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Helena-Reet Ennet

Helena-Reet Ennet
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Sustainable development and the rights of indigenous peoples on the agenda during the 2021 Finnish Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet — Finland’s presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers is coming to an end. Although the COVID-19 pandemic naturally affected event arrangements, solutions have also been found. For example, it has become commonplace to arrange remote and hybrid events, with recordings and reports produced for many events that can be used in various contexts, even after the presidency year ends. This documentation will effectively serve the continuity of the presidency and its impact on other future activities. The overarching theme of the year was sustainable development, viewed from an ecological, social and economic perspective.The programme of the presidency reflected a vision of Nordic cooperation that seeks to make the Nordic countries the world’s most sustainable and integrated region by the year 2030. This cooperation seeks to create a Nordic region that is greener, more competitive and more socially sustainable. Here are some selected excerpts from events and themes of the year organised by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture.Sustainable development in educationThe first meeting of the Nordic Teacher Education Network was held in March, with Nordic teacher education institutes considering the prospects for establishing a Nordic network that would seek to improve the sustainable development skills of teachers at all levels of education.Details of the event: The Nordic Teacher education network’s online kick-off meeting on the topic of sustainable development and Nordic co-operation Sustainable peace was also on the agenda when a seminar entitled Education for Inclusive Peace: the role of education and research in promoting the Women, Peace and Security agenda in the Nordics highlighted the role of women in education and science, in relation to peace and security. A report of this event will be published in early 2022.Details of the event: Education for Inclusive Peace: the role of education and research in promoting the Women, Peace and Security agenda in the NordicsA recording of the eventCulture across bordersIn 2022 the Nordic countries will implement Nordic Bridges, a major cultural programme in Canada that will continue to present Nordic art and culture internationally. The Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture joined the Nordic Council of Ministers in launching an associated interaction between officials of the Nordic countries and Canada in autumn 2021 by arranging Culture and Arts Policy Dialogues between Canada and the Nordics (online). Canadian Heritage served as a local partner in Canada. The themes of the Dialogues were: Cultural Dimension of Sustainable Development and Green Transition in the Field of Culture; Moving Forward: Guiding Principles on Diversity of Content Online; and Export Culture: International Collaboration and the Mobility of People and Ideas. A report on the events will be published in early 2022.Nordic BridgesSeveral events promoted the operating conditions and competitiveness of the audiovisual sector over the year. In partnership with Nordisk Film & TV Fond (NFTVF), the Audiovisual Collaboration 2021 international discussion series was arranged in the spring to help strengthen links between industry operators and policymakers in the Nordic countries and Europe. Follow-up events will be held in February 2022, and a summary report of the discussion series will also be published in spring 2022.The role of sustainable development in architectural policy was a topic of the New European Bauhaus project launched by the European Commission. The Nordic perspective of the project was discussed through public workshops arranged jointly by the Finnish Ministry of the Environment and Archinfo with a view to finding better ways of living in Northern regions.The reportPress release 10.3.2021(in Finnish/Swedish)A joint Nordic discussion on diversity in the performing arts was also part of the Reshaping horizons of hope – Theatre of the Future event held in May. The programme was part of the #StopHatredNow event week, and was linked to the project An inclusive cultural sector in the Nordics arranged during the Norwegian presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2017.Final report of the event (pdf)Intangible capital of indigenous peoples and borderless Sámi educationThe Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture is supporting cooperation related to the intangible assets of indigenous peoples. A conference was held in November on protecting the traditional knowledge and intangible property of Nordic indigenous peoples, such as the Sámi, and the Inuit of Greenland. The conference highlighted the perspective of indigenous peoples on key issues, and served as a starting point for increased Nordic cooperation to promote intangible rights to traditional knowledge and cultural expressions. Nordic cooperation will focus on how current intellectual property rights protect traditional knowledge and how shortcomings should be addressed.Details of the event: Conference on protection of Nordic Indigenous traditional knowledge and intellectual property Developing Nordic cooperation in Sámi education was also one of the objectives set by Finland for its presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers. In partnership with the Sámi Parliament (Sámediggi), a Nordic forum on Sámi education was held in December at the Sámi Cultural Centre in Sajos, Inari. The forum provided an overview of the state of Sámi education in Finland, Sweden and Norway. Its themes included the impact of international borders on the Sámi language, the language rights of Sámi school students, the training of Sámi-speaking teachers, and the organisation of distance learning of the Sámi language. Participants assembled at the event included representatives of the Sámi Parliaments and Ministries of Education of Finland, Sweden and Norway, organisers of education and training, and researchers in Sámi education and training.Details of the event (in Finnish/Sámi)Main event combines education, culture and youth in the context of sustainable developmentThe Alla påverkar! [Everyone influences!] virtual conference in June was the main event of the Finnish presidency. The theme of the conference was education, culture and youth as promoters of sustainable development. The conference programme examined the approaches of various sectors to sustainable development, and how these sectors draw on and support one another in promoting sustainable development. Conference partners of the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture included the Nordic Expert Group for Sustainable Development, the Finnish Observatory for Arts and Cultural Education, and young activists. Besides young adults, the conference brought together various sustainable development networks and teachers.The event was opened by Ministers Kurvinen and Saramo, and by Åland Minister of Education and Culture Annika Hambrudd. The conference coincided with the start of centenary celebrations of the autonomy of the Åland Islands on 9 June, which will continue until 9 June 2022. The themes of the centenary are democracy, peace and sustainable development.Event reports and illustrations (in Finnish/English)The conference also coincided with the launch of the Nord StarT climate change competition. This competition seeks to highlight the visions of Nordic children, youth and young adults, together with examples of how climate change can be mitigated. The final event of the competition will take place in February 2022.News on 11 June 2021: Joint Nordic focus on sustainable development in preparation of the Nord Start Climate Change CompetitionReflection on the future of Nordic language policy and cooperationThe Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture arranged a digital conference in the autumn entitled Nordisk språkkonferens in association with Hanaholmen Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre and the Svenska Nu network. The conference celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Declaration on Nordic Language Policy and discussed the future of Nordic language policy and cooperation. It was organised to coincide with a meeting of the Nordspråk network. The Declaration on Nordic Language Policy will be updated in 2022.Children and young adultsThe Nordic network for arts and culture in school and early childhood education met in the autumn in Lahti at the time of the International Children’s Culture Forum. This was the first time that the network had met in Finland, and discussion topics included environmentally friendly children’s culture and art education, addressing the environmental and climate anxiety of children and young adults through art, and the sustainable development of children’s culture.Promoting reading by children and young adults was one of the themes of the Finnish presidency. Together with Nordic Culture Point, the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture arranged a spring webinar on the Nordic Bokslukaren [bookworm] reading promotion project.Details of the Bokslukaren project (site in all 5 Nordic languages)Nordic ministerial meetingsThe Nordic ministers of education, science and culture also held official meetings over the year. Ministers Andersson and Kurvinen hosted a Helsinki meeting of Nordic Ministers of education and science in October. Topics discussed at this hybrid meeting included the social inclusion of young people and Nordic scientific and research cooperation.At a November meeting in Copenhagen, the Nordic Ministers of culture adopted a joint declaration entitled “Art and culture as promoters of sustainable development”, noting that art and culture have an inalienable intrinsic value and much to offer in efforts to deliver the Nordic Council of Ministers’ vision of a Nordic region that is the world’s most sustainable and integrated region by the year 2030.News on 9 November 2021: Culture ministers: culture is a driving force for sustainable development (norden.org)The DeclarationThe Nordic heads of education and the permanent secretaries of ministries responsible for education also met in Helsinki during the presidency. Themes at a meeting held in November included the current state and future of Nordic cooperation, continuous learning, and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s New Year’s message, 31 December 2021

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet — During the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have experienced both light and darkness. A year ago we were able to start vaccinations, which have given us protection and security. That said, the virus is unpredictable, and the pandemic is unfortunately not over yet.Over the past year, many people have felt concern and sadness. Many have lost loved ones, worried about the health of their family members or fallen ill themselves. Many have lost their jobs or have been unsure of how they or their loved ones would get by.
 
But amidst the grief, worry and uncertainty, there have also been brighter moments. Thanks to vaccinations, society has been able to open up again and we have been able to meet each other safely. People have lent a helping hand when friends or strangers have needed it. Many have found joy in simple, everyday things. A crisis like this inevitably puts things into perspective.
 
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone in Finland. You have shown flexibility and resilience, and have acted for the common good. You have been patient in the face of uncertainty. This year has not been an easy one. I hope that as the crisis continues, we can be kind and understanding towards ourselves and each other.
 
The COVID-19 situation in Finland is serious, and the Omicron variant is cause for great concern. The Government’s goal is to increase vaccination coverage and improve vaccine protection among the population. A great deal of work is being done throughout Finland to ensure that third boosters can be administered as soon as possible. Vaccines continue to be our most important tool in the global fight against the pandemic.
 
But as we work to ensure that we have enough vaccines and can deliver them fast enough, we must also do our part to increase vaccination coverage worldwide. No one is safe until everyone is safe.
 
If you have not yet been vaccinated, now is the time. Getting vaccinated is an act of responsibility and a way to protect yourself, your loved ones and all of society. By getting vaccinated, you can prevent our healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed. It is a question of solidarity. We all need to do our part to get out of this pandemic.
 
So far, Finland has fared better in the pandemic than many of our peers when it comes to the effects of the epidemic on health and the economy. By providing timely and adequate support to people and businesses and by introducing recovery measures, we have managed to soften the blows to our economy and boost our ability to recover from them. That said, there are still major risks and uncertainties associated with how the pandemic will evolve. With this in mind, we also need to make sure our economic policies can react as the situation requires, and we must not abandon growth-oriented policies prematurely.Managing the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be a balancing act. We must be able to protect people’s health and avoid overburdening the healthcare system while also keeping society as open as possible. Decisions and restrictions must be expedient, proportionate and necessary. It is also clear that as the crisis drags on, society’s resilience will be put to the test.Despite rapid economic recovery during the pandemic, growth is expected to slow down in the coming years. Now is the time to improve our conditions for economic growth in the longer term. In an economy like Finland’s, economic growth is mainly based on skills, innovation and investments. Given this fact, in autumn of this past year, we appointed a parliamentary working group to explore ways to strengthen research, development and innovation over the long term.The Parliamentary RDI Working Group completed its work in December. In connection with this work, the parties in parliament made a joint commitment to the target of increasing Finland’s research and development expenditure to four per cent of GDP by 2030. As part of its work, the working group drafted a proposal on the guiding principles for developing the RDI system and the measures needed to achieve the 2030 target. The measures proposed by the working group are significant, and implementing them will be essential for the success of Finland’s economy. The stable and predictable implementation of the working group’s proposal will be at the heart of Finland’s economic policy in the years to come.Sustainable growth is also the most effective way to strengthen general government finances. Although performance both in general government finances and the debt-to-GDP ratio has been surprisingly favourable in recent months amidst rapid economic growth, our ageing population means that the longer-term outlook has not changed. Efforts to strengthen general government finances should continue and should focus above all on boosting growth and employment.
 
The backlogs in care, treatment and learning caused by the pandemic will require particular attention for a long time to come. The longer the crisis continues, the more important it is to ensure that the wellbeing backlog caused by COVID-19 does not become insurmountable. We must be able to address problems early on. If we fail to do so, we will pay a high human and economic price for it in the future.
 
In just over three weeks’ time, Finland will hold the first county elections in its history. In the county elections, people will decide on basic services that are important for their everyday lives. Until now, municipalities have been responsible for organising health, social and rescue services, but in future, this responsibility will be assumed by the wellbeing services counties.
 
There are many competent and motivated candidates running in the elections. I encourage everyone to cast their vote in January. Now is the time to decide on the future of health, social and rescue services. The county elections are about basic services, and the importance of these services has been further emphasised by the COVID-19 crisis. They are about making sure people can continue to rely on basic services.
 
Trust is the foundation of our entire society. Trust, and the ability to cooperate and agree on things together, are especially important in difficult times. People need to be able to trust that society will function in the midst of a crisis. People need to be able to trust that we can work together for the security, wellbeing and future of our nation. With this in mind, I would like to thank the opposition for the valuable support you have given to our Government in managing the COVID-19 crisis.
 
