Finland joins Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use

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November 2, 2021

NordenBladet — Finland has joined the Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use of the Glasgow Climate Change Conference, whereby more than one hundred countries commit to stopping deforestation by 2030. President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö will speak at the publication event of the Declaration on Forests in Glasgow on Tuesday.Among the signatories of the Declaration are Brazil, Russia, China and the USA. Finland considers multilateral cooperation as highly important to achieve the international targets related to forests. By this Declaration, the countries also commit to promoting sustainable development on the global scale, including the sustainable management and use of forests, and to strengthening local economies: small farmers, indigenous peoples and local communities whose livelihoods are dependent on forests need stronger support from others for the sustainable management and use of their forests. Breakthrough Agenda aims at clean electricity, emission-free transport, zero-emission steel and low-carbon hydrogen by 2030On Tuesday Finland will also announce its support for the Breakthrough Agenda that consists of the four Glasgow Breakthroughs. The Breakthrough Agenda outlines the global goals to 2030. According to the Agenda, by that time clean energy should be cost-effective and accessible all over the world, and emission-free vehicles should be the new normal. A further goal is that near zero-emission steel will be the most popular option in the global market and that affordable renewable and low-carbon hydrogen will be globally available by 2030.The implementation of these breakthroughs would reduce emissions and contribute to developing new business models, creating new jobs and reaching different environmental objectives. Finland is already a member or otherwise involved in processes that will be in a key position in implementing and monitoring the Breakthrough Agenda. These include the International Energy Agency IEA, International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA, Mission Innovation MI and Clean Energy Ministerial CEM.Global Methane Pledge aims at 30% reduction in human-caused methane emissions by 2030In addition, on Tuesday Finland will also join the Global Methane Pledge announced by the EU and United States that aims to reduce the global human-caused methane emissions by 30% by 2030. After carbon dioxide, methane is the most significant greenhouse gas that causes climate change.Finland has for a long time been active in several international processes concerned with methane, including the Climate and Clean Air Coalition CCAC, Global Methane Initiative GMI and work done in the Arctic Council. The pledge introduces a quantitative target that will support the work done in these processes as well.Finland’s national methane emissions decreased by more than 40% in 1990-2019, and the decrease is expected to continue until 2030. The main sources of methane emissions in Finland are waste, agriculture and energy production.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Foreign Affairs Committee’s visit to the United Kingdom focuses on customs border issues and bilateral relations

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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November 2, 2021

NordenBladet —

The delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) is on a visit to Belfast and London. The visit will last until Friday. At the meetings, the problems relating to Brexit and implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol as well as their possible solutions, and the issues of bilateral relations will be discussed. The members of the Foreign Affairs Committee will also examine the situation in the customs offices on the border of Northern Ireland.

“The United Kingdom is a key ally and partner for Estonia, and they have made a significant contribution to ensuring our security,” Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson said. “Now, when Great Britain is no longer a member of the European Union, it is especially important to continue the earlier excellent cooperation and find ways for strengthening it. Let it be even closer partnership in business diplomacy, e-residency, cybersecurity, green issues or in other fields,” he added.

The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee explained that the aim of the visit was to strengthen the cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries, and the colleagues from the UK were expected to visit Estonia soon.

The Estonian delegation will start the visit in Belfast, where they will meet with the representatives of the Executive Office of Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium and the civil society. They will also visit the customs offices of Northern Ireland.

On Wednesday, the visit will continue in London with meetings with Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee Tom Tugendhat, Chair of the Defence Select Committee Tobias Ellwood and members of the committees. It is also planned to meet with the representatives of the Scotland House in London and Ambassador of the European Union to the United Kingdom João Vale de Almeida.

On Thursday, the delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee will meet with former Prime Minister Theresa May and representatives of think tanks. The visit will end with meeting with the Estonians living in London.

The delegation consists of Chairman of the Foreign Affairs committee Marko Mihkelson and members of the Committee Mailis Reps and Raivo Tamm. Vice-President of the Riigikogu Hanno Pevkur will join the delegation at meetings in London.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Foreign Minister Haavisto to attend Nordic Council Session in Denmark

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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November 2, 2021

NordenBladet — On 2 November, Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto will visit Copenhagen to attend the 73rd Session of the Nordic Council. At the Nordic Council plenary session, he will deliver a speech on Nordic foreign and security policy cooperation. Finland is chairing the Nordic (N5) cooperation on foreign and security policy in 2021.Minister Haavisto will also chair the Nordic Foreign Ministers’ meeting. The Ministers will discuss topical international issues, such as the OSCE and UN affairs.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Jüri Ratas discussed energy security and digitalisation with his Czech counterpart

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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November 1, 2021

NordenBladet —

The discussions at the meeting of President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas and President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Miloš Vystrčil today focused on strengthening bilateral relations in the fields of energy and digitalisation. Economic cooperation, defence cooperation, green transition and energy security were also spoken about.

Ratas said that the Czech Republic was a close partner and a like-minded ally for Estonia both in the European Union and in NATO. President of the Riigikogu thanked the Czech Republic for their contribution to NATO Baltic air policing. He recalled that in 2019, the Czech forces were present in Ämari Air Base, and expressed hope that they would return soon. “The cooperation between our countries has been long, this December we will celebrate the centenary of our diplomatic relations,” Ratas pointed out.

Energy security, green transition and the measures to counter the sudden rise of energy prices were discussed in greater detail at the meeting. Ratas emphasised that the rise of gas and electricity prices must not prevent the achievement of the green targets. According to him, Estonia’s positions regarding the green package “Fit for 55” are being drawn up. “The transition should be fair and not take place at the expense of people,” Ratas underlined, and added that the synchronisation of the Baltic energy networks with those of West Europe was also under way.

“Estonia has formulated the target of climate neutrality by 2050, and decided that production of energy and oil from oil shale must end by 2040 at the latest,” Ratas said. “This will be a time for transformation in order to find new energy sources and to solve the social-economic issues as well. Estonia sees solar and wind energy as alternatives, and is ready also to consider taking into use of nuclear energy, because this is a potential alternative to fossil fuels.” Ratas admitted that it was definitely necessary to hold a debate on the adoption of nuclear energy because the issues relating to financing and also the emotions of people needed to be resolved.

Both speakers acknowledged that there was still unused potential in bilateral relations, and agreed that the topics relating to energy and digitalisation would be dealt with further in the framework of parliamentary cooperation. According to the President of the Czech Senate, the interest of their entrepreneurs in cooperation is great.

Chairman of the Estonia-Czech Republic Parliamentary Friendship Group, member of the European Union Affairs Committee and the Finance Committee Aivar Sõerd also participated in the meeting. He highlighted the close and excellent parliamentary relations between the two countries. Speaking of climate neutrality, Sõerd remarked that achieving these targets would provide opportunities for innovation, and it would also be possible to apply for support from the Recovery Plan for Europe.

This morning, President of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas and President of the Czech Senate Miloš Vystrčil opened the Czech-Estonian business forum at the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In his opening address, Ratas called on focusing on bilateral economic cooperation and to look for wider possibilities for cooperation in digitalisation and artificial intelligence.

Tomorrow, Miloš Vystrčil and the delegation accompanying him will visit e-Estonia Briefing Centre. After the visit to Estonia, the President of the Czech Senate will go on a visit to Lithuania.

Photos of the meeting (Erik Peinar, Riigikogu)

Source: Parliament of Estonia

The 2021 International Gender Equality Prize will be awarded in Tampere, Finland on 22 November 2021

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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November 1, 2021

NordenBladet — On Monday, 22 November, Tampere Hall in Tampere will host the International Gender Equality Prize award ceremony, which will announce the winner of the 2021 Award. The prize is awarded to a person or operator who has significantly promoted gender equality internationally. The prize will be presented by the Prime Minister of Finland, Sanna Marin. The International Gender Equality Prize (IGEP) amounts to EUR 300,000.Nominations for the winner were submitted during the first half of the year. More than 400 nominations were received this year. On this basis, an independent jury of international experts made its own proposal for the final decision of the Finnish Government. The biennial prize is awarded in co-operation between the Finnish Government and the City of Tampere. Finland has a long history of advocating and promoting gender equality both at home and around the world. For example in 1906, Finnish women became the first in the world to receive full political rights. Throughout Finland’s independence, women have served as leaders in all key positions, including President of the Republic and Prime Minister. Gender equality is a core value in Finland. It has been essential in shaping and defining the way we have built our nation to achieve the success we enjoy today. One of Prime Minister Marin’s Government Programme goals is to make Finland a forerunner in gender equality. “Promoting gender equality worldwide requires effective actions and determined work. The International Gender Equality Prize recognizes and raises awareness of this work and also contributes to the promotion of gender equality globally”, says Prime Minister Marin.The prize was established in 2017 by the Government in honor of Finland’s 100 years of independence, and it is now being awarded for the third time. The prize was first awarded in Tampere in March 2018, when it was awarded to German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merkel donated the prize to a Nigerien women’s and children’s rights NGO, which used the prize money to set up a shelter for victims of domestic violence in Niamey, the capital of Niger. In 2019, the prize was awarded to Equality Now, a globally influential women’s rights organization. The 2021 award ceremony will be held at Tampere Hall, 15.00–16.30, on 22 November 2021. You can follow the guest event live online. Instructions for registering for the webcast of the award ceremony can be found on the award’s website: www.igep.fi/en. On Monday, 22 November, Tampere Hall in Tampere will host the International Gender Equality Prize award ceremony, which will announce the winner of the 2021 Award. The prize is awarded to a person or operator who has significantly promoted gender equality internationally. The prize will be presented by the Prime Minister of Finland, Sanna Marin. The International Gender Equality Prize (IGEP) amounts to EUR 300,000.Further informationPirita Ruokonen, Special Adviser to Prime Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, [email protected] (media contacts for Prime Minister Marin)
Sami Siltanen, Project Coordinator,Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, [email protected] (information about the prize gala)
Iina Ojala, Head of PR and Marketing, City of Tampere, Finland , [email protected]

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Finland sends material assistance to help Latvia fight COVID-19 epidemic

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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November 1, 2021

NordenBladet — Finland will send six ventilators to Latvia to help the country fight the COVID-19 epidemic. The material assistance will be delivered through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.The Latvian authorities have requested material assistance from the EU countries due to the rapidly deteriorating COVID-19 situation. Finland has offered Latvia six ventilators, and Latvia announced today that it will accept the offer.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Proposal to expand use of COVID-19 passport requires legal assessment

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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November 1, 2021

NordenBladet — The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has received a statement from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare on expanding the use of the COVID-19 passport. In its statement, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare proposes, for example, that the COVID-19 passport also be used to ascertain the fitness for work of healthcare and social welfare personnel, i.e. that personnel performing certain care and healthcare duties are vaccinated.The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health considers the proposal an interesting initiative, particularly when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable people from COVID-19. In the most vulnerable people and those who are not vaccinated, COVID-19 can cause severe illness requiring hospital care and, in the worst case, lead to death. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will assess the proposal of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare together with other responsible ministries as part of the wider preparatory work on the expanded use of the COVID-19 passport.

According to the statement, expanding the use of the passport could be a quick way to protect patients and colleagues from COVID-19 infection. However, the proposal submitted by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare contains shortcomings when it comes to the possibility of laying down provisions in the law on the proposed solution. The proposal does not include a proper assessment of the legislative framework conditions of the proposal. This is a matter of principle with far-reaching effects, and it must be assessed with due regard to both the rights of care personnel and questions related to labour law.

Before the scope of the provisions on the COVID-19 passport can be expanded to apply to care personnel, an overall assessment must be carried out from the perspective of equality and the prohibition of discrimination, personal integrity, the right to privacy and the protection of personal data. Fundamental rights also include the freedom to engage in commercial activity and the right to work. The provisions on the COVID-19 passport include the right to process people’s health data, which is why account must also be taken of the General Data Protection Regulation and the Act on the Protection of Privacy in Working Life when assessing the matter.

If the scope of the provisions on the COVID-19 passport were expanded to apply to care personnel, the effects and consequences of this should be assessed, for example, from the perspective of what it would mean for employees if they did not have a COVID-19 passport and what would be done in situations where employees cannot get vaccinated for health reasons.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has requested the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare as an expert agency to assess the feasibility of the proposal with regard to the framework conditions as this would create a more solid basis for the proposal in both legislative drafting and public discussion. As an expert agency, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare has a significant role in providing reliable information and expert views.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

President of the Czech Senate is on a visit to Estonia

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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November 1, 2021

NordenBladet —

Yesterday, President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Miloš Vystrčil and the delegation accompanying him arrived on a three-day visit to Estonia.

This morning, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas and his Czech counterpart will open the Czech-Estonian business forum at the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Czech and Estonian companies from various industrial sectors participate in the forum.

After that, the President of the Czech Senate will have a meeting with President of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas at Toompea. Chairman of the Estonia-Czech Republic Parliamentary Friendship Group, member of the European Union Affairs Committee and the Finance Committee Aivar Sõerd will participate in the meeting.

At noon, Miloš Vystrčil will meet with President Alar Karis in Kadriorg.

Minister of Entrepreneurship and Information Technology Andres Sutt and Minister of Foreign Affairs Eva-Maria Liimets will also have meetings with the President of the Czech Senate. On Tuesday, Miloš Vystrčil and the business delegation accompanying him will visit e-Estonia Briefing Centre. After the visit to Estonia, the President of the Czech Senate will go on a visit to Lithuania.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Next infantry group to rotate in Mali is ready for a foreign operation

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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October 29, 2021

NordenBladet —

This week, more than two months long pre-operation training of the infantry platoon BKN-11 Estpla came to an end, in preparation for a service in Mali starting from December with a French unit serving as part of the Allied Battlegroup in Tapa.

“Training has given soldiers the opportunity to identify with the area of operation in Mali, which has given the whole unit a broader understanding of the challenges and expectations ahead. During the training, we have overcome our weaknesses and the final exercise went very well for us,” said First Lieutenant Mihkel Tamm, BKN-11 Estpla platoon commander.

The final exercise Sleipnir-11 was to practice the most common tasks and situations that await the unit in the area – base protection, conducting patrols and participating in the rapid reaction unit.

“The training of the mission team has been carried out by Scout Battalion’s soldiers and officers, who have extensive experience in missions abroad and have been training for a long time,” said next Barkhane’s contingent commander Major Rauno Vahimets, adding: “final exercise here does not end the training, in the deployment area the skills and knowledge will be constantly updated”.

The BKN-11 Estpla is an infantry platoon that will replace the BKN-10 Estpla currently serving in Mali, which began its service at the Gao military base in August this year. The main area of activity for the Estonian contingent located in Gao base on the Niger River in Mali is the urban environment.

The tasks of the Estonians in Mali are military defence and joint patrols with units of the French Defence Forces, on the basis and composition of which the Estonian contingent operates.

The French counter-insurgency operation Barkhane aims to support the fight against Islamic extremists in five Sahel countries (Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad) and thus to contribute to the fight against illegal immigration and human trafficking towards Europe.

Source: Estonian Defence Forces

Ministers Haatainen and Lintilä to discuss EU competitiveness with the Commission’s Executive Vice-President Vestager

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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October 29, 2021

NordenBladet — The European Commission’s Executive Vice-President and Commissioner in charge of competition and digital policy Margrethe Vestager will visit Helsinki on Friday 29 October. She will discuss current issues related to competition and state aid, the implementation of EU industrial strategy and digitalisation with Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen and Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä. The Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Employment will meet EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager in Helsinki on Friday. The meeting will focus on promoting competitiveness of the EU’s internal market and industry, which must be based on equal operating conditions for business operators. As concerns industrial policy, it is essential to consider the EU’s comprehensive industrial strategy and the importance of SMEs in promoting competitiveness.Finland takes a strict position on EU competition and state aid policyMinister of Employment Haatainen and Vestager will discuss the EU’s competition and state aid policy and the Commission’s ongoing assessment of competition policy. “It is important for us that the regulation of the EU’s competition and state aid policy remains strict so that the internal market functions well and on an equal basis. While applying less stringent state aid rules is justified for certain strategic projects important to the EU, it should not be expanded to a more general use,” says Haatainen.Many EU countries have recently proposed relaxing the Union’s rules on competition and state aid policy, but Finland takes a strict position. State aid rules must guarantee a level playing field for companies operating in the EU and ensure that the internal market remains open to competition. Finland also hopes that any temporary state aid introduced during the coronavirus epidemic will be discontinued as soon as the economic and pandemic situation so permits. Competition and state aid regulation must in its part also support the Union’s objectives on green and digital transitionIndustrial strategy should focus on ensuring the EU’s global competitivenessMinister of Economic Affairs Lintilä and Vestager will discuss the EU’s updated industrial strategy, competitiveness, the digital economy and emerging technologies. Different sectors must be well represented in the industrial strategy, which must focus on ensuring the EU’s competitiveness globally.“Sustainable bioeconomy solutions must be part of the EU’s industrial strategy. Bio-based materials and products support sustainable growth, competitiveness and the EU’s transition towards a climate-neutral economy,” Lintilä says.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi