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Helena-Reet Ennet

Helena-Reet Ennet
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Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry provides EUR 7.3 million in funding for 19 new Catch the Carbon development projects – package of more than 100 projects promotes climate work in land use sector

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The new Catch the Carbon projects will develop and pilot regional and local climate work, carbon markets and offsetting schemes in agriculture, forestry and other land use, and strengthen the knowledge base for greenhouse gas inventories.The projects will supplement the Catch the Carbon package of climate measures launched in 2020 as part of the additional measures for the land use sector under the Government Programme. The aim is to achieve an annual climate impact of at least three million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2035. With the new funding decisions, the number of Catch the Carbon projects will rise to more than one hundred.The supplementary call for applications opened in October 2021 brought in 55 applications concerning development projects. During this application round, a significant amount of funding was allocated to the development of carbon markets and carbon offsetting schemes. The new projects will also focus on the assessment of the climate impacts of zoning, prevention of forest damages, extended rotation, and strengthening the knowledge base for uneven-aged forest management. Besides these, the projects aim to strengthen farmers’ expertise in carbon farming and in proactive and flexible utilisation of farming practices.“Each application has been through a comprehensive evaluation process. A key focus in this was on how well the project implements the objectives of the Catch the Carbon package. In addition, the evaluation also covered the feasibility and usability of the project, the expertise involved, and how well the project promotes sustainable development. The projects were of a very high quality and many good applications had to be rejected,” says Chief Specialist Reetta Sorsa who is responsible for the coordination of the Catch the Carbon package.Besides the climate and environmental impacts, the Catch the Carbon projects are concerned with strengthening biodiversity, water management and social and economic sustainability. The information produced in the projects supports the implementation of the climate plan for the land use sector. The draft plan should be ready to be circulated for comments in early April.“As we move towards carbon neutrality, it is also important to ensure economic sustainability and a just transition. It is a high priority for me that we will support climate work in agriculture and forestry, ensure the carbon sequestration and growth of forests and mitigate emissions,” says Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Jari Leppä.New projects strengthen knowledge base of carbon marketsAs part of the Catch the Carbon package, a preliminary study on carbon offsetting projects in the land use sector has already been completed. Since 2021 the Natural Resources Institute Finland has been preparing an information service in support of the voluntary carbon market, which is to be built during 2022 and 2023. The four projects that now will be funded from this package aim to strengthen the knowledge base of carbon markets by developing methods for carbon sequestration in agriculture, forestry and the soil.In addition, the economic impacts of carbon markets will be assessed more extensively and cooperation between operators offering carbon offsets will be promoted to develop common rules for the sector. The aim is to find best practices and methods that are needed to ensure the reliability of voluntary carbon offsets.The development of carbon markets will also be supported with a project to be launched under the information programme for the land use sector that will bring the calculation of greenhouse gases to the level of individual parcels and also take the cultivation measures and soil type into account. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, together with other ministries, is preparing measures to clarify the environment where the carbon markets should operate.The Catch the Carbon package of climate measures is composed of cross-sectoral measures, development projects, an information programme and research and innovation programme that promote climate change resilience of agriculture, forestry and other types of land use. The five research and innovation projects funded by the supplementary call for applications were announced on 11 February.With regard to projects that support the climate change resilience of forestry and biodiversity of forest nature that are included in Finland’s Sustainable Growth Programme, the negotiations with the European Commission and, thus, the timetable for the funding decisions are still open. The applicants will be informed of the matter when the exact timetable is known.New development projects to be fundedTheme 1: Regional and local climate work

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

President of the Republic and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discuss military actions launched by Russia in Ukraine

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — On Thursday 24 February, the President of the Republic and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the actions taken by Russia and the European security situation, after Russia launched an attack on Ukraine.Finland strongly condemns Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. Russia’s actions target Ukraine but are also an attack on the entire European security order. The attack is a flagrant violation of international law. Russia should cease military operations immediately and return to the negotiating table.Finland firmly supports Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, self-determination and territorial integrity. Finland will explore ways to strengthen Finland’s support to Ukraine. Finland will respond to Russia’s actions as part of the European Union.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

New Client and Patient Safety Strategy: Finland aims to be model country for client and patient safety in 2026

