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Helena-Reet Ennet

Helena-Reet Ennet
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Prime Minister Marin and President of the European Commission met in Helsinki

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Prime Minister Sanna Marin and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen discussed topical EU matters in Helsinki on Thursday 3 February. During her visit to Finland, President von der Leyen also met President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö.In their talks, Prime Minister Marin and President von der Leyen focused on the security situation in Europe. The European Union supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and the integrity of its borders. Any further military aggression against Ukraine would have massive consequences and severe cost in response. The Prime Minister and the President of the European Commission also discussed measures that the EU can take, in line with the European Council conclusions, to prepare for different developments. Finland supports the EU’s coordinated communication and joint action. “We now need dialogue and diplomacy and, above all, measures from Russia to reduce military tension,” Prime Minister Marin said after the meeting. Prime Minister Marin and President von der Leyen also discussed issues that will be raised at forthcoming European Council meetings as well as initiatives related to forests and forestry, taxonomy and consideration of winter navigation in on-going legislative proposals. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Need for intensive care due to COVID-19 clearly declining in Finland

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — It is particularly important that people aged 60 or over and those belonging to risk groups get a third vaccine dose.On 2 February, there were 343 inpatients in specialised healthcare, while on 26 January, the number was 350. On 2 February, the total number of patients in intensive care was 38, compared to 48 in the week before. Between 24 and 30 January, a total of 38 new COVID-19 patients were admitted to intensive care, while in the preceding two weeks, the number varied between 35 and 60. An estimated 23 per cent of all COVID-19 patients on ordinary wards in specialised healthcare were admitted for some other reason than COVID-19. The percentage was 21 for intensive care.By 2 February, 87.4 per cent of people in Finland who are 18 years of age or over had received at least one vaccine dose, 84.7 per cent at least two vaccine doses and 55.3 per cent three vaccine doses. Over the past week (27 January–2 February), the uptake of the third vaccine dose rose by 3.9 percentage points. The increase in the uptake has slowed down slightly. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Archinfo Finland entrusted as contact point for New European Bauhaus

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The Ministry of Education and Culture has entrusted Archinfo Finland as Finland’s contact point for the New European Bauhaus initiative. The contact point participates in an EU-wide informal network for exchange of information and experience and communicates nationally on opportunities for participation and funding possibilities.The Commission has invited each Member State to entrust an entity as a contact point. Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment lend support to the contact point in nationally coordinating the initiative.The European Commission’s New European Bauhaus initiative brings new opportunities for collaboration and funding possibilities in the fields of architecture, construction, design, fashion and services. Launched by the Commission in 2020, the initiative implements the European Green Deal and creates aesthetic, sustainable and inclusive solutions and projects for our lives and living spaces. Funding from several EU programmesThe new European Bauhaus is in the implementation phase, which will run through to 2023. Funding to the tune of EUR 85 million will be allocated from EU programmes to the initiative’s projects between 2021 and 2022. The New European Bauhaus will also be included in the priorities of many EU programmes that do not have any pre-established resources allocated to them. The Commission also calls on Member States to support the initiative in their national strategies and funding. The call for applications, which runs until April, for the Horizon Europe programme provides funding for projects that create innovative architectural and design solutions. Current calls for funding are also under way in Erasmus+, including alliances for innovation, which support strategic cooperation between higher education and vocational education and training sectors and companies. The European Youth Together 2020 call for projects, in turn, supports transnational partnerships for youth organisations. A webinar in Finnish on the Bauhaus call for proposals will be held on 15 February 2022. The event will provide information on the application periods and terms of different funding channels. Apply for the New European Bauhaus PrizeThe New European Bauhaus initiative seeks award-winning projects and ideas that exemplify beautiful, sustainable, and inclusive achievements. The winners will receive a maximum prize of EUR 30,000 and a communications package. In addition to existing projects, young talents will also be awarded. The maximum age limit for the New European Bauhaus Rising Star award is age 30. The application period is now open and closes on 28 February.Nordic countries participating together to implement the New BauhausThe Nordic Council of Ministers is currently preparing a joint Nordic Bauhaus programme. The Nordic ministers responsible for housing and construction decided in late 2021 to support a joint programme involving low-carbon construction and the circular economy. Related negotiations are currently under way with the European Commission.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Baltic Assembly Committees discuss budget and economy in Tallinn

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

Committees of the Baltic Assembly (BA) are meeting in Tallinn today and tomorrow to focus on economic and digital challenges in the Baltic region and to discuss ways to use the COVID-19 crisis to promote regional economic growth.

Member of the BA Economics, Energy and Innovation Committee Kalvi Kõva identified the COVID-19 crisis as the focal point of the Committee. “Although the crisis had serious impact on the Baltic economies, our economic growth never fully stopped. We have done better than many other regions in the euro area,” he said.

Head of the Estonian Delegation to the Baltic Assembly Aadu Must said that another topic of the meeting would be the possible joint initiatives in the Baltic states to ensure rapid economic recovery after the COVID-19 crisis. “We will also be discussing whether the Baltic states should develop a common strategy for boosting our economy. Our goal is to use the lessons that we have learned or will learn from the crisis to enhance our economy and improve the wellbeing of our people,” Must explained.

Other topics include Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 in the Baltic states as well as joint activities in promoting digital and green transitions in the region, and developing joint energy infrastructure projects. The developments in the Rail Baltica project are also on the agenda of the meeting.

The BA Budget and Audit Committee is meeting today at 5 p.m. in Nordic Hotel Forum, and the Economics, Energy and Innovation Committee is meeting tomorrow at 9 a.m. in the Conference Hall of the Riigikogu.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Study: European countries need to prepare for the new era of geoeconomic rivalry

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The global economic system has entered a new era of geoeconomic rivarly. Particularly the United States and China are using economic instruments to advance strategic agendas, which poses a difficult challenge to the European Union.A new study by the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA), ETLA Economic Research, and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland investigates the risks and opportunities of this rise of geoeconomics for the EU and its member states, particularly Finland. Whereas the Union was designed on the premise that economic and security policy should remain separate, it now finds itself ill-equipped for their increasing convergence.“Global interdependence and the global trading system embodying it have traditionally been seen as sources of peace and stability”, says one of the authors of the study Mikael Wigell, FIIA’s Research Director. “However, the currently intensifying great power competition is threatening to challenge this view.”The study shows how the EU’s traditional market-based approach to international economic engagement exposes it to risks arising from the geoeconomic power politics of other major powers and how these risks are particularly acute in the technological domain, where Europe’s competitiveness has been decreasing and its strategic dependencies on China and the United States growing. As indicated by the discussion related to 5G technology, Europe needs better data and situational awareness concerning their economic and technological interdependencies.“Economic interdependencies generate many positive effects, but it can also entail dangerous vulnerabilities and security risks. For the EU and especially its technology companies the risk picture is undergoing significant change because of the rise of geoeconomics.  In this report, we have tried to come up with better ways to recognize and evaluate these risks, and how Europe and its member states can adapt to these developments”, Wigell says.In the context of new geoeconomic rivalry, the EU is now trying to strengthen its ability to participate in defining the rules of the game for the global economy. According to Wigell, this is also warrants active engagement from the member states.“Finland must be able to evaluate its own vulnerabilities to geoeconomics in order to be able to influence and support this EU ambition.”This publication is part of the implementation of the Government Plan for Analysis, Assessment and Research for 2021.For more information, please contact: Research Director Mikael Wigell, Finnish Institute of International Affairs, t. 040 583 1371, [email protected]

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Foreign Affairs Committee confirmed Estonia’s constant support to Ukrainian colleagues

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

Today, the Foreign Affairs Committee held a video meeting with the members of the Committee on Foreign Policy and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament of Ukraine), confirming Estonia’s continuous support to Ukraine’s independence, democracy, and territorial integrity in the fight against Russia’s aggression.

The Chairman of the Committee Marko Mihkelson reaffirmed Estonia’s support to Ukraine, which would include pro-active efforts in diplomacy as well as tangible help in defending the country. Estonia’s planned weapons assistance to Ukraine was discussed more specifically.

The focus of the meeting was on geopolitical and security challenges and the validity of the international law. The participants emphasised that the strongest long-term guarantee for Ukraine’s freedom and independence would be accession to NATO and the EU. To this end, Ukraine needs the guidance of the specific road map that would lead them there.

The Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Policy and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation of the Verkhovna Rada Oleksandr Merezhko thanked Estonia for its support.

