NordenBladet — On Thursday 6 May, the Government appointed Vesa Vuorenkoski, Master of Laws and Social Sciences, as State Secretary to Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Tytti Tuppurainen. The State Secretary’s term ends with that of the Minister.

State Secretary Vuorenkoski took his oath of office at the same Government plenary session.Before the Prime Minister’s Office, Vuorenkoski served as Head of Political Affairs at Akava, the Confederation of Unions for Professional and Managerial Staff in Finland. He has also served as Chief Legal Adviser, Senior Legal Adviser and Senior Adviser for Industrial Policies at Akava. Prior to these positions, he worked as Director of Fountain Park, and he also has experience as an entrepreneur. Earlier, Vuorenkoski served as a Special Adviser at the Ministry of Education and as an Assistant to a Member of Parliament.

State Secretaries assist ministers in matters related to political steering and preparatory work. They also assist and represent the ministers in the drafting of policy outlines and in interministerial coordination, harmonising of policy positions, implementation of the Government Programme in the minister’s administrative branch, and handling of EU and international affairs.

NordenBladet — Value-added tax (VAT) on online purchases will, in future, also be payable on consignments valued at EUR 22 or less that are imported from outside the European Union. The Government proposes that the applicable legislative amendments be approved by the President of the Republic for entry into force at the beginning of July.

VAT has not so far been collected on consignments valued at EUR 22 or less if the goods were imported from outside the EU. At the same time, VAT has been payable on small purchases made within the EU.

Under the legislative amendments, the tax exemption for consignments imported from outside the EU will be removed, which will improve the competitive position of companies within the EU by creating equal conditions for competition.

Changes will also be made to distance selling of goods within the EU. In addition, the administrative burden of VAT will be eased.

NordenBladet — Event guarantee aims to reduce the financial risk of organising events. The guarantee is a payment commitment given to event organisers in advance for the costs declared by them. If the event were cancelled or its size restricted by law or order of an authority, compensation would be paid for the costs incurred.

The Government submitted its legislative proposal to Parliament on 6 May 2021. Companies would apply for the compensation at the State Treasury. Applications would be accepted in June after the Parliament has considered the proposal and the President of the Republic has approved it. The Act is scheduled to enter into force on 1 June 2021.

“Operators in the cultural and event sectors have been in a difficult situation for a long time and we want to support them. At the same time, we want to offer people the opportunity to participate in events. I hope that the event guarantee will encourage organisers to arrange events, even though the coronavirus epidemic continues. The guarantee can also help organisers who seek external funding for their event,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä.

Event guarantee to apply to established organisers
The State Treasury would grant the event guarantee to event organisers. The guarantee would apply to public events of at least 200 people that take place between 1 June and 30 November 2021.

The event guarantee would apply to established, professional organisers of public events. The organisers must have a Business ID and a permanent organisation and their turnover must have been more than EUR 150,000 in 2019. Typically, established event organisers have hired staff, but sole entrepreneurs could also apply for event guarantee.  The event guarantee would apply to, for example, art and cultural festivals, concerts and exhibitions, sports events, music festivals, fairs and similar events that are not organised regularly as part of year-round activities.

Event guarantee is based on pre-announced and actual costsIn its application, the event organiser should include the planned time, place and duration of the event, the estimated costs and any subcontractors of the event.

The organiser would apply for the event guarantee, but the compensation for cancelled events would also be paid to the subcontracts included in the application.

If the event is cancelled completely by law or by order of an authority, 85% of the costs will be reimbursed. Only actual costs announced in advance could be compensated. The event is considered cancelled if a law or order of an authority restricting such events is in force no more than 60 days before the event.

In case the size of the event is restricted by law or order of an authority to allow no more than 85% of the initially planned participants, the event guarantee could compensate for the costs in part.

Aid granted earlier under the same temporary State aid rules of the European Commission will be taken into account when granting the guarantee. The total amount of coronavirus-related aid, such as business cost support, cannot exceed EUR 1.8 million.

Ministry of Education and Culture also grants event support
The event guarantee would not be granted for events organised regularly throughout the year. Such events include weekly performances, concerts and plays, or sports events organised as a series.

The Ministry of Education and Culture will organise separate application rounds for these events. In addition, events organised as activities of general interest in arts, culture, sports and spiritual life will be supported primarily by grants from the administrative branch of the Ministry of Education and Culture.

The event guarantee also would not apply to small-scale events organised as part of recreational activities or an association’s fundraising.

The Government has reserved EUR 80 million for the event guarantee and a total of about EUR 230 million for the support package for the cultural, arts, sports and event sectors. The proposal was circulated for comments and evaluated by the Legislative Evaluation Council in March-April. The comments received were taken into account in the preparation.

NordenBladet — Finland will contribute EUR 3 million to the COVID-19 Emergency Appeal of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to help India, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Niger. Finland will help India with EUR 1 million and the other three countries with nearly EUR 500,000 each. The Finnish Red Cross will also provide material assistance.

The COVID-19 pandemic remains serious across the world and is particularly hard on already fragile states. The IFRC appeal will allocate support to healthcare sectors, to addressing the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to vaccine rollout, including vaccine transports, organisation of vaccinations and sharing of information about vaccines. Finland’s contribution will be channelled via the Finnish Red Cross.

“It is important to show solidarity with the countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Overcoming the coronavirus across the world will benefit Finland, too. By supporting the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, we are efficiently responding to the coronavirus pandemic even in the most difficult conditions,” says Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari.

The overall funding requirement for the IFRC appeal is around EUR 2.3 billion, and it is severely underfunded. At the moment, the appeal has received contributions amounting to EUR 1.59 billion.

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 amendment to the decree will enter into force on 7 May at 00.00.The Government reviews the restrictions on food and beverage service businesses once a week on the basis of the regional epidemiological situation. The restrictions have been more lenient for the areas where the epidemic is at a stable level than for the areas worst affected by the epidemic. The latest amendment to the decree will ease restrictions in the region of Kymenlaakso and in the Hospital District of East Savo. The restrictions in place in other areas will remain unchanged.With its resolution of 6 May 2021, the Government supported the proposal to lift the use of national tiers of prevention measures (1–3). Following this, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will discuss the matters required by the change with the regions and make the actual decision to lift the use of tiers. Once this decision has been made, the Government will also review the set of restrictions on food and beverage service businesses. Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in the regions of Åland, Satakunta, South Ostrobothnia, Ostrobothnia, North Ostrobothnia, Central Ostrobothnia, Lapland, Kainuu, North Savo, North Karelia, Central Finland and South Savo from 7 MayRestaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may have in use half the normal number of customer seats in indoor premises. In other restaurants, 75 per cent of customer seats may be in use in indoor premises. Restaurants may serve alcoholic beverages until 22.00 and be open to customers between 5.00 and 23.00.In these regions, restaurants must also instruct customers to stay seated in indoor premises. This means that dancing and karaoke, for example, are prohibited in indoor premises.
In outdoor terraces, each customer must have a seat, and everyone must take care of safe distances. The customer seating restrictions and ‘dance ban’ do not apply to outdoor terraces.Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in the regions of Kanta-Häme and Kymenlaakso from 7 MayRestaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may have in use one third of the normal number of customer seats in indoor premises. Other restaurants will be allowed to seat half of their normal number of customers inside their establishments.Restaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may serve alcohol until 18.00 and be open to customers between 5.00 and 19.00. Other restaurants may serve alcohol until 19.00 and be open to customers between 5.00 and 20.00.In these regions, restaurants must also instruct customers to stay seated in indoor premises. This means that dancing and karaoke, for example, are prohibited in indoor premises.In outdoor terraces, each customer must have a seat, and everyone must take care of safe distances. The customer seating restrictions and ‘dance ban’ do not apply to outdoor terraces.Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in the regions of Uusimaa, Southwest Finland, Pirkanmaa, Päijät-Häme and South Karelia from 7 MayRestaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may have in use one third of the normal number of customer seats in indoor premises. Other restaurants will be allowed to seat half of their normal number of customers inside their establishments.They may serve alcoholic beverages between 7.00 and 17.00. Restaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may be open between 5.00 and 18.00. Other restaurants may be open to customers between 5.00 and 19.00.The restaurants located in these regions must also instruct customers to stay seated in indoor premises. This means that dancing and karaoke, for example, are prohibited.
In outdoor terraces, each customer must have a seat, and everyone must take care of safe distances. The above-mentioned customer seating restrictions and ‘dance ban’ do not apply to outdoor terraces.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