We are a society with many strengths. We are a skilled nation that has overcome many ordeals together. Finnish society is strong. It is particularly strong when we encounter hardships.
 
Internationally, Finland and Finns are held in high regard. Many people around the world see us as a leader. People trust Finns. Never before has our position been this strong.
 
Finland’s most important frame of reference is the European Union, which all European countries can seek to join. We have also strengthened our national security through comprehensive security and defence cooperation, which we will continue to intensify. In addition, we retain the option of applying for NATO membership. We should uphold this freedom of choice and make sure it remains a reality, as this is part of every country’s right to decide on its own security policies. It is one of the foundations of European security enshrined in the principles of the OSCE. We have shown that we have learnt from the past. We will not let go of our room for manoeuvre.
 
Whatever happens in our operating environment, Finland and the Finnish people will get through it. Next year will also be a time of both light and darkness. The whole Government and I will do everything in our power to ensure that the bright days outnumber the dark ones.
 
I wish everyone a safe and happy new year!Sanna Marin
Prime Minister
 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Temporary restrictions on use of COVID-19 passport to enter into force in South Savo and North Karelia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The Government has issued a decree amending section 58i of the Communicable Diseases Act to temporarily restrict the use of the COVID-19 passport. The COVID-19 passport cannot be used as an alternative to regional restrictions on public events and customer premises in the hospital districts of South Savo and North Karelia.The amendment to the decree will enter into force on Thursday 31 December 2021 at 00.00.By virtue of the decree, the effects of the COVID-19 passport will be temporarily restricted between 30 December 2021 and 20 January 2022, when it cannot be used as an alternative to regional restrictions on certain 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. Any questions on the restrictions should be directed to the Regional State Administrative Agencies. They also supervise compliance with the restrictions.The derogation to the use of the COVID-19 passport will apply to the areas of the hospital districts that meet the characteristics of community transmission areas. These include the following hospital districts: Helsinki and Uusimaa, Southwest Finland, Satakunta, Kanta-Häme, Pirkanmaa, Päijät-Häme, Kymenlaakso, South Karelia, North Karelia, South Savo, East Savo, North Savo, Central Finland, Vaasa, South Ostrobothnia, Central Ostrobothnia, North Ostrobothnia, Länsi-Pohja and Lapland.This temporary regulation, necessitated by the exceptional epidemiological situation, will help in safeguarding people’s right to health and wellbeing by curbing the rapid spread of the disease. Improving the vaccination coverage is the most significant means of curbing the epidemic effectively.The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health instructs the Regional State Administrative Agencies to examine the restrictions on public events and customer premises in their areas of operation, especially as concerns low-risk events.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses applicable in community transmission areas to be introduced in new regions

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The Government has amended the decree restricting the activities of restaurants and other food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The restrictions on food and beverage service businesses that are necessary to prevent the spread of the epidemic will be introduced across the region of South Savo and in the region of North Karelia.The decree will enter into force on Friday 31 December at 00.00.Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in community transmission areas from 31 December at 00.00The restrictions for community transmission areas apply to the regions of Uusimaa, Southwest Finland, Satakunta, Kanta-Häme, Pirkanmaa, Päijät-Häme, Kymenlaakso, South Karelia, North Karelia, Central Finland, Ostrobothnia, South Ostrobothnia, Central Ostrobothnia, North Ostrobothnia, Lapland, South Savo and North Savo.Serving of alcoholic beverages in all food and beverage service businesses will end at 17.00. The premises may be open to food and beverage service customers from 5.00 to 18.00. The restriction will also apply to restaurants that do not serve alcoholic beverages (e.g. cafes and fast food restaurants).Food and beverage service businesses that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may have only half of 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.
So far, businesses in community transmission areas that have required customers to present a COVID-19 passport have been exempt from these restrictions.Temporary changes to use of COVID-19 passport from 28 December at 00.00As from Tuesday 28 December, the use of the COVID-19 passport will not exempt food and beverage service businesses from the restrictions, as has been the case so far. Serving of alcoholic beverages in all food and beverage service businesses will end at 17.00. Food and beverage service businesses that primarily serve alcoholic beverages will be required to close at 18.00. Restaurants that mainly serve food may, however, remain open until 20.00, provided that the customers are required to present the COVID-19 passport.The restrictions on the use of the COVID-19 passport will be in force until 20 January 2022.Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in the region of Kainuu and in Åland from 31 December at 00.00There are no separate restrictions on the number of customers or on licensing and opening hours.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 will not exempt the businesses from the restrictions as has been the case so far, restaurants 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

Customs and traditions of New Year’s Eve that will bring luck and success for the NEW YEAR!

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – According to our forefathers’ belief, everything that we do on New Year’s Eve and on New Year’s Day, will have an effect on our lives during the year to come. Read more about which New Year’s Eve customs and traditions bring luck and success! Every year, when the new year begins, we become spiritually new, thus we must prepare to start this new life period.

On New Year’s Eve, conclude what you have been doing, and end what has been in progress:

1. Forgive, and ask for forgiveness, in order to start the new year with a clear conscience and peace of mind.

2. Remove all negative things from your life, those that have been bothering you for a long time: unnecessary things, unfortunate relations and toxic people.

3. Pay your debts and fulfill the promises you have given

4. Make peace with those states of affairs you cannot change

5. Be grateful – recall and write down what has been pleasant in the past year. Now you can proceed to the last point – creating a festive atmosphere. Try to make this holiday extra special and magic for yourself and your nearest and dearest!

6. Create a festive atmosphere and follow these traditions

1- Lay a hearty table so that also during new year you would have a workplace and bread on the table, and be able to put all the delicious dishes on the table. Our ancestors believed that we should eat 7,9 or 12 times. One serving can be just a few bites.

2- The party should be loud, there should be laughter, fun, and cries of joy of the children. According to ancient belief this will pull back the evil spirits.

3- Put candles on the graves of your passed friends and relatives either on New Year’s Eve or during the last week of the year, this will show that you have not forgotten those who came before us.

4- Decorate your home with candles – celebrate the victory of light over darkness!

5- Tell the future or pour luck (pour lead)




Photography: 3x NordenBladet

How to begin your new year?

1. Let the first person you communicate with be a man. It was believed that there will not be much luck when the first person to wish a Happy New Year is a woman.

2. Do not clean the house on January 1. Leave the cleaning for the second or third day of the year, this way you will not brush good luck out of your home.

3. On January 1, wash your face (from oldest member of the family to youngest) in the same dish. Let there be something made from silver (brooch, spoon) in the dish. This water ritual will give you good complexion, good eyesight, and will keep the family in peace and harmony.

4. Start the new year with full awareness. It is believed that everything that you do on the 1st of January is what you will be doing during the year to come. Thus, do not spend the day in bed, watching TV. Do the things that you wish to be doing and enjoying during the rest of the year.

Featured image: Pexels

Ministerial working group to coordinate COVID-19 response

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — In its plenary session on 30 December, the Finnish Government appointed a ministerial working group to coordinate COVID-19 response and ensure efficient exchange of information across branches of government.As a preparatory body for the Government, the ministerial working group will discuss political choices and policy positions, matters to be decided at government plenary sessions and matters to be decided in ministries that cross administrative boundaries. The Government decided to create the ministerial working group in its negotiations on 21 December 2021. The ministerial working group is chaired by Krista Kiuru, Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services. Other members of the group are: Minister of Social Affairs and Health Hanna Sarkkinen 
Minister of Finance Annika Saarikko 
Minister of Local Government Sirpa Paatero 
Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen 
Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä 
Minister of Education Li Andersson 
Minister of Science and Culture Antti Kurvinen 
Minister of Justice Anna-Maja Henriksson (deputy Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality Thomas Blomqvist) 
Minister of the Interior Krista Mikkonen 
Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Emma Kari 
Prime Minister Sanna Marin (deputy: State Secretary Henrik Haapajärvi) Other ministers will participate in the group’s work when matters falling within their mandate are being discussed in the group.Director General Satu Koskela from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will be appointed as Secretary General of the group.Each ministry will appoint a senior-level official to the group’s secretariat. Permanent experts to the group are the permanent secretaries of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Justice.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

