Helena-Reet: New hair-do + super info! Commenced pencilling “His Highness Mouse the First” novel!

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January 16, 2021

NordenBladet – It is difficult for me to grasp how people can complain about boredom. As for me, all of my days are so eventful, reflecting on everything is getting way too complicated. Days are long and packed with several activities and it is just impossible to display all of it in the blog. I’d love so much to cover the majority of my dayspan, my thoughts and ideas, but just now it seems fully impossible. Time is rushing through my hands and I prove incapable of archiving everything. Daily blogging appears tricky because I am flooded under various duties.

I cut bangs! That’s hell of a news, isn’t it.. haha.. I do this exactly every time after I have tried growing back the hair I have cut earlier. Similarly, I like to play with hair color – brown, dark brown, red, black… these tones I like a lot and I play with these a lot. Right now I am really happy being a redhead. During the past few days at least five people have mentioned that I remind them of the Osman history, Turkish sultan Suleiman First favourite woman and later wedded wife Hürrem Sultana. More precisely, German-Turkish origin Turkish actress Meryem Sahra Uzerli that played in the series “Century’s Love Story” Suleiman I favourite woman Hürrem. Okay …not really my religion, nor exactly my idol, but anyways. Very pretty, extremely ambitious, smart woman, I certainly take this as a big compliment. Have seen the series, and believe that this is among the most interesting and cleverly planned and carefully thought-through movies that I know.

My wish is to use the same technique while promoting the Nordic countries.. by means of articles, folk stories, radio broadcasts, video clips (maybe some fine day also via full movies) – to introduce Scandinavia /the culture and traditions of the Nordics, to tell the tale of the Nordics – in a positive, interesting and vigorous manner. This is one of my missions at NordenBladet! From the bottom of my heart I wish to see the Nordic mystery and culture be preserved and the Nordic people sticking together and our traditions not fading! Our cultural heritage is enormous! It needn’t even be exaggerated, decorated by love dramas nor soaked in property – it is naturally so strong, ravishingly powerful and unique!

So what do you think of the new hair color?? 🙂
(blog continues after images)

Some time ago I was really lucky to win the Estonian National Museum‘s “Own exhibition 2020” project (Many thanks to you dear readers and those that voted for me! Read more HERE and HERE), and of course, like it is characteristic to me, I immediately set many goals larger than my capabilities. I loudly announced in ElishevaShoshana.com blog that I was about to author a children’s book “His Highness Mouse the First“, that I was also going to illustrate myself and then present the paintings along with the book at the same winning exhibition “Our domestic witch kitchen”. Woah… What can I say. I am completely bonkers! Time is ticking, deadlines are approaching, yet the result is “pending”!!!

In my private life I have a difficult period (this will be depicted in more detail another time, or perhaps never). Head spinning, and overwhelmed with emotions, it is more difficult to focus on anything properly. I have started with the paintings and I am very happy with the results yet I am totally lagging on the time schedule, totally. Catastrophically! Today I felt that TODAY I will begin to change things again! I will begin today and right now! I took from the book shelf three children’s books: Brothers Grimm (Wilhelm Grimm and Jacob Grimm) “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs“, and Astrid Lindgren’s “The Brothers Lionheart“. I gulped both stories in one helping. The Lindgren Lionhearts – story of Carl Lionheart and Jonathan Lionheart – made me drown into tears. Then I also browsed once more Tove Jansson’s “The Moomins” and gathered that the youngest of readers is not quite my target group, though I planned so in the beginning. I prefer to write in full color. After re-leafing through the German and Nordic writers’ works I felt being so full of power that I began writing right away… more precisely 4-5 hours of “beginning” and only then the actual writing. Then the feather opened up! Perhaps I will reveal a paragraph or two to you before publishing, let us see! Right now I have fingers crossed that I might have a similarly inspired day tomorrow like I had today!

(blog continues after illustrations from children’s books… and my illustrations)

Look more: Helena-Reet: “His Highness Mouse the First” beginning to take shape + GALLERY!

