability to work will also support longer careers,” says Minister of Social Affairs and Health Hanna Sarkkinen.Situation in Ukraine also on the agendaThe ministers will also discuss the reception of Ukrainian refugees. The Council will be presented with a proposal for Cohesion’s Action for Refugees in Europe (CARE) related to supporting refugees arriving in Europe from Ukraine. Minister Haatainen will speak on the matter at the meeting. In addition, Minister Haatainen will attend a lunch meeting where the ministers will discuss the situation in Ukraine with representatives of the Red Cross.Finland is prepared to receive refugees from Ukraine. The aim is to identify the health and social services needs of people receiving temporary protection and refer them to the necessary services. People receiving temporary protection are also offered screening tests for infectious diseases and vaccinations as necessary.The Council is also to adopt a general approach on the directive on the gender balance on boards of listed companies and on related measures. Finland supports the adoption of the general approach.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Minister Skinnari to visit Austria and Slovakia

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari will visit Vienna and Bratislava on 14–16 March.In Vienna, Minister Skinnari will have discussions, for example, with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Gerd Müller and Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Ghada Waly. The Minister will also meet Secretary General Michael Esterl from the Austrian Ministry of Digital and Economic Affairs and representatives of Finnish companies.In Slovakia, Minister Skinnari will meet, among others, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Richard Sulík, Deputy Prime Minister for Investments Veronika Remišová and State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Marian Majer.In Vienna, the topics of discussion will include the future of nuclear energy and the role of nuclear energy in reaching the climate targets, Finland’s expertise and solutions in the field of nuclear energy, digitalisation and the green transition as drivers of economic recovery in Europe, and various opportunities for cooperation with the UN agencies located in Vienna. In Bratislava, the Minister will have discussions on various questions relating to the development of commercial and economic cooperation in the fields of circular economy, energy efficiency and defence materiel. The Minister will also discuss the Ukraine crisis and the current foreign and security policy situation with various parties.During the ministerial visit, Finland’s Mission in Vienna will organise an event to present Finnish nuclear energy expertise and to discuss the role of nuclear energy in achieving the climate and energy objectives, as well as to present Finland’s nuclear energy expertise and nuclear waste management solutions. The Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Fortum, Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO) and Posiva will be represented at the event.“The importance of cooperation is highlighted in times of crisis. We are working together to find solutions that will make Europe more climate-friendly and energy-efficient as well as a safer place to live,” says Minister Skinnari. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Work on homelessness intensified by improving housing advice – Ministry of the Environment launches process to enact legislation on advice

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The Government aims is to halve the number of homeless people during this Government term and to eradicate homelessness in the following years. Among the means used to eradicate homelessness is housing advice, and the Ministry of the Environment has launched a process to enact legislation on this.The aim of the legislative project is to expand housing advice and to ensure adequate access to it regardless of the type of housing and location.“Having a home is a fundamental right that belongs to all. Finland has succeeded in reducing the number of homeless people, but the risk of homelessness is still real for even larger groups of people. More and more often, the risk of homelessness is linked to financial problems, and studies have shown that housing advice is a very effective way of preventing and reducing homelessness caused by such reasons,” says Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Emma Kari.Based on a study by a working groupIn line with the Programme of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government, access to housing advice will be ensured by making it a statutory obligation. The process to prepare the legislation was started on the basis of the study conducted by the working group on enacting legislation on housing advice.The working group was composed of representatives of different stakeholders involved in or offering housing advice. Its task was to analyse alternative ways to enact legislation on housing advice. The working group published its final report in spring 2021, and the feedback received in consultations will be used in preparing the legislation as well.Act into force for a fixed termAlready during 2022, the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland ARA helps the municipalities in providing housing advice by awarding government grants for developing and expanding housing advice and advice on financial matters related to this. Agreements are concluded between the municipalities and ARA on the use of the funds. Previously, the scope of the government grants was more limited as it only concerned the housing stock of ARA.The legislative drafting that has now been launched will start by redefining the principles of the cooperation between ARA and municipalities in the provision of housing advice, which would still be based on grants awarded to municipalities. At first, the Act would be in force for a fixed term, followed by an evaluation of how well housing advice and the related legislation work.The aim is to circulate the draft Act to be commented on by all relevant stakeholders at the end of spring 2022. The Government proposal for the Act is to be given in the autumn in connection with the budget proposal for 2023. The Act would enter into force in the beginning of 2023.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

PACE discusses expelling Russia from the Council of Europe

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

The Estonian delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is taking part today and tomorrow in the work of the extraordinary plenary session of the Assembly in Strasbourg, France. The agenda includes a vote on the expulsion of Russia from the organisation.

According to the Head of the Estonian delegation to PACE Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski, Estonia is actively cooperating with our Nordic and Baltic colleagues (NB8) to expel Russia from the Council of Europe.