NordenBladet — On Thursday 6 May, the Government appointed Hanna Heinonen as Director of the Funding Centre for Social Welfare and Health Organisations (STEA). Heinonen will take up her duties on 6 September 2021. Until then, Kristian Seemer will serve as the temporary Director.Heinonen has worked as Programme Director and Chief Executive Officer at the Central Union for Child Welfare since 2010. Between 2008 and 2010, she worked as Development Manager at the National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES), which became the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare in 2009. In 2004–2008, she worked as a senior coordinator for the City of Helsinki. Heinonen holds the degrees of Master of Social Sciences and Licentiate of Social Sciences.STEA is an independent state aid authority operating in connection with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. STEA manages the funding granted from Veikkaus Oy’s gambling proceeds to healthcare and social welfare organisations’ projects which are non-profit by nature and promote health and wellbeing.A total of 46 candidates applied for the post of Director of STEA.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

NordenBladet — Minna Kivimäki, Master of Laws, was appointed by the Government as the Saimaa Canal Delegate for a term of office from 1 June 2021 to 31 May 2026.The Saimaa Canal Delegate is in charge of coordinating the positions of different parties concerning the Saimaa Canal and is responsible for the tasks related to the implementation of the Saimaa Canal lease agreement between the Republic of Finland and the Russian Federation on the Lease to the Republic of Finland of the Russian Part of the Saimaa Canal and the Surrounding Area and Navigation through the Saimaa Canal, and for the development of the Saimaa Canal vessel traffic.Further provisions on the Delegate’s duties are laid down in a government decree on the qualification requirements and duties of the Saimaa Canal Delegate.The position of the Saimaa Canal Delegate is comparable to a position of trust.The Delegate is assisted by the Saimaa Canal Delegate’s Office.On 22 April 2021, the Government appointed Minna Kivimäki as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Her position as Permanent Secretary commences on 1 June 2021.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

NordenBladet — On 6 May 2021, the Government adopted a resolution confirming national measures and priorities for exerting influence internationally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maritime and inland waterway transport. The resolution draws on the work on the Roadmap for fossil-free transport.In addition, the Government adopted a resolution on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from domestic transport, i.e., the Roadmap for fossil-free transport, and a resolution on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from air traffic.The Government resolution proposes a number of measures to facilitate the transition to alternative fuels and propulsion technologies in maritime transport and to support energy-efficiency improvements in existing vessels and the development of new, low-emission vessels. In addition, the resolution highlights the importance of actively exerting influence internationally to reduce emissions from maritime transport, as the greatest impact on international maritime sector can be achieved by global measures.Finland is committed to both the EU’s emission reduction targets and the targets of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for reducing emissions from maritime transport. In the coming years, IMO intends to decide on global market-based measures, which aim to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions caused by international marine transport by at least 50 per cent by 2050 compared to the 2008 level. The aim is to fully phase out greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.Wide range of measures needed to achieve emission reduction targetsFinland’s maritime and inland waterway transport, or water transport, accounts for about four per cent of all emissions from domestic transport. Most of the water transport emissions come from maritime transport. There is no one way to achieve the emission reduction targets for water transport; instead, we need a series of interlinked measures that often make progress at different rates in the negotiations between intergovernmental organisations. Therefore, national decision-making on emission reduction measures in maritime and inland waterway transport must take account of a number of factors, such as current market trends in alternative marine fuels and the state of play in international negotiations within the IMO and the EU.“This is the first time we in Finland outline emission reduction targets for water transport. We must focus on the whole package. In addition to renewing our fleet and improving the energy efficiency of existing vessels, we must address the overall operation of water transport systems to reduce emissions from vessels at sea and in harbour,” says Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka.The measures outlined in the resolution are grouped based on their purpose as follows: transition to alternative propulsion technologies and fuels, improving the energy efficiency of existing vessels, managing water transport, and exerting influence on international decisions on emission reduction measures. Other emission reduction measures outlined in the resolution cover boating, ferry services and inland waterway transport.What next?Progress in implementing the Government resolution will be monitored every six months by the Ministerial Working Group on Climate and Energy Policy and at regular intervals by the steering group on maritime policy, appointed by the Prime Minister’s Office and by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

NordenBladet — The number of new COVID-19 cases continued to decline between 26 April and 2 May although the rate of decline slowed down slightly. The regional differences in the development of the epidemic have also evened out to some extent. The number of people getting tested is commendably high. It is expected that the need for hospital care will decrease slowly.Because the number of new COVID-19 cases remains high, it is justified to uphold comprehensive and effective measures to prevent infections in regions. Rapid developments in the epidemic are still possible and different virus variants increase uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 epidemic. Proportionate restrictive measures together with effective testing and rapid contact tracing can strengthen the favourable trend in the development of the epidemic. This is imperative so that the restrictions can be eased and society can gradually reopen as summer is arriving. Fall in incidence of casesBetween 26 April and 2 May, about 1,350 new cases were reported to the communicable diseases register, showing a decrease of about 250 cases from the previous week. The number of new cases was 73 per cent lower between 26 April and 2 May than between 8 and 14 March, when the number of cases was highest during the entire epidemic (4,941 cases). The incidence of new cases was 25 per 100,000 inhabitants between 26 April and 2 May, while in the previous week it was 29.The total number of new cases reported in the last two-week period was about 2,980, which is around 1,490 cases fewer than in the preceding two-week period. The incidence of new cases was 54 per 100,000 inhabitants, while in the preceding two-week period it was 81.Currently, the estimated basic reproduction number is 0.65–0.85, with a 90 per cent probability.Proportion of cases of foreign origin grew slightly from previous weekThe majority of new cases were of domestic origin. The number of cases where the virus was contracted abroad has remained at the same level in recent weeks, but owing to the decrease in the total number of cases, the proportion of cases of foreign origin grew by 1.5 percentage points from the previous week, currently standing at 7.0 per cent. The further infections resulting from them accounted for 1.6 per cent of all cases. Between 26 April and 2 May, the source of infection was traced in almost 70 per cent of all new cases of domestic origin. The success rate for contact tracing was thus at the same level as the week before. Around 24 per cent of new cases were reported among people already in quarantine.Between 26 April and 2 May, the incidence in all age groups under 50 years of age was down on the previous week. The incidence decreased the most among 20–29-year-olds. The incidence rate was highest among 10–19-year-olds. There are regional differences in the incidence of cases by age group.
More than 114,000 COVID-19 tests were taken between 26 April and 2 May. Between 26 April and 2 May, the percentage of positive samples of those tested was about 1.2 per cent.Number of people requiring hospital care more or less at same levelThe number of COVID-19 patients in hospital care was highest at the end of March before Easter (between 22 March and 4 April). After this, the total number of patients in hospital care has reduced by half. However, over the past two weeks, the number of patients has remained relatively stable. On Wednesday 5 May, there were 24 patients in intensive care, 33 inpatients in primary healthcare and 73 inpatients in specialised healthcare. The total number of COVID-19 inpatients was 130. The need for hospital care is expected to decrease.On 5 May 2021, the total number of deaths related to the disease was 918.Wastewater monitoring provides information on development of epidemicThis week the monitoring report on the epidemic includes an attachment providing information on wastewater monitoring for COVID-19, which the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has carried out at 28 wastewater treatment plants since April 2020. The virus is still present in wastewater around the country. Between 18 and 19 April 2021, SARS-CoV-2 genomes were detected in samples collected from 24 wastewater treatment plants. The observations made in the wastewater study support the national epidemiological assessment. By monitoring wastewater, the authorities will also know in advance when the virus has arrived in the region, although there would be no identified cases of COVID-19 through testing. Therefore, the information obtained through wastewater monitoring helps assess and anticipate changes in the COVID-19 situation in the country.The monitoring report on the epidemic published today together with its attachments and the previous reports are available on the website of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. Monitoring coronavirus (Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare), in Finnish and SwedishThe COVID-19 epidemic: regional situation, recommendations and restrictions (Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare)Coronavirus in numbers​ (HUS)Action plan for implementing the hybrid strategy to curb the COVID-19 epidemic in January-May 2021 (Publications of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health 2021:1)Effects of the COVID-19 epidemic on wellbeing, services and the economy (Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare), in FinnishProgress with the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations (Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare), in Finnish and SwedishGuidelines for the controlled dismantling of restrictions and recommendations put in place due to the COVID-19 epidemic, in Finnish Government memorandum 20 April 2021 (Prime Minister’s Office), in Finnish

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

NordenBladet — In line with the Government Programme, the Action Plan for the Prevention of Irregular Entry and Stay has been updated for the period 2021–2024. The purpose of the Action Plan is to tackle comprehensively irregular entry and stay, cross-border crime and the emergence of a parallel society outside the Finnish society.This is the fourth national action plan for the prevention of irregular entry and stay. It has taken full account of the measures set out in the previous action plans and the related points in the Government Programme. The Action Plan also examines the status of those residing in the country without a right of stay, the phenomena of abuse associated with them and their vulnerability to human trafficking.“People who stay in the country without a residence permit face the risk of becoming excluded, of committing crimes and of being exploited by criminals themselves, even to the point of becoming victims of human trafficking. For this reason, in the interests of both society and individuals, Finland should strive to comprehensively prevent the emergence of a parallel society,” says Minister of the Interior Maria Ohisalo. Actions will have a comprehensive impact on various stages of migrationThe updated Action Plan includes actions at both strategic and operational levels. In total, there are 52 actions. Of these actions, 49 have been divided chronologically into five different themes: actions in the countries of origin and transit, actions at the border, actions in Finland, actions to promote return, and actions concerning those without a right of stay in the country. Some of the actions require further studies and possible legislative amendments. The responsibility for the actions lies with a number of different authorities.In many respects, the actions concern existing official duties and the further development of these. Especially at national level, cross-administrative cooperation and the exchange of information play a key role. It is also important for Finland to be actively involved in EU cooperation, as the results achieved are often more effective than the national measures taken by a small Member State. “The Action Plan will continue the long-term work of the authorities to tackle very difficult challenges in some respects. There are no simple ready-made solutions. Rather, we need to look at the phenomena from many angles as these do not disappear on their own,” Minister Ohisalo says.“We need to make sure that the measures are both effective and humane at the same time. The cross-cutting principles of the Action Plan include safeguarding fundamental and human rights, improving the detection of trafficking in human beings and identifying vulnerable people. We also have to pay particular attention to safeguarding the best interests of the child,” says Kirsi Pimiä, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior. Ministry of the Interior and National Police Board monitor the implementation of the Action PlanThe Ministry of the Interior will organise a joint seminar for the parties involved in the preparation of the Action Plan. This seminar and subsequent follow-up seminars will help ensure consistency in the implementation of the Action Plan.The Ministry of the Interior will also monitor the implementation of strategic and ministry-level measures. In line with previous action plans, a working group for the prevention of irregular entry will monitor the implementation of operational actions. This working group, consisting of public officials, is led by the National Police Board. The Ministry of the Interior and the National Police Board will report on the implementation to the Ministerial Working Group on Internal Security and Strengthening the Rule of Law in the middle and at the end of the programming period.Most people move to Finland legally for work, study or family reasons Most people enter the EU legally for family-related reasons or for work, and only a small fraction of people enter the EU illegally. Likewise, most people move legally to Finland on the basis of work, family ties and studies. Irregular entry and stay remain low in Finland when compared to all migration to Finland. The coronavirus pandemic has reduced movement even further. The previous action plan for 2017–2020 focused on the change in the operating environment, which resulted in a rapid increase in the number of asylum seekers in 2015–2016. Action is still needed for these people. This need has also been identified in the Government Programme: it sets the objectives of developing a voluntary return system, readmission agreements with key third countries whose nationals Finland can safely return, and the prevention and combating of irregular stay and related trafficking and exploitation of human beings. Action Plan prepared through extensive cooperationThe project working group prepared the Action Plan between 10 September 2020 and 15 January 2021. In addition to the Migration, Police and Border Guard Departments and the Administration and Development Department at the Ministry of the Interior, representatives from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Finnish Immigration Service and the National Police Board participated in the work of the project working group. During the preparation of the Action Plan, the project working group consulted a wide range of stakeholders. The Action Plan was finalised at political level.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi