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Helena-Reet Ennet

Helena-Reet Ennet
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EU competitiveness ministers to discuss crisis resilience and strategic dependencies

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The EU ministers responsible for the internal market and industrial policy will meet to discuss the Union’s measures to develop its crisis resilience. The meeting will be organised by France, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU. The ministers responsible for the internal market and industrial policy will meet in Lens, France on 31 January and 1 February 2022. They will discuss the EU’s measures to reduce strategic dependencies as well as the challenges related to critical materials. Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä will represent Finland. Finland considers it important that the supply of raw materials is evaluated as part of the green transition. Finland also emphasises that sustainable bioeconomy solutions should be added to the EU’s strategic toolbox. “The bioeconomy, circular economy and innovations play a crucial role in the industry’s transition towards a carbon-neutral economy. For example, new bio-based alternatives are key to solving the challenges concerning raw materials. This should be recognised more widely at the EU level,” Lintilä says. The EU reviews and monitors the Union’s strategic dependencies at regular intervals. The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need for the EU to strengthen its crisis resilience and ensure the availability of certain critical raw materials and equipment, such as medicines and protective equipment. Improving crisis resilience should be evaluated from a broad perspective, which takes into account the economic renewal and ensures a level playing field for all in the EU market. An efficient internal market and an open and rules-based trade policy play an important role in ensuring security of supply. In the EU’s informal meetings, ministers discuss current issues, but no decisions are taken.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Live webcast: Press Conference of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis and Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The Ministers will discuss bilateral issues, European security and topical international questions.Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto will meet Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis in Helsinki on 31 January. The Ministers will discuss bilateral issues, European security and topical international questions.Follow the live webcast of the press conference at 13:10: https://www.mediaserver.fi/live/formin

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Nine-month acceptance period of EU COVID-19 vaccination certificates introduced for travel

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — From February 2022 onwards, EU COVID-19 vaccination certificates will be accepted for travel purposes for a period of nine months since the administration of the last dose of the primary vaccination series. As of yet, no acceptance period will apply to certificates issued following the administration of booster doses.Once more than 270 days have passed from the second shot of a 2-dose series, the EU COVID-19 vaccination certificate is no longer accepted in travel within the EU.Here’s how it works Make sure that your EU COVID-19 vaccination certificate is valid. Get a third vaccine dose before nine months have passed since your second dose. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare recommends a third vaccine dose for everyone aged 18 years or over. Check the recommended vaccination schedule on the website of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.Download a new certificate from the My Kanta pages after you have received your third dose. You need to download a new certificate from the My Kanta pages because the certificate you have already downloaded and saved on your mobile phone or printed out will not be automatically updated with information about your third dose. Get the new certificate from the My Kanta pages before the acceptance period of 270 days expires. Make sure that you use a certificate that has information about the vaccine you received and the information ‘3/3’ indicating you have received a booster dose.Before travelling, check from the country of your destination what kinds of certificates you need to cross the border. Countries may have have different practices and rules for COVID-19 certificates. Before travelling, you should also check the COVID-19 situation in your destination and, before returning home, you should check the situation in Finland and take care to follow the latest guidelines. The  Re-open EU website (reopen.europa.eu) compiles information on travel instructions and restrictions in place in the EU Member States.It will be decided later whether an acceptance period of COVID-19 certificates will be introduced for the Finnish COVID-19 passport.Further information

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

The Chief of the General Staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces visited Estonia for the first time

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

This week, the Chief of the General Staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces, Major General Robert Glavaš, visited Estonia for the first time, where he met with the Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Martin Herem.

“As small countries, we are united by similar challenges, so we had a good opportunity to share our experience in building up the Defence Forces and the Reserve Army,” said Lieutenant General Martin Herem, Commander of the Defence Forces.

During the visit, which began on Wednesday, the Chief of the General Staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces received an overview of the structure, structures, training, international operations and upcoming capability developments of the Estonian Defence Forces.

In addition, the general received a presentation on regional security, met with Chancellor Kusti Salmi at the Ministry of Defence and Brigadier General Riho Ühteg at the General Staff of the Defence League. Major General Glavaš laid a wreath on the Victory Column of the War of Independence in Tallinn.

“Estonia and Slovenia share many milestones. Both countries gained their independence in 1991 and therefore have a very good understanding of the each other’s security challenges,” said Major General Robert Glavaš, Chief of the General Staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces.

In addition, the Chief of the General Staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces visited the NATO Cyber Defence Cooperation Center in Tallinn and the 1st Infantry Brigade in Tapa, where he met with the Commander of the Brigade Colonel Andrus Merilo and the Commander of the NATO Battle Group, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Worth.

Major General Glavaš also visited the Estonian Defence industry company Milrem Robotics and got acquainted with the company’s management and production.

Like Estonia, Slovenia became a member of the European Union and NATO in 2004. Slovenia is a country half the size of Estonia, but almost twice as large in population.

Photos 

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

World’s first permanent vehicle-charging electric road to be built in Sweden

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Sweden’s highway network is set to build the world’s first permanent electric road in the country by 2025, which will allow electric vehicles to charge as they drive.

According to a report by World Highways, the electric road is to be built in Örebro county, roughly 100km west of Stockholm.

The aim of the road is to encourage the use of electric trucks across the two-lane E20 highway between Hallsberg and Örebro, which stretches to 21km. The road was chosen due to the amount of freight transported between northern and southern Sweden across it.

The decision to build the road came after several pilot projects to assess whether electric roads would be able to charge electric vehicles.

One of these pilot projects took place in the Swedish city, Lund, in June 2020. This project was developed by a partnership between the Swedish company Evolution Road and Lund University that was able to transmit 300kW worth of power to a vehicle through a retractable pick-up that drags along a metal rail embedded in the road.

 

Internal border control will end, restrictions on external border traffic will continue until 14 February

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — In line with the Government decision of 27 January, internal border control between Finland and all Schengen countries will end on 31 January. Restrictions on entry at Finland’s external borders will continue until 14 February.In addition, entry restrictions for non-Schengen EU countries will be lifted entirely as of 1 February due to the end of internal border control.However, all passengers are required to present certificates laid down in the Communicable Diseases Act and comply with the decisions made by the Regional State Administrative Agencies on compulsory health examinations.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 for more information on health security measures.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

Ratas discussed European security, pandemic and green transition with his Spanish counterpart

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet —

At their meeting today, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas and President of the Congress of Deputies of Spain Meritxell Batet Lamaña discussed how societies were overcoming the pandemic, and spoke about the challenges facing the European Union in combating the effects of climate change, and the joint response of the European Union and NATO to Russia’s growing aggression.

“At this moment, the whole Europe, and not only Eastern Europe or Ukraine, is facing a real threat,” Ratas underlined. “The threat is coming from Russia’s attempts to dismantle the European security architecture.” Ratas said that Europe had to stand firm, and for this it needed full coherence with its transatlantic partners, as well as unity and resolve among themselves. “We need to focus on Ukraine and double our efforts to support the country,” Ratas pointed out. “Ukraine is under a military and political pressure and is experiencing severe economic coercion. It is precisely here that the EU can bring concrete deliverables to the table.”

The President of the Riigikogu thanked Spain for their contribution to the security of the Baltic region and invited his Spanish counterpart to visit Estonia.

The Speaker of the Spanish Congress of Deputies said that the parliaments could cooperate more in promoting digital solutions.

Raivo Tamm, Chair of the Estonia-Spain Parliamentary Friendship Group, who accompanies the President of the Riigikogu on the visit, gave an overview of the plans of the group. Member of the Riigikogu Sven Sester emphasised the importance of direct international contacts generally and in particular in the wider spreading of digital solutions.

The discussions at the meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera focused on digitalisation and potential cooperation between the two countries, as well as using of Estonia’s experience. The ways to achieve climate neutrality and reach the results that would contribute to the economic development of countries were also discussed.

At the meeting with Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Congress of Deputies Pau Marí Klose and other MPs from different political groups, the security situation in Europe and the possibilities to help Ukraine and the Eastern partners politically, economically and in the field of defence were spoken about. The speakers emphasised the importance of the unanimity of the European Union in responding to the aggressor.

The Spanish colleagues expressed interest in Estonia’s experience regarding social integration. Both sides acknowledged the excellent cooperation in the missions in Mali and Mozambique as well as within the framework of Frontex.

In the afternoon, the President of the Riigikogu delivered a speech about the digital transition at the IE University in Madrid. He gave an overview of the e-governance services and Estonia’s experience in developing electronic services.

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

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Prime Minister Marin and UN Secretary-General Guterres discuss European security, strengthening the UN and digitalisation

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — On Friday 28 January, Prime Minister Sanna Marin and UN Secretary-General António Guterres discussed the security situation in Europe and ways to strengthen the UN and the multilateral international system. They also highlighted global challenges such as climate change and discussed the opportunities offered by digitalisation.The discussion emphasised the importance of respecting the UN Charter and the role of the UN as a defender of peace and stability. Marin expressed her serious concern over Russia’s actions, which have weakened the security situation in Europe. She stressed the importance of dialogue, the role of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the value of the fundamental principles of European security. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Restrictions on use of COVID-19 passport extended – restaurant restrictions eased

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The Government has extended the validity of the decree restricting the activities of food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The restrictions on the use of the COVID-19 passport will continue until mid-February and the restrictions on serving and opening hours of food and beverage service businesses will continue until the end of March. Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses will be eased for businesses serving food.The amendments will enter into force on 1 February 2022. The restrictions on the use of the COVID-19 passport will remain in force until 15 February 2022 and the restrictions on food and beverage service businesses until 31 March 2022.Until 15 February 2022, COVID-19 passport cannot be used as an alternative to restrictionsThe Government has updated the decree on temporary restrictions to the use of the COVID-19 passport issued under section 58i of the Communicable Diseases Act. In practice, this means that until 15 February 2022 the COVID-19 passport cannot be used as an alternative to regional restrictions on public events and customer premises.The decree will apply to all public events and customer premises that are subject to existing restrictions. Regional authorities will decide what restrictions are in place in their areas. The decree will apply to the areas of the hospital districts that meet the characteristics of community transmission areas.Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in community transmission areas from 1 February at 00.00Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses that are necessary to prevent the spread of the epidemic will be in place in all community transmission areas.The restrictions for community transmission areas will apply to the regions of Uusimaa, Southwest Finland, Satakunta, Kanta-Häme, Pirkanmaa, Päijät-Häme, Kainuu, Kymenlaakso, South Karelia, North Karelia, Central Finland, Ostrobothnia, South Ostrobothnia, Central Ostrobothnia, North Ostrobothnia, Lapland, South Savo, North Savo and Åland.Serving of alcoholic beverages in food and beverage service businesses that primarily serve alcoholic beverages will end at 17.00. Such businesses may keep their premises open to food and beverage service customers until 18.00. Food and beverage service businesses that primarily serve food may serve alcoholic beverages until 20.00. Such businesses may keep their premises open to food and beverage service customers until 21.00.Food and beverage service businesses that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may have only half the normal number of customer seats in use in their indoor and outdoor premises. Other food and beverage service businesses are restricted to 75 per cent of their normal number of customer seats indoors.All customers must have their own seats at a table or similar in indoor premises.Businesses cannot avoid restrictions by using COVID-19 passportUsing COVID-19 passport does not exempt food and beverage service businesses from the restrictions on the number of customer seats and on the licensing and opening hours.The restrictions on the use of the COVID-19 passport will be in force until 15 February 2022.The obligation to observe the general hygiene guidelines and to keep a safe distance applies in all regions.Even if the use of the COVID-19 passport does not exempt food and beverage service businesses from the restrictions as before, all food and beverage service businesses in Finland will still have the right to require customers to present the COVID-19 passport at all hours.Exceptions to restrictions remain unchangedThe restrictions laid down in the decree do not apply to the activities of staff restaurants or to takeaway sales of food to customers. The restrictions on opening hours do not apply to food and beverage service businesses on vessels and aircraft that operate between Finland and other countries or abroad or to food and beverage service businesses that operate at distribution stations for liquid fuels.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Minister Skinnari to visit Saudi Arabia and Oman

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari will visit Saudi Arabia and Oman from 30 January to 3 February 2022. During his visit, the Minister will meet Saudi Arabian and Omani ministers and representatives of business life. He will also participate in LEAP, a global technology and innovation event, held in Riyadh from 1 to 3 February 2022.The aim of the visit is to strengthen the commercial and economic relations between Finland and the two countries. Minister Skinnari will be accompanied by a business delegation consisting of representatives from about ten companies. Saudi Arabia is Finland’s most important trading partner in the Persian Gulf region. Saudi Arabia has launched a major economic reform and investment programme, Vision 2030.  The country aims to achieve carbon neutrality (net zero) by 2060. In order to achieve this objective, it has announced significant circular economy projects. For example, the country aims to recycle 80% of all waste by the end of this decade. The Saudi Arabian market offers many opportunities for Finnish companies both in the utilisation of AI and digitalisation and in the circular economy, green energy production, education, healthcare and mining.  Oman’s vision for the future, Oman 2040, aims to build an information society that is based on high-quality education, research and innovation. Opportunities will open up for Finnish companies, especially in the fields of renewable energy, education, healthcare and mining, as well as in digitalisation and logistics.“The ambitious visions of Saudi Arabia and Oman will require innovative solutions both in environmentally and climate-friendly technologies and in digitalisation, education and many other sectors. The visit will offer an excellent opportunity to present Finnish top expertise to local decision-makers and to strengthen the position of Finnish companies in the market,” Minister Skinnari says.              
 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

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