Jufereva-Skuratovski said that now that Russia was waging a large-scale war against Ukraine which kills and injures civilians and children, all delegates to the PACE must stand united and support the expulsion of the aggressor from this value-based organisation. “There is no justification for the regime which has caused the biggest geopolitical catastrophe of the 21st century, whose aftermath Europe will have to deal with for decades to come,” she stated.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy will speak to the delegates today at 1 p.m. The discussion can be followed on the PACE web page: https://pace.coe.int/en/pages/session-20220314

If the PACE supports expelling Russia from the Council of Europe by a two thirds majority, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe will decide in the next few days whether to request Russia to leave the Council of Europe or not.

Members of the Estonian delegation to the PACE Eerik-Niiles Kross and Raivo Tamm will also take part in the extraordinary plenary session of the PACE.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Minister for European Affairs Tuppurainen to visit Stockholm

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Minister for European Affairs Tytti Tuppurainen will visit Stockholm on Monday 14 March at the invitation of her colleague, Swedish Minister for European Affairs Hans Dahlgren. Minister Dahlgren has previously visited Finland at Minister Tuppurainen’s invitation.In their meeting on Monday, the ministers will hold a wide-ranging discussion on the current EU agenda and issues related to European security.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Prime Minister Sanna Marin to visit Berlin

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Prime Minister Sanna Marin will meet with Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz in Berlin on Wednesday 16 March 2022.In their meeting, Prime Minister Marin and Federal Chancellor Scholz will discuss Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the development of European security and defence cooperation and the EU’s economic and energy policy.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

New Ambassadors to Budapest and Kathmandu

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NordenBladet — At the presidential session on Friday 11 March, the President of the Republic appointed two new Ambassadors. Pentti Anttinen. Photo: Petri Krook The President of the Republic appointed Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Pertti Anttinen to serve as Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Budapest, starting on 1 September 2022. Anttinen will move to Budapest from Kathmandu, where he has served as Head of Mission since 2018. In 2014–2018, he worked as Senior Adviser in the Department for Africa and the Middle East, where he was responsible for steering and coordination of development cooperation. Anttinen served as Finland’s Ambassador in Lusaka in 2011–2014. From 2007 to 2011, he worked as Director of the Unit for Development Policy in the Department for Development Policy. His career in the Diplomatic Service includes posts in Pretoria, Dublin and Ankara. Anttinen joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 1991. He holds the degree of Master of Science in Agriculture and Forestry.  Riina-Riikka Heikka. Photo: Kimmo RäisänenThe President of the Republic appointed Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Riina-Riikka Heikka to serve as Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Kathmandu, starting on 1 September 2022. Heikka will transfer to Kathmandu from the Ministry’s Department for Development Policy, where she has worked as Director of the Unit for Civil Society since 2018. Between 2013 and 2017, Heikka worked in the Ministry’s Unit for Public International Law and at the Embassy of Finland in Washington DC. In the Diplomatic Service, she worked at the Permanent Delegation of Finland to the OSCE in Vienna in 2007–2009 and at the Permanent Mission of Finland to NATO in Brussels in 2004. Heikka’s career in the Foreign Ministry has focused on questions relating to international law and treaties in particular. She joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 2003. She holds the degree of Master of Social Sciences.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Minister Blomqvist to attend session of UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The 66th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will take place in hybrid format in New York between 14 and 25 March 2022. Finland will be represented at the session by a broad-based delegation headed by Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality Thomas Blomqvist. The delegation consists of representatives from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the Council for Gender Equality, the Finnish Parliament, non-governmental organisations and young people, for example.Minister Blomqvist will attend the ministerial segment of the session and deliver Finland’s statement. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the size of the delegations travelling to New York has been restricted, and part of the delegation will attend events remotely.The priority theme of the session is achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes.Finland will participate actively not only in the negotiations on the conclusions but also in official dialogues as well as side events to be organised during the session. The Commission on the Status of Women is an important international forum for Finland to promote a human rights-based approach and the realisation of women’s rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. During the negotiations and side events and in its other advocacy work, Finland will promote a comprehensive approach to the participation of women.  “Climate change is a gender issue. We have to increase our efforts to ensure a gender perspective in all climate, environment and disaster management policies. Finland emphasises the importance of gender transformative climate action. Climate adaptation needs to be based on gender analysis,” says Minister Blomqvist.The Commission is a functional commission of the UN Economic and Social Council. It monitors and supports the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in different thematic areas. The Commission is the UN’s second largest annual meeting after the General Assembly.Minister Blomqvist will also attend a number of other events to be organised in connection with the session, such as the Nordic ministerial panel and the discussion on violence against women in politics organised by the President of the UN General Assembly. For more information about the session, please visit the website of the UN Women.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

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