Today I also “raged” the kitchen for many hours! I made macaroni with minced meat and bolognese sauce, and feta cheese and pesto salty pies from puff pastry. Oh boy did they taste good! 😛 Just try to stay in shape when you are a peerless cook…

And to button it up, a saying or two:

That who eats, copes!
Who fails to eat, fails to treat!

I Love You, now to bed, sleep tight!

Sweden: The King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden is seen getting the coronavirus vaccination

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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January 16, 2021

NordenBladet – King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden has received the vaccination against coronavirus. Underlining his belief in the importance of the jab, the monarch was photographed as he was given the injection.

King Carl Gustaf received the vaccination on January 15th at Stenhammar where he has been staying through this latest phase of the pandemic with Queen Silvia. Her Majesty also received the jab although no image was released.

The Swedish king released a short statement following his vaccination, saying ”the great vaccination programme against Covid-19 is now underway around our country. It is my hope that everyone who has the opportunity to be vaccinated in these coming months chooses to do so, so that together we can get through this difficult time.”

King Carl Gustaf will celebrate his 75th birthday in April while Queen Silvia turned 77 in December. At the end of last year, they tested negative for coronavius after underdoing checks when it was confirmed that their son, Prince Carl Philip, and his wife, Princess Sofia, had both contracted the illness. They have since made a full recovery and announced soon afterwards that they are expecting a baby in the spring.

In recent months, the King of Sweden has been critical of his government’s approach to the pandemic, saying ”I think we have failed. We have a large number who have died and that is terrible.”

Sweden has taken one of the most notably relaxed approaches in the world to dealing with the pandemic. The country has never held a full lockdown and most measures to control the spread are advisory rather than compulsory. Since the outbreak began, Sweden has recorded over 7,800 deaths, a much higher toll than neighbouring Scandinavian nations. Speaking after the comments became public, Sweden’s Prime Minister, Stefan Lofven, said ”the fact that so many have died can’t be considered as anything other than a failure” but continued that a proper verdict on the strategy wouldn’t possible until after the pandemic was over.

Photo by Sara Friberg, The Royal Court of Sweden

Finland: Priorities of the Kanta Services in 2021 have been confirmed

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January 15, 2021

NordenBladet — Kanta is being developed in order to address the needs of healthcare and social welfare and the citizens even better than before. The priorities in 2021 include coronavirus vaccines, the Client Data Act, and the development of My Kanta Pages.The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM), the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) have published the priorities of the Kanta Services for 2021. The development of the Kanta Services is part of a wider roadmap for digitalisation and information management in the healthcare and social welfare sector.

Coronavirus vaccination data must be entered in Kanta
The coronavirus epidemic will have an impact on the development of Kanta in 2021. Coronavirus vaccination data must be entered correctly in healthcare in order to ensure that it can be utilised in national monitoring and that it is accessible by citizens in My Kanta Pages. The healthcare and social welfare services must ensure that a sufficient system version is used to ensure harmonised entry and recording of vaccination data. Kela supports providers of healthcare and social welfare services in the deployment and testing.

Progress determined by the Client Data Act
The new Client Data Act for healthcare and social welfare services is currently under reform. Parliament will continue the consideration of the Client Data Act during the spring session of 2021. The changes resulting from the Act will be extensive, having an impact on all healthcare and social welfare service providers.As a result of the Act, in addition to patient data, also client data from social welfare services, as well as wellbeing data would be entered in the Kanta Services in the future. Sharing of data in healthcare and social welfare would change so that the client’s extensive consent would be removed.

The Client Data Act would make it compulsory for all private healthcare and social welfare service providers to join Kanta. The joining will be supported at the national level. My Kanta Pages developed for the needs of citizens

My Kanta Pages and its functionalities are constantly improved. From early 2021, it will be possible to act on behalf of another adult in My Kanta Pages with Suomi.fi authentication. Showing of data of a child over 10 years of age to the parent or guardian is already possible in My Kanta Pages, and the healthcare and social welfare service providers are already deploying this functionality in phases.In the future, My Kanta Pages will show, for example, diagnosis and vaccination data on an aggregated basis under separate headings, which makes it easier to find the data. The deployment of this kind of aggregate health data is one of the priorities in 2021.

Development of the medication list continues
The national medication list makes it easier to monitor up-to-date medication from the citizens’ and professional’s viewpoint. The list would show all the medication used by an individual. Information management in medication is developed in cooperation between the national operators and healthcare and social welfare.

Deployment priorities are determined on a national basisIn addition to aggregate data for acting on behalf of a minor and health data, healthcare deployment measures will also prioritise the deployment of the archive of imaging data (radiology, ECG) and sharing of medical certificates and reports from healthcare to Kela and Traficom in 2021. Social welfare will support new deployments and extend the functionalities, for example, in acting on behalf of a child. Deployments of the register access right will also be prioritised.

Further informationMarkku Heinäsenaho, Head of information management, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health,
Riitta Konttinen, Senior Specialist, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL),
Pirjo Vuorikallas, Lead Product Owner, Social Insurance Institution of Finland, Kanta Services,

Helena-Reet: The work on Elisheva & Shoshana brand

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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January 15, 2021

NordenBladet – It was a long time from here when I used to dream about a personal beauty brand. For many years this remained merely a dream, but one fine day I recognized that in our lives most of the milestones depend on the decisions and plans stemming from our own selves. The primary key to success is applying one’s own belief and enthusiasm – carrying out own dreams!). You have an idea – think it through and accomplish it, take the first steps! Do not remain waiting for a magic wand or for a solution brought to you by someone else – everything must be completed by you alone!

One of my idols – very talented business woman who has made a global breakthrough, in today’s terms an “influencer in the world of beauty” and undeniably one of the most gifted founders to the pillars of beauty entrepreneurship, Helena Rubinstein (also known as Princess Gourielli, Madame Helena Rubinstein, Chaja Rubinstein) has said a clever line: “There are no ugly women as such, there are just the lazy ones!” I couldn’t agree more. None, not a single female is unappealing! However there are many in the womankind that do not take sufficient care of themselves, who are untidy, undertreated, or devote little attention to their appearances.

“Beauty will be the redemption in this world” …so suggested Fürst Myshkin in Fjodor Dostoevsky‘s novel “The Idiot”. I take this to be true, too! Although it can be interpreted differently, I believe that whenever a person is capable of noticing beauty, and will consider someone or something to be beautiful, this is a sign that the world has not been completely lost to them yet. But before this can happen, there has to be that someone or something to be regarded by the observer, whom beauty can be attributed to, and by means of whom that beauty will have the form to occur.

(Blog continues after images)

These statements by famous figures indicated, I will reveal my personal estimation. With current skills at hand, I am not yet well-equipped to express this desirably concisely and precisely, still, here you can find my regard: “All of us have inefficiencies, and this can actually be fine, although won’t be cherished by most. In the core of our being we desire to be seen as pleasant. In order for this to materialize, we must first be appealing for ourselves and build up our confidence. Direct means to that end is the attention we pay to ourselves. Healthy ways of life, healthy nutrition, inner growth, and the beauty treatments we let befall our flesh – this is the range of our needs. Find the time you need to care for yourself, as well as the sums in order to use only the good, quality products. Do not agree to compromise when it comes to your wellbeing and mellow appearance!”

I began modestly, and in my small home office, yet today Elisheva & Shoshana is growing towards becoming Nordic luxury product market greatest and leading voices. My goal is to enhance the lifestyle of our customers towards increased quality! With our quality items, the skin-friendly and luxurious products, we are creating lifestyle and dreams! We represent the person that values the actual efficiency of the product, the pureness of the ingredients, best quality and good taste regarding the design of our product as well as the package.

I take the extra step every day. I develop and promote the existing products, elaborate the website to best capability, and hire the best selection of specialists, to bring to life the modern innovative recipes. It goes without saying that I work on myself likewise (work on my appearances), because myself as well as my daughters Estella Elisheva and Ivanka Shoshana are our brand’s main cover page images. I consider regular workout essential, and as the founder, designer and delegate of a beauty brand, today, and also in my present age, I consider conventional make-up a requirement. Healthy and beautiful skin, along with hair wellbeing, decent manicure-pedicure and the like – this is obligatory. Walking still further, I would emphasize the make-up aspect. It is relevant for revealing femininity and covering the slight inaccuracies. At the same time, this option is very individual. I am frequently told that I look 15-20 years less of my age. The reason for this could be that I began using make-up just recently and for several years have used high quality skin care products. Well indeed, I did put on some (or even plenty of) make-up in my earlier years, but on a daily basis I have not been using make-up. Today, being a representative of a beauty brand, I feel that in public places, at beauty events, and on blog posts the nice make-up is often a bonus! Having gone for decades without make-up I also feel that having it can be quite fun! At the same time, based on quality skin care products I can achieve a sound feeling, lovely clear complexion, and actually there is no direct need for using make-up every minute of every day. Beautiful looks still begin with a cared for, healthy skin. Everything else is extra credit!

Let us love ourselves, we deserve the best!

Helena-Reet: A visit to Tempus centre Wittenstein in Paide wall tower and a celebration in Tainas Catering cafe

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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January 14, 2021

NordenBladet – On Sunday, 10 January, we had a small road trip to Central Estonia. While restrictions related to Covid-19 risk prohibited any events and gatherings in Tallinn, we had been invited to a special birthday party in Paide. Firstly, a nice guided tour was organized in Paide Vallimäe fortress and the Time Centre Wittenstein located there (2.5hrs). We saw with our own eyes the perpetuum mobile and the time machine! How cool is that!!

The shell for the Wittenstein time centre time machine was an elevator, taking visitors from one epoch to another. On eight floors one could be introduced to ancient times, time of orders, epoch of kings and czars, old Estonian times, and regaining of independence time. In the centre’s tower there is yet also another time machine extra to the elevator! Namely, the world renown author of sci-fi novels Herbert George Wells spent a vacation in Jäneda in 1934, being driven to this country naturally due to love – towards Jäneda baroness Maria Zakrevskaya Benckendorff! Maria, mother of two, was the apple of Wells’ eye already since the year 1920 when they got acquainted in Russia. While the writer had a relation to the town of Paide, this also serves as the reason why the prototype of the time machine from H. G. Wells’ novel “Time Machine” (published 1895) is presented here, being displayed in full splendor in the hall of the cafe on the eighth floor! After the excursion we seated ourselves down in Tainas Catering cafe on Paide central square (Vee 1, 72713 Järva county). Yummi – good food and very nice atmosphere!

Earlier in my life I have just driven through Paide a couple of times, but now I feel that I would like to go back again some day. Certainly I will do that! I want to calmly walk in Paide old town, taste the food in several city centre cafes, take pictures of the streets and surrounding architecture, learn more about the regional history and perhaps even stay for the night in a local hotel or guest house. In small towns there is always that something which I wish to experience again and again! It seems not to be completely unmotivated that Paide is called the heart of Estonia. Besides being the hub of the country the over 700 year old town has an abundant history. By the way, the prominent composer Arvo Pärt comes from Paide, and Paide town is the host for Arvamusfestival (Viewpoint Festival), already held in the town for the eighth time. The Nordic small towns are so beautiful! My heart no doubt belongs to little places in the countryside, the homely villages, the thick Nordic forest and the local cultural milieu.

Also the heart of NordenBladet belongs to the Nordic countries, our mission is to strengthen and sustain the Nordic cultural heritage and to continue the millennia of traditions and values. My target is to build more new networks and design a better future for the people of the Nordic countries – day by day, post by post!

Below is a small gallery from the visit to Wittenstein time centre!

PS! Please take a look at this fierce tree stump! At first glance I considered it to be a rune mark, but such a rune mark does not exist. Maybe these are two married Laguzes? Do not know… It is a pity I didn’t ask, but let this remain to be solved during the next visit. Rune marks are under the umbrella of the Nordic magic domain. From seeing this, I got the idea and wish to do the same at home, to burn the compatible signs in my individual stumps. Perhaps already this summer?!

Be cool! Hugs!

Finland: Afghan hopes painted on blast walls

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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January 14, 2021

NordenBladet — At the 2020 Afghanistan Conference in November Afghanistan and the international community committed to joint development objectives for 2021-2024 and the international partners announced pledges worth US$ 3.3 billion for this year alone. Hard work now lies ahead, in making the commitments count for the benefit of the Afghan people. Ahead of the Conference, Afghan artist group Art Lords together with Afghans in five provinces painted murals on blast walls – that now serve as reminders of the hopes of the people.

The idea of the ArtLords was to create murals in major populations, as well as to produce video messages where ordinary Afghans from different parts of the country shared their asks. Giving voice to the voiceless, such as 12 year old Hashim, who wishes to go to back to school and to become an engineer, but is forced to do low paid work instead; and many others who hope for peace, education and livelihood. “The voices and the narrative of the Afghan people are missing in the current national processes in Afghanistan. The three prevailing narratives are from the Islamic Republic side, Taliban and the International Community, however the masses and millions of Afghan people do not relate to any of these groups and narratives,” says Omaid Sharifi, one of the founders and President of the Art Lords.

The work of the ArtLords is well known in Kabul, murals painted on the city’s countless gray blastwalls are easy to spot. The motive of the group for using blast walls as canvas is to transform their negative psychological impact into a positive visual experience.For the Conference the creative team of the ArtLords conceptualized and designed the mural which then was realized in a prominent location in Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Balkh and Nangarhar. 50-100 residents of each location volunteered in the making of the artwork.

”We create a platform where everyone is welcome to paint, share their opinions and have a conversation about their fears, hopes and solutions. We are promoting critical thinking through street art,” Sharifi explains.The beautiful murals carry messages of hope, empathy, love and peace. Videos of the artwork as well as the hopes of the Afghan people were displayed on screens at the Geneva Conference and as part of the Conference webcast, that was followed in 128 countries. They were also widely shared on social media, with hashtag #AfghanVoices.

“People love the murals and the videos. Their likes, comments and shares in social media shows their immense connection with the voices shared. The people have told us that we are portraying the innocent, real and beautiful side of Afghanistan,” Sharifi tells.In a country with decades of conflict, present in everyday life, art has a role to play. The pursuit of the ArtLords is to provide a safe space of kindness, empathy and love through art.

“Art can heal. We are using painting, theater and music to help heal the wounds of the last four decades of war, violence and hatred,” says Sharifi. “Art can bring positive social change and can help a real peace process in Afghanistan.” The 2020 Afghanistan Conference was co-hosted by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Finland and the United Nations. The #AfghanVoices project was funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
2020 Afghanistan Conference ArtLords #AfghanVoices videos
Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Finland: Henrik Haapajärvi to continue as State Secretary to the Prime Minister

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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January 14, 2021

NordenBladet — On Thursday 14 January, the Government appointed Henrik Haapajärvi to serve as State Secretary to Prime Minister Sanna Marin from 18 January 2021 onwards. The State Secretary’s term ends with that of the minister.

Haapajärvi has been deputising for State Secretary Mikko Koskinen during his parental leave period from 17 September 2020 to 17 January 2021.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Estonia: The draft Resolution on holding a referendum was not supported by the Riigikogu

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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January 14, 2021

NordenBladet — The draft Resolution on holding a referendum on the issue of the definition of marriage was not supported at today’s sitting of the Riigikogu. 26 members of the Riigikogu were in favour of passing the Resolution and 49 were against.

The draft Resolution provided for submitting the question (other national issue): “Shall marriage remain a union between a man and a woman in Estonia?