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The new Client and Patient Safety Strategy and its Implementation Plan for 2022–2026 have been published. The vision of the Strategy is to make Finland a model country for client and patient safety in 2026 and to prevent avoidable harm.The new Strategy and its Implementation Plan will promote inclusion, measures that strengthen safety, and the management of safety culture in Finland. The aim is to introduce recommendations based on the best research data so that they will benefit professionals, patients and clients in all organisations at all levels of operation.Safety is built in a systematic manner through cooperation The Strategy and its Implementation Plan have been prepared for the use of healthcare and social welfare professionals, the actors leading and supervising the activities, political decision-makers and clients, patients and their families. The Strategy is intended for both public and private operators in the healthcare and social welfare sector.The Strategy has the following four strategic priorities: together with clients and patients, thriving and competent professionals, safety first in all organisations, and improving what already exists. There are three objectives under each priority, and achieving these objectives will concretely promote the realisation of client and patient safety. Achieving these objectives requires determined efforts from all healthcare and social welfare professionals and organisations.Ten key indicators have been selected to monitor the achievement of the objectives. These indicators will commit Finland to the objectives set by the World Health Organization (WHO Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030). The Implementation Plan describes the indicators for monitoring the implementation of measures. Strategy is a continuation of previous work on client and patient safetyThe Strategy was prepared in a number of workshops, working groups and steering groups. The Finnish Centre for Client and Patient Safety supported the preparation of the Strategy in practice. The expertise of a wide range of different stakeholders was utilised during the preparation phase. Finland has promoted client and patient safety by means of national-level strategic guidance since 2009 when the first National Patient Safety Strategy was published. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

President of the Riigikogu: Unity is as important today as during the first years of our Republic

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

On the Independence Day of the Republic of Estonia, a flag raising ceremony was held in the Governor’s Garden at Toompea, Tallinn. President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas said in his speech at the ceremony that unity and solidarity were as important today as during the first years of our Republic.

Ratas said that today, in the early hours of morning, Russia had started a full-scale military attack against Ukraine, and the Government of the Republic of Estonia had decided to start consultations with our NATO allies on the basis of Article 4. “I condemn the totally unjustified aggression against free and peaceful Ukraine. War will bring along much suffering and human victims. It will have an impact on global security. Today, we all are with the country and people of Ukraine in our thoughts and prayers,” Ratas said. “Our response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine is a resounding NO. This is a savage attack against the foundations of European security and our shared democratic values.” Ratas added that the unity of the European Union and NATO, their mutual cooperation and support to Ukraine were stronger than ever.

The President of the Riigikogu emphasised that, on the Independence Day of the Republic of Estonia, we feel a deep sense of togetherness with each other. He expressed hope that we would feel this unity every day of our lives. Ratas pointed out that the threat of war in Europe, the long-winded health care crisis and economic worries made us work even harder, care for each other, and seek cooperation. He called everybody to build up Estonia so that the love for homeland would grow in the hearts of all people of Estonia. “The all-round support of the state must also reach all Estonian people and every Estonian family. This is the only way to keep our beloved Estonia standing on a solid foundation,” he said.

Ratas also noted that the flag of Estonia was a symbol of freedom, peace, and independence, and on 27 June this year we would celebrate the 100th anniversary of the day when the Riigikogu of the Republic of Estonia granted the blue-black-and-white flag the status of the national flag.

Archbishop of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church Urmas Viilma said the words of blessing at the ceremony. He said that the blue-black-white flag flew on the top of the Tall Hermann Tower for all people of Estonia, over all of us. “Blue, black and white are and will remain the colours that unite us all. This flag has never been raised to conquer or to commit violence against anybody under these colours,” Viilma pointed out. He added that, throughout history, the flag of Estonia had been a symbol of hope.

Maarja Mõts, winner of Voldemar Panso Prize and student of the Drama School of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, read out the Estonian Declaration of Independence.

The flag-raising ceremony was attended by President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis, President Kersti Kaljulaid, President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Vice-Presidents of the Riigikogu Hanno Pevkur and Martin Helme and members of the Riigikogu, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and members of the Government, as well as representatives of constitutional institutions and the diplomatic corps, the Estonian Flag Association and the leadership of the Defence Forces and the Defence League.

The flag guards of the academic associations, the Defence Forces and the Defence League, patriotic organisations and schools participated the ceremony in the Governor’s Garden. The choirs of the Estonian Male Choir Association and the Tallinn Police Orchestra performed patriotic songs.

Today, the President of the Riigikogu will also participate in the laying of wreaths at the Victory Monument to the War of Independence on the Freedom Square, Tallinn, and attend the festive ecumenical divine service in the St. Mary’s Cathedral at Toompea. President of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas and Vice-Presidents of the Riigikogu Hanno Pevkur and Martin Helme will also attend the parade of the Defence Forces on the Victory Square, Tallinn.

President of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas and Vice-President of the Riigikogu Martin Helme will deliver speeches at the celebration of the 104th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia in the St. George’s Night Park, Tallinn, at 3 p.m.

Speech of the President of the Riigikogu

Photos of the flag raising ceremony (Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Riigikogu adopted statement in support of Ukraine at additional sitting

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

At today’s additional sitting, the Riigikogu passed the statement in support of the people of Ukraine and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Ukrainian state.

Text of the statement:

“The Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) strongly condemns the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, its sending of troops to Ukraine and its illegal recognition of the occupied regions.

The Riigikogu condemns the violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations by the Russian Federation. By threatening to use force, the Russian Federation is brutally violating the sovereignty of Ukraine and undermining its territorial integrity by using force.

The Riigikogu condemns the activities of the Russian Federation that are in breach of all the principles of international relations established by the Helsinki Final Act of 1975.

The Riigikogu underlines that, according to the Nuremberg Principles, the planning, preparation, initiation or waging of a war of aggression or a war in violation of international treaties, agreements or assurances are crimes against peace. The judgment of the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg states that to initiate a war of aggression is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole.

The Riigikogu condemns the provocations in East Ukraine and the spreading of lies in the global media space by the Russian Federation.

The Riigikogu considers it important that the countries of the world support Ukrainian economy and decisively increase military assistance, as Ukraine is a victim of unprovoked aggression by the Russian Federation.

The Riigikogu calls on the member states to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate state of the European Union and a roadmap to membership in NATO.

The Riigikogu calls on the governments and parliaments of all countries to explicitly condemn the aggression by the Russian Federation and to support an immediate implementation of extensive sanctions against the aggressor state.

The Riigikogu calls on the relevant institutions of the European Union to develop measures that would make it impossible to broadcast the Russian Federation media channels spreading war propaganda and national hatred on the territory of the Union.

The Riigikogu calls on international organisations to initiate identification, investigation and prosecution of the war crimes and the perpetrators of the war crimes committed by the Russian Federation in its aggression against Ukraine since 2014.

The Riigikogu expresses firm support to the Ukrainian people as well as to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Ukrainian state.”

During the debate, Raivo Tamm took the floor on behalf of the Faction Isamaa, Enn Eesmaa on behalf of the Centre Party Faction, Lauri Läänemets on behalf of the Social Democratic Party Faction, Eerik-Niiles Kross on behalf of the Reform Party Faction and Henn Põlluaas on behalf of the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Faction.

72 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of passing the Statement of the Riigikogu “On the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine” (535 AE), submitted by 86 members of the Riigikogu.

Full text of the statement

Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)

Photos of the sitting (Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

The video recording of the sitting will be available on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.
(Please note that the recording will be uploaded with a delay.)

Source: Parliament of Estonia

European Commission publishes a proposal for EU corporate social responsibility legislation

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The EU is making progress with the preparation of corporate social responsibility legislation. Today, the Commission published a proposal for a Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence. Next, the Commission proposal will be discussed by the EU Member States and the European Parliament. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will organise a stakeholder event regarding the proposal on 9 March 2022. Stakeholders’ views will be taken into account in the formulation of Finland’s positions.On 23 February 2022, the European Commission published a proposal for a Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence, or the European Union’s corporate social responsibility legislation. The objective of EU-level CSR regulation is to promote respect for human rights and the transition towards a carbon neutral economy. Another objective is to provide a level playing field and legal certainty for businesses operating in the European Union.“Finland welcomes the Commission’s proposal and will actively participate in the negotiations concerning the contents of the law. It is important to have CSR regulation in place, and the Government wants to actively work towards this goal both within the EU and nationally. We will now begin to formulate Finland’s positions on the Commission’s proposal,” says Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen.This is the first proposal for general corporate social responsibility legislation at the EU level. The Commission feels that voluntary actions taken by companies have failed to generate a sufficiently positive impact on a larger scale. The Commission proposes that a due diligence obligation be imposed on companies. The proposal sets out a corporate due diligence duty to identify, prevent, bring to an end, mitigate and account for adverse human rights and environmental impacts in the company’s own operations, its subsidiaries and their value chains. Companies will also be required to monitor the effectiveness of their due diligence measures.Adverse impacts may include restrictions on employee freedom of association or toxic discharges into the environment. The proposed directive would also contain provisions on the legal consequences to companies of any breaches of CSR legislation. Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment to organise a stakeholder event on the EU’s CSR legislationThe Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is responsible for preparing Finland’s position. The standard preparation procedure will be followed when formulating Finland’s position on the Commission’s proposal. A broad range of stakeholders will be consulted during the preparation process. The Government and Parliament will jointly decide on Finland’s position.The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will organise a virtual event on Wednesday 9 March at 9.30-11.30 to consult stakeholders on the Commission’s proposal. If you would like to participate, please sign up by 7 March via the Webropol link.EU-level discussion of the Commission’s proposal will continue in the European Parliament and between the Member States in the Competitiveness Council. Need for national CSR legislation to be assessedAs the EU-level CSR legislation is being drafted, Finland is preparing to draft national CSR legislation based on the Government Programme. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has been working on a memorandum concerning the due diligence obligation. The memorandum, which will be published in March, analyses various perspectives on the CSR regulation.  The national preparations and advocacy work on the EU-level CSR legislation support each other. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Finland’s Embassy in Kyiv has reduced services

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — On Tuesday 22 February, based on an overall assessment of the security situation in Ukraine, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs decided to relocate its staff temporarily from Kyiv to Lviv.Finland has previously reduced the number of employees posted to work at the Embassy of Kyiv. Locally employed staff of the Embassy will continue to work in Kyiv, as appropriate. They have been offered the opportunity to leave the city.The Embassy will continue its operations under special arrangements. Customer services are reduced and available only can by appointment. In an emergency, those staying in Ukraine can contact the Foreign Ministry’s 24/7 Service Centre by phone to +358916055555, [email protected] or by email. In accordance with its travel advice, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs urges people to leave Ukraine immediately.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

The Riigikogu passed an Act on the mass valuation of land

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

The Riigikogu passed an Act on conducting the mass valuation of land in 2022.

The amendments introduced with the Act on Amendments to the Land Valuation Act, the Land Tax Act and Other Acts (406 SE), initiated by the Government, update the criteria for calculating the value of land and bring the land tax into conformity with the principles of the market value of land. The amendments do not concern the current tax exemption on the land under homes.

The Act makes changes to the principles of mass valuation of land. In the future, the Land Board will carry out mass valuation mainly on the basis of the data contained in national databases. In the future, the value zones that are used by local governments to calculate the value of each particular plot of land will no longer be determined upon mass valuation of land. Instead, the taxable value of each plot of land will be determined as a result of valuation.

The last mass valuation of land in Estonia took place in 2001, and in nearly 20 years, the value of land has increased by seven times on the average. The taxable value obtained as a result of mass valuation of land will be the basis for determining land tax, payments for tolerating utility networks and use fee under different usufruct contracts.

According to the Act, the next mass valuation of land will take place in 2022, and after that, valuations will be carried out every four years. The results of the mass valuation of land will be implemented from 2024.

The Act will reduce the maximum land tax rates that local governments can impose. For example, the maximum tax rate will be 0.5 per cent of the taxable value of the land instead of the current 2.5 per cent on residential land and forest land, and 1 per cent on commercial land. The lowering of the maximum tax rates will prevent land tax from becoming too high. In order to ensure a smooth transition to the new price level for the taxpayer, a 10 per cent limit will be imposed on the annual increase in the land tax amount.

The tax exemption on the land under homes will be fully extended on the lands where one of the intended purposes is residential land. For example, if there are business premises on the ground floor of an apartment building and the intended purpose of the plot of land is therefore partly commercial land, the apartment owners residing in the same building cannot enjoy tax exemption to the full extent.

The Act will also provide that, in the future, changes to land tax rates will have to be established at least six months before the beginning of the taxation year. At present, land tax rates are established by 1 February of the taxation year.

As the value of land has increased after the last mass valuation, the payments for tolerating utility networks will also increase by 3.5 to 4 times on the average once the new taxable values of land will be implemented. The payment for tolerating will change gradually during three years, in 2024–2026, each year by one third of the difference between the new and the present payment for tolerating.

One of the amendments provided by the Act concerns the methodology of mass valuation of land. In addition, the provision concerning the entry into force of the Act will be amended, according to which the Act will enter into force on 15 March.

72 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour (9 against) of passing the Act.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Helena-Reet: My magical 22.02.2022 + BEAR MARKET AT STOCK EXCHANGE, NEW PAINTING, NEW RECIPE!

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Today’s magical-number and mirror-image-date day began at 6:30. I took the children to school and then went to Selver. I bought loads of fruit and berries – oranges, apples, grapes, cultivated blueberries, Kadarbik’s freshly pressed carrot juice and Froosh’s kiwi-spinach „Clean Green” smoothie, etc. Yum. Twice I added to basket and twice I removed from basket Pagarini’s cheesecake but I still decided not to buy. ?

Then I lay the table for the second time, this time for me and Allan. Today was our 1 year and 10 months anniversary of our meeting. Goooosh how time flies!



Every day I am so grateful that I have my own home and that in Estonia and in the Nordic countries there is peace. ? From the window I see a winter wonderland. Yesterday it was thaw weather, today it is snowing again. Yesterday, while thinking about the current complex political situation, I felt I wanted to paint something peaceful and beautiful. I took a canvas twice as large as usual (60x40cm) and for a change to the mice series paintings I painted flowers. I can already picture this painting in a massive large-edge dark brown frame! Romantic!







Returning to today’s date to which numerologists attribute rather paranormal features… I was rearranging the bookshelves at home today when quite a magical thing happened. While placing books from boxes to shelves, out fell Jaak Roosaare’s „Textbook of getting rich with stock”. The book that my neighbour-investor Jaak gave me as a gift, along with a dedication „May your dividends grow” years ago.

So what could be so special about it? The magical thing is that exactly TODAY THE MARKETS are as bearish, red, and negative as possible, in other words it is a double sign – BUY! And Helena-Reet most certainly did – not just because I believe in signs but also because it would be silly to let go of the market situation where stock exchange is done below market prices. Of course nobody can guarantee that the market levels will not sink more, but one thing is clear – volume and volatility are currently very nice and I as rather a profiteer and day trader like it a lot.

To wrap it up, here’s some food talk, too…

I created a new cool recipe – SALTY cottage cheese-minced meat cake!

Melt frozen yeast dough and place on an oven plate. Then fry the minced meat (400g) along with fresh chopped sweet pepper (1 red sweet pepper), tomato (2 tomatoes) and sundried tomatoes (ca 140g), add spices (for example Bolognese flavouring and thyme suit very well) and pour onto the cake plate and press slightly into the dough.

Then take a bowl and mix chopped onion, Alma classic 5% cottage cheese (380g), 6 eggs, 1 tablespoonful of flour and grated Atleet cheese (ca 250g) and pour onto the foundation. In the centre of the cake separately grate some more cheese and sprinkle over with pumpkin seeds. After taking out of the oven, let it stay one or two hours.




Do read also my previous blog posts (all posts are available in four languages – Estonian, Finnish, Swedish and English!)

Recent blog posts:
Helena-Reet: Airobot IPO, Stockfanatt, cyber attack, comedy show Jokker, Eesti laul 2022, NEW PAINTING and a lot more interesting!
Helena-Reet: Waking up with excitement, living to the fullest, NEW PAINTING AGAIN and an overview of tonight’s non-alco beer testing
Helena-Reet: SHOULD I get a “winter home” in Spain, about cultural events, and about the new Mouse painting + GALLERIES!
Helena-Reet: Shocking documentaries, my wonderful life + OUR TODAY’S NEW YEAR’S EVE!
Helena-Reet: Christmas + BIG GALLERY added
Helena-Reet: Today’s blog – Wonderful life in the countryside, operetta “The Merry Widow” in Estonian National Opera, Paintball, 2 birthdays and ginger bread season!
Helena-Reet: In Tartu V SPA and in Vorbuse, the Comedy Estonia “Autumn Tour” and plenty of other exciting things!
Helena-Reet: COMPLETE overview of my week and AHH, MEN, HOW GOOD IT IS THAT YOU EXIST!

EU foreign affairs ministers to hold an informal Foreign Affairs Ministers’ meeting to discuss the European security situation

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — EU foreign ministers will discuss, among other things, the sanctions on Russia after it recognised the independence of the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.EU foreign ministers will meet in Paris for an informal Foreign Affairs Ministers’ meeting to discuss the changed security situation in Europe. Finland’s representative at the meeting will be Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto. Finland condemns Russia’s unilateral acts that violate Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The recognition of the separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine is a serious breach of the Minsk Agreements. Finland will respond to Russia’s actions as part of the European Union. In its statement, the EU condemned Russia’s decision 
to recognise the regions’ independence and stated that the EU will respond by imposing sanctions. Due to the EU meeting, Foreign Minister Haavisto’s meeting with UK Foreign Minister Truss was cancelled.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

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