New Board of Directors for Business Finland

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — On 30 December 2021, the Government appointed a Board for Business Finland for the term from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023. Päivi Marttila, a board professional, will become Chairman and Petri Peltonen, Under-Secretary of State from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, will continue to serve as Vice-Chairman.The Board of Directors includes persons familiar with Business Finland’s sector and one of them represents the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Juha Ala-Mursula (Director of BusinessOulu), Sami Lampinen (Managing Director of Inventure Oy), Miia Porkkala (Entrepreneur-Owner of Aho Group Oy) and State Under-Secretary Nina Vaskunlahti (Ministry for Foreign Affairs) will continue as Board members. New members of the Board will be Jaakko Aspara (Professor at Neoma Business School) and Laura Langh-Lagerlöf (Managing Director of Langh Group Oy). The Board of Directors guides, monitors and supervises the activities of Business Finland and makes decisions on general policies, taking into account the objectives set by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the principles and policies of ownership steering. The Board decides on Business Finland’s annual budget proposal and implementation plan, approval of financial statements and annual report, and granting of funding for such research, development and innovation projects of companies and organisations, public research projects, and business, energy and environmental projects in which Business Finland’s funding exceeds EUR 3 million.Business Finland is a government organisation under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment that offers companies research, development and innovation funding and internationalisation services, and promotes travel and investment in Finland.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Regional State Administrative Agencies responsible for restrictions on public events and customer premises

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Regional State Administrative Agencies decide the restrictions on public events and customer premises in their respective areas of operation.The Government issued a decree on 28 December 2021 prescribing that the COVID-19 passport cannot be used as an alternative to regional restrictions on certain public events and customer premises. The temporary decree is in force from 30 December 2021 to 20 January 2022. It applies to all public events and customer premises subject to restrictions imposed by municipalities and Regional State Administrative Agencies. In other words, the Government Decree means that all regional restrictions are fully in force without exceptions.Any questions on the restrictions should be directed to the Regional State Administrative Agencies. They also supervise compliance with the restrictions.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Posiva to apply for an operating licence for a spent nuclear fuel disposal facility first in the world

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — On 30 December 2021, Posiva Oy submitted to the Government an operating licence application referred to in the Nuclear Energy Act for an encapsulation plant and a disposal facility for spent nuclear fuel. The facility is currently under construction in Olkiluoto, Eurajoki. Posiva is applying for an operating licence for a period from March 2024 to the end of 2070.Posiva has been preparing for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel for more than 40 years. Its encapsulation plant is located above ground, and the fuel repository of underground disposal facility is located in the bedrock at a depth of approximately 400-430 metres.According to the application, most of the spent nuclear fuel of Posiva’s owners, i.e. Teollisuuden Voima Oyj’s Olkiluoto nuclear power plant and Fortum Power and Heat Oy’s Loviisa nuclear power plant would be disposed of in Posiva’s facility between 2024 and 2070. The disposal of all the spent nuclear fuel of the Posiva owners is expected to be completed until the late 2120s according to the present nuclear power operation plans. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will organise a public consultation regarding the licence application at a later date. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will then request statements from several authorities, organisations and municipalities in the affected area, and provide citizens and communities with an opportunity to express their opinions. These statements and opinions will be taken into account when the operating licence application is processed. The Ministry is also prepared to organise a seminar for authorities during the licence application processing. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment requests a statement on the safety of the encapsulation plant and disposal facility from the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK). STUK will perform an evaluation to ensure that the encapsulation plant and disposal facility have been built according to plans, that the nuclear facility as a whole can be used safely, and that the personnel of the nuclear facility have been trained to operate the facility safely. The operation and maintenance of the encapsulation plant and disposal facility will be supervised throughout their service life. As an important part of its statement, STUK will evaluate the long-term safety of the facility. Posiva began the construction of the encapsulation plant and disposal facility in December 2016, after being granted a construction licence by the Government in November 2015. This was the first construction licence in the world to be granted for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel. Before the licence was granted, the Government issued a decision-in-principle on the construction of Posiva’s encapsulation plant and disposal facility in December 2000, which was extended in January 2002 to cover the spent nuclear fuel of the Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant unit. Parliament approved the decision-in-principles in May 2001 and 2002. Under the decision-in-principle, Posiva launched the construction of an underground research facility, ONKALO, in 2004 under STUK supervision. It is now an integral part of the disposal facility. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Helena-Reet: Christmas + BIG GALLERY added

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – December has been snowy and beautiful like a fairy tale. All the stores are so lovely and shiny! Bringing home a Christmas tree is not a tradition for me (I feel sorry for the trees), yet in winter I decorate the trees in my garden with colorful balls of bird food. The one who takes care of the birds in winter will have birds at hand in spring and summer!

Ivanka Shoshana creates such beautiful ceramics and there is nothing as heart warming as a handmade present! I have always been fond of her style and the pottery that she creates with a bold and open hand. She keeps inventing new and interesting things – the most recent hit is tableware with a removable lid that is decorated with a big snowman or some other nice character created by herself. Super cool idea! This year she has created seven such exclusive containers, several of them with a special dedication. The snowman-knob containers created by her became even so popular that people from the ceramics club began to reproduce them massively. How cool is that? 🙂

We filled the present bags with several items of the handicraft clay ceramics created by Ivanka (containers, trays, bowls, vases, soap dishes), with care products from our Estonian origin family brand Elisheva & Shoshana (bathing salts, handicraft soaps, hair care products, scalp care sprays), with various games and sweets. For Estella we bought facial and hair care products and for Ivanka “The Loud House” comic book and coloring books. I really like social games (possibly more than the children like them…hahaa). I found the game “Nõiakatel” (The Witch Kettle) from one of the stores, it has the label on it: waving the wand, casting a spell, ACT, PRETEND, PRESENT! It seemed so much fun when I looked at it, no matter that it says it is for children at the age of 5+ years. I can’t wait to play it. I love all kind of parlor games. For the cat I bought a new “tree” for sharpening the claws, and for my parents as well as for Allan’s parents I also made gorgeous cakes.

For some reason it is the case with making presents that I begin to buy them as early as September-October and then it often happens that I can’t keep them to myself and hand them over earlier than usual. Actually I think that you should make presents when you feel like it, or when there is a need.

We spent our Christmas at Allan’s parents’ place in the city center and enjoyed good company along with homemade delicious dishes.

That’s all for this time! Have a nice end of the year! ?❄

(When you scroll down you will find lots of pictures from our Christmas menu and the presents we made)











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

Recent blog posts:
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!
Helena-Reet: Operetta “The Count of Luxembourg”, talkshow with the Timmers in Vatican Tallinn, and Sunday’s Father’s Day
Helena-Reet: Making presents, ordering beauty products, and about the renovation of the children’s room! WISHED-ACCOMPLISHED! + BIG GALLERY!
Helena-Reet: The weekend in Pärnu (Viking SPA Hotel, the restaurants Steffani and Kolhethi) and children’s school holiday…
Helena-Reet: That feeling when you dream of something extraordinary and the reality is EVEN BETTER! + Netflix series Squid Game, Alice in Borderland etc.
Helena-Reet: In Viru Variety Entertainment Hall, enjoying the revue theatrical entertainment Starlight Cabaret night “Creme de la Creme” + BIG GALLERY & VIDEO!
Helena-Reet: For the past two weeks we have actively worked on our home or rather say homes + OTHER STORIES!
Helena-Reet: Taking down the exhibition “Our home witch kitchen” in ERM and DRAWING LOTS who from the visitors won E&S PRODUCTS!
Helena-Reet: The 22nd date – WELL THAT IS ONE FINE day every month!
Helena-Reet: Children’s vaccination, visiting the TV tower, at a restaurant in Pirita, fishing for trout in Jõekääru farm in Kuusalu and much more of interest!
Helena-Reet: What has just happened to me?
Helena-Reet: Our life in the countryside aka the Kardashians in Estonian style.. or whatever + Recipe: Asian spicy beef strips in hot dressing
Helena-Reet: 4 birthdays (BIG GALLERY!)
Helena-Reet: Third tick-vaccine and plans for today
Helena-Reet: A visit to ERM in Tartu, men shaved their heads + confession: Yes, I have a new man!

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