The parties highlighted the importance of cooperation among likeminded countries, and the need for awareness raising among the other allies. The parties also agreed on the importance of direct regular contacts between parliamentarians.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Home affairs ministers to discuss security at Europe’s borders and EU’s migration and asylum reform

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — EU home affairs ministers will gather in Lille, France, on 3 February for an Informal Meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers. The ministers will discuss the security of Europe’s borders and the reform of the EU’s migration and asylum policy. Another topic on the agenda will be the impact of climate change on civil protection. No decisions will be made at the informal meeting.Day before the meeting, the French Presidency of the Council of the EU will organise a simulation exercise on managing cybercrime incidents for the home affairs ministers. Minister of the Interior Krista Mikkonen will represent Finland at the meeting and in the exercise.Legislative amendments among tools for improving the functioning of the Schengen areaThe current situation at the EU’s external borders were discussed in a number of contexts last summer and autumn. The topic is of particular interest for Finland as the border between Finland and Russia is a Schengen external border. The home ministers will discuss the situation at the external borders especially from the perspective of improving the Schengen area.“The Schengen Borders Code should be developed in ways that allow for Member States efficient, proportionate and more flexible ways to respond to changing situations at both internal and external borders, in full respect of fundamental and human rights,” says Minister Mikkonen.As part of its Schengen package, the European Commission submitted a proposal in December to amend the Schengen Borders Code. The aim of the proposal is to improve regulation on the reintroduction of internal border control and create various coordination mechanisms for incidents and crises at internal and external borders.The Commission has also presented a proposal to revise the Schengen evaluation and monitoring mechanism to improve the process of verifying that Member States have correctly implemented the Schengen rules.In addition, the EU’s migration and asylum policy must be comprehensive, and progress must be made on reforming the Common European Asylum System to improve Member States’ capacity to respond to all kinds of migration movements and thereby enable the uninterrupted functioning of the Schengen area.France proposes a new way forward in the migration and asylum reformThe EU’s migration and asylum reform, launched in autumn 2020, has made little progress especially with regard to legislation, and the French Presidency is now seeking a new way forward. France proposes that the reform should proceed gradually and strive to meet the needs of all Member States as far as possible at each stage.The comprehensive road map put forward by the French Presidency would strengthen checks and registration at external borders, while providing support for those Member States that bear the greatest responsibility for border control and the reception of asylum seekers. France sets much store by the external dimension of EU policies and especially by improving cooperation in return issues with key partner countries. Finland supports the Presidency’s proposal to advance the reform gradually and to build trust among Member States.The home affairs ministers will discuss the Presidency’s proposal for the first time at the informal meeting in Lille. They will pave the way for the March Justice and Home Affairs Council, where the ministers will seek to agree on a general approach on the new way forward.More European cooperation in civil protectionThe home affairs ministers will discuss the impacts of climate change on civil protection. Finland considers the issue important and topical.“The risks associated with climate change do not respect national borders. We must step up European cooperation so that we can better prepare for the impact of climate change and develop our common capabilities effectively,” says Mikkonen.Finland supports the objective to improve and enhance EU preparedness to respond to broad and serious disasters and crises. Strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation and resilience in society at the European level will contribute to better national preparedness in Finland. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Government to update COVID-19 strategy – restrictions to be lifted gradually taking into account epidemiological situation

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — In its meeting on Wednesday 2 February, the Government was briefed on the current epidemiological situation, discussed updates to its COVID-19 strategy and assessed the lifting of restrictions. The Government also decided on preparations for updating the COVID-19 passport.The number of COVID-19 infections nationwide remains high, but the number of cases requiring intensive care has decreased considerably. Some regions have already reached the peak of this wave of the epidemic, and the burden on the healthcare system has evened out or begun to ease. That said, the epidemiological situation continues to vary from region to region, and in some regions the situation may still become more difficult. There are still many unvaccinated people who are susceptible to infection. Achieving the best possible vaccination coverage is our best tool in the fight against the epidemic, both now and in the future. Restrictions to be lifted graduallyThe Government discussed lifting the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19. In lifting the restrictions, it is wise to proceed gradually.   The Government decided to ease the restrictions on restaurants so that as of 14 February, restaurants can serve alcoholic beverages until 23.00 and remain open until midnight. This applies to both restaurants and businesses that primarily serve alcoholic beverages.  If the situation continues to develop favourably and we are not at risk of exceeding the capacity of the healthcare system, the restrictions on restaurant operations could be lifted completely as of 1 March for all food and beverage service businesses.    The Government recommends that all restrictions on the number of participants and the amount of customer seating at public events and in leisure activities in the cultural, sports and event sectors be lifted as of 14 February.The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is drawing up a circular on these recommendations for the competent regional authorities.Preparation of COVID-19 passport to continue, ministerial working group to finalise hybrid strategy The Government received an update on the preparations for changes to the COVID-19 passport The Government decided to continue drafting legislation on the expansion and independent use of the COVID-19 passport so that the passport could be quickly reintroduced if the epidemiological situation deteriorates due to a new virus variant, for example.   Use of the COVID-19 passport in its current form will continue to be suspended until 15 February. The Ministerial Working Group on COVID-19 will continue its discussion on resuming the use of the COVID-19 passport in its current form. The EU COVID-19 vaccination passport continues to be in use for travel as usual.The Government also held a general discussion on the hybrid strategy for managing COVID-19 and on its testing and tracing strategy. The Ministerial Working Group will continue to finalise these strategies.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Denmark: Queen Margrethe of Denmark to enjoy a private holiday alongside King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – For Queen Margrethe, a hectic week awaits, with all eyes on the celebrations surrounding Crown Princess Mary’s 50th birthday. On Saturday, the Crown Princess will mark her milestone birthday, with members of her family coming together to mark the occasion. Following on from this, Queen Margrethe will, for the first time in two years, resume her traditional winter holiday abroad.

Her Majesty is understood to be travelling to Norway – a country which offers a true snow paradise north of Oslo at this time of year, and a place The Queen loves to visit. Margrethe is attracted to Norway both because of the beautiful nature, and also because she has several good friends in Norway, including the Norwegian King & Queen – Harald and Sonja.

When Her Majesty is on her winter holiday in Norway, she usually spends around two weeks in the stunning area of ​​Gausdal, which is located just north of Lillehammer, well over three and a half hours drive from Oslo.

Queen Margrethe of Denmark described her passion for the mountains of Skeikampen, where she has spent a lot of time.

In an interview, the Danish Queen has said: “There was mountains on mountains, it was white, and it was magnificent. I lost my heart with a big splash! It must be up there yet. And I have to come to Norway almost every year to find it again”.

Queen Margrethe was last in Norway in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic struck Europe. She was soon rushed out of the country on a military plane on 12 March 2020 to escape the quarantine.

Denmark: Crown Princess Mary’s Australian roots on display at Copenhagen Zoo

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Crown Princess Mary paid tribute to her Australian roots at a sod-laying ceremony at the Copenhagen Zoo on Wednesday.

Accompanied by her twin children, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, Crown Princess Mary helped begin the construction of ‘Mary’s Australian Garden’ at the Copenhagen Zoo.

Announced as part of her 50th birthday celebrations, ‘Mary’s Australian Garden’ will be an exhibit at the zoo housing Australian animals—a nod to the Crown Princess’s early years spent in Tasmania.

The Danish Royal House notes that the eponymous garden was made possible by donations from the Augustinus Foundation and the Knud Højgaard Foundation and will be the third part of an already-planned facility dedicated to Australian animals, including the cockatoo, rock kangaroos and the laughing bird.

The Copenhagen Zoo’s chief executive officer, Jørgen Nielsen, said in a press release last month that “[C]ompletely in the spirit of the Crown Princess, the gift will thus be both a joy and a benefit for a collection of Australian animals, and for the many families with children who this summer can experience a small selection of the Crown Princess’ homeland up close.”

The Copenhagen Zoo notes that ‘Mary’s Australian Garden’ will set new standards for animal care and guest experiences and that they “want to draw [guests] even closer to the animals and the day care of the animal keepers, and the hope is that our commitment and efforts to take care of the world’s animals will spread to both children and adults.”

An aviary will be erected in the new space alongside pre-existing facilities for kangaroos and Tasmanian devils.

During their visit, Crown Princess Mary, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine helped feed penguins and enjoyed traditional birthday celebrations like singing and cake.

Crown Princess Mary is the patron of the Copenhagen Zoo. Celebrations for her 50th birthday continue throughout the weekend in Denmark.

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