NordenBladet — At their summit meeting in Brussels on 17 and 18 February, leaders of countries of the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) agreed on strengthening and deepening their cooperation.The summit adopted a joint declaration setting out the priorities for future cooperation between the EU and the AU. To support the implementation of the objectives, an investment package of EUR 150 billion has been rolled out, consisting of investment, healthcare and education sectors. The Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package aims to accelerate the green transition, digital transformation, growth and job creation, among other things.
NordenBladet — On 18 February, the Ministry of the Interior sent out for comments draft amendments to the Aliens Act which would extend the use of a long-term visa known as a D visa. Long-term visas would speed up entry into the country for people who have been issued with residence permits.The proposed amendments to the Aliens Act would make it possible to issue D visas to students, researchers, employees of certified employers, persons in managerial positions in companies and family members of the above-mentioned individuals. The Finnish Immigration Service would issue a D visa in connection with a favourable decision on a residence permit. This would allow those people who have been granted a residence permit to travel to Finland more quickly, as they would not need to wait for a residence permit card abroad. A D visa could also be issued for entry to a residence permit holder residing abroad whose residence permit card has been lost, stolen or expired.The Ministry of the Interior’s legislative project has also prepared an amendment to the Aliens Act which would enable the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to grant a temporary residence permit to young people from diplomatic families arriving in Finland until they reach the age of 20. This would be in line with the international practice. At the moment, after turning 18, young people from diplomatic families must apply to the Finnish Immigration Service for extension of their residence permit.The deadline for submitting comments is 1 April. The government proposal is due to be submitted to Parliament during the spring session 2022.Legal basis already exists for the use of D visaOn 11 February, the President of the Republic approved legislative amendments under which a D visa can be issued to specialists, high-growth startup entrepreneurs and their family members. The amendments that were prepared by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will enter into force on 1 June. In future, the use of D visas can be extended to other categories of persons with legislative amendments.The Government Programme of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government aims to increase education-based and work-based immigration. The Government Programme pays particular attention to improving and speeding up permit procedures. The proposal now sent out for comments supports these objectives and, in particular, the streamlining of entry procedures.
NordenBladet — The French Presidency of the Council of the European Union will arrange an informal meeting of transport ministers in Le Bourget, France, on 21-22 February 2022. Finland will be represented at the meeting by Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka and High-Level Representative Mikael Nyberg.The Ministers will discuss innovations in the transport sector and how to keep the industry attractive.“The EU has ambitious climate goals and reducing emissions from transport plays an important role in this work. In the transport sector, introduction of green technologies and use of digitalisation and data generate innovations, business and jobs. Finnish businesses have expertise that we can offer to others too,” says Minister Harakka.It is the EU’s aim to reduce emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030 and to reach climate neutrality by 2050. On national scale, too, Finland aims for carbon neutrality by 2035 and for halving emissions from transport by 2030.In addition to innovation opportunities, the meeting will discuss how to attract young people, in particular, to work in the transport sector. The topics of the discussion will include the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ways to improve the working conditions of employees.At lunch, the discussions will focus on the transition to more environmentally friendly modes of transport, regulation proposal on the Trans-European Transport Nnetwork (TEN-T), and the reduction of emissions from road transport.Finland considers it important that the EU adopt more sustainable modes of transport more quickly. The use and effective combinations of different modes of transport should be supported and the development of internal market for mobility services promoted.On 17 February, the Government submitted a Union communication to Parliament on the proposal for a regulation on the trans-European transport network. Over lunch, Finland will highlight the Government’s position on the proposal.
NordenBladet — The expert report published by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment on 18 February 2022 proposes that Finland participate in the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Human Spaceflight and Robotic Exploration Programme (E3P programme). The report also recommends stronger resourcing for the national space administration.The report extensively assesses the benefits of Finland’s participation and the potential risks of opting out of the programme. The goal of the ESA’s Human Spaceflight and Robotic Exploration Programme is to strengthen Europe’s central role in future space exploration and projects. It also aims to inspire the next generations in the field of space exploration and, in particular, in reaching deep space destinations.In addition to Estonia, Finland is the only ESA member state that has so far not participated in the optional programme on human spaceflights and space exploration. Joining the programme would give Finland more extensive access to projects on the International Space Station, missions to the moon, the planned space station in orbit around the moon, and spaceflights to Mars. According to the study, opting out of the programme would restrict access to the early stages of the development of a new space economy. The global space economy has grown strongly over the past decade, and the growth is expected to continue. The value of the global space economy is approximately USD 350–450 billion.Finland has succeeded in accelerating new space companies to a strong growth and highly advanced technological development. Finnish space sector start-ups have collected tens of millions in private funding and developed global business operations. Thanks to their high level of expertise, Finnish research institutes and researchers are involved in significant international projects. Several innovative products, applications and services have been developed in Finland that could also be relevant from the perspective of human spaceflight and other space exploration. The results of the study will be utilised when Finland in 2022 defines which ESA programmes it will participate in during the next programming period. The decision on ESA programmes for the upcoming programming period will be taken at the ESA Ministerial Council meeting in November 2022.Finland has been a full member of the ESA since 1995. Finland’s recent (2020–2022) financial contribution to the ESA’s mandatory and voluntary programmes has been about EUR 28 million per year.The study was carried out by KPMG Oy and 4Front Oy.
Missiles of anti-tank weapon system Javelin, donated by the Estonian Defence Forces, arrived in Ukraine today.
„This is a small step by Estonia in support of Ukraine, but it is a real and tangible contribution to defence against Russian aggression,“ said Lieutenant General Martin Herem, Commander of Estonian Defence Forces. „At the moment, these missiles are more useful for Estonia’s security in defence of Ukraine rather than at a live fire exercise on an Estonian training area.“
„Our Estonian friends have sent us highly needed and effective modern Javelin anti-tank missiles. I am really grateful to the people, Government and Ambassador of Estonia to Ukraine for the steadfast support in such difficult times,“ said Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Volodymyr Havrylov. „Donated equipment will be immediately handed over to our troops on the field.“
„The security situation at Ukraine’s border today requires comprehensive practical assistance; words alone are clearly no longer enough. Weapon aid in the form of Javelin missile systems has reached the Ukrainians. We have made quick and timely decision to support Ukraine, which today maintains a European front line that separates us from the war,“ Minister of Defence of Estonia, Kalle Laanet said. According to Laanet the step of Estonia and other Baltic countries to support Ukraine with arms has a significant impact the defensive will of the Ukrainian´s. „In difficult situations, it is always important to keep the initiative, which we have certainly taken by sending weapons assistance,“ Laanet added.
Missiles of Javelin weapon system, donated to Ukraine, were acquired from the USA. Under the terms of the contract, donation of missiles required consent of the United States, which was received.
Javelin shoulder-operated portable medium-range anti-tank missile system operates on a so-called shoot-and-forget method, which means that after launching the missile automatically guides itself to the target and allows the shooter to take cover.
Javelin missiles are capable of hitting the target directly and from above. Its effective range is around two kilometres. Javelins are in the armament of Estonian Defence Forces since 2015.
Javelin missile system has been used by the United States and many other countries since the mid-1990s and has been used successfully in Iraq in 2003 against armoured vehicles and later in the fight against Afghan insurgents.
NordenBladet – The City of Stockholm has chosen to give Sverigetaxi with TaxiKurir as a subcontractor continued confidence to run school transport and service transports until February 2024 in subarea South-west Stockholm (Hägersten, Älvsjö och Skärholmen). The new agreement can be extended for a further two years. Contract start at the beginning of October 2022.
Sverigetaxi and TaxiKurir have since many years of confidence to carry out different types of publicity procured important trips for The City of Stockholm.
“We are proud and happy to have once again renewed confidence to continue to develop cooperation with The City of Stockholm. School and transportations of elderly people trips are a daily test of punctuality and service and drive us forward in our sustainability and quality work,” says Magnus Klintbäck, CEO of Cabonline Stockholm.
For more information, please contact:
Magnus Klintbäck, CEO Cabonline Stockholm, magnus.klintback@cabonline.com
Cabonline’s press office, +46 70 456 58 07, press@cabonline.com
About Cabonline:
Cabonline is the leading taxi company in the Nordic region with 2,600 connected transporters and approximately 4,600 vehicles in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark. Cabonline contains a series of well-known brands, such as Flygtaxi, TaxiKurir, Norgestaxi, TOPCAB, Kovanen, Taxi Skåne, Taxi Väst, Umeå Taxi, Sverigetaxi and Taxi 4×27. Through Cabonline, transporters have access to attractive customer agreements, support from industry-leading technological development and utilization of economies of scale, efficient service and shared infrastructure. The Group revenue in 2021 was approximately 4.5 billion. For further information: cabonline.com/en
NordenBladet — Municipal integration programmes increase cooperation and commit decision-makers to promotion of integration. However, the programmes would benefit from performance targets and increased monitoring of such targets, according to a report by Innolink Group and the Migration Institute of Finland. The preparation of integration programmes strengthens regional cooperation between municipalities, different sectors and different authorities. The content and purpose of municipal programmes differ, especially as regards the type of programme, i.e. whether it is a target programme, a description of services or a cross between them, the report says. If objectives are included at all, their setting and monitoring focus on measures rather than on monitoring the promotion of integration. In many municipalities, measuring the progress of integration is not sufficiently concrete, or in the worst case, there is not even an attempt to monitor integration and assess the effectiveness of measures. Municipalities need clearer guidance in preparation of programmesThe report on the integration programmes of municipalities was commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and produced by Innolink Group and the Migration Institute of Finland. Its results will be used in the reform of the Integration Act, following the release of the report on integration. According to the report, municipalities do not always have the competence or resources to carry out demanding target-oriented programmes. If the future legislation requires municipal integration programmes, municipalities will need more support and more detailed instructions for such programmes. Some municipalities have also expressed the wish for common integration indicators. On the other hand, the differences between municipalities make the drafting of uniform guidelines difficult. Integration programmes should be integrated into municipal strategiesMost municipalities find integration programmes useful, because they facilitate the exchange of information, stir discussion and increase cooperation. In order to increase the usefulness and impact of the programmes, they should, however, be more closely linked to the strategic activities of municipalities, according to the report.Municipalities should also increase the monitoring of targets and involve immigrants and other residents in the preparation of the programmes. Central government, on the other hand, should clarify the guidelines for integration programmes, organise training for municipalities and provide support for monitoring integration.
NordenBladet — EU foreign ministers will convene in Brussels on 21 February. The main items on the meeting agenda are the European security situation, climate diplomacy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, preparation of the joint council of the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the EU cyber exercise. The ministers will also hold an informal exchange with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Under current affairs, the foreign ministers will briefly take stock of the situation in Mali. The Council is expected to adopt conclusions on climate diplomacy and on Coordinated Maritime Presences.The ministers will discuss the European security situation as a follow-up to the Foreign Affairs Council on 24 January. Issues under consideration include Russia’s military build-up close to Ukraine’s borders, as well as the immediate security situation in Ukraine and, more widely, in Europe. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will attend a ministerial breakfast meeting.“The European Union and Finland firmly support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia has the responsibility for the de-escalation of the situation”, Minister for Foreign Affairs Haavisto says.The ministers will exchange views on climate diplomacy, focusing on the implementation of the results from the Glasgow Climate Change Conference (COP26) and on EU’s advocacy work. The Council will adopt conclusions on the matter.With regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Council will discuss the country’s political situation, constitutional reform and reform of election legislation, as well as further measures by the EU. The discussion will build on the Foreign Affairs Council discussions in autumn 2021.In connection with the Council, a joint council will be held with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The foreign ministers will prepare the joint council at the Foreign Affairs Council. Finland supports the deepening of regional cooperation between the EU and GCC across various sectors.The foreign ministers will also hold a scenario-based discussion as part of the EU cyber exercise carried out during the French EU Presidency. France launched the exercise in January 2022. Based on the scenario, the Council will discuss, among other things, the cyber security measures and tools of the Member States, the European External Action Service (EAAS) and the Commission.In addition to the climate diplomacy conclusions, the Council is also expected to adopt conclusions on Coordinated Maritime Presences.
NordenBladet — The Ministry of the Interior has set up a legislative project to review the provisions on the Assistance System for Victims of Human Trafficking. This builds on the Government Programme, which states that the status of victims will be improved, regardless of the progress of related criminal proceedings in a human trafficking case.The project will make amendments to the Act on the Reception of Persons Applying for International Protection and on the Identification of and Assistance to Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings that are key from the perspective of the intentions of the Government Programme. Other development needs related to the existing regulation on the Assistance System may also be taken into account in legislative drafting.Under the current legislation, the right of a victim of human trafficking to continue to receive assistance through the Assistance System is largely connected to the criminal proceedings and the progress of the proceedings. For this reason, the right to assistance may cease, for example if sufficient proof of a human trafficking offence is not obtained. Because of the link to the criminal proceedings, it is believed that not all persons in need of assistance may even seek admittance to the Assistance System.The Ministry of the Interior will prepare the necessary legislative amendments in close cooperation with the Finnish Immigration Service and the Assistance System for Victims of Human Trafficking operating under it. Other key stakeholders will be consulted during the preparation process as necessary.The preparatory work is supported by a cross-sectoral working group appointed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in 2020. Its task is to draft legislative amendments concerning assistance for victims of human trafficking. One of the objectives of the working group is to weaken the link between assistance and criminal proceedings. The project will run from 17 February to 31 December 2022. The Government proposal is due to be submitted in autumn 2022.
NordenBladet — Sectoral organisations, companies, counties, municipalities and other stakeholders are invited to participate in the preparation of a voluntary agreement on a low-carbon circular economy and to become partners to it. The agreement is part of Finland’s National Circular Economy Programme, and the aim is to promote the transition to a low-carbon circular economy society in different sectors.The Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment gave an introduction to the process to prepare the agreement today, on 18 February. The work is to be started in March and the agreement should be ready to be signed in summer 2023. The ministries will invite representatives of different sectors, companies, regions and municipalities interested in the matter to take part in the discussions. The organisations can join in by expressing their interest to the Ministry of the Environment during spring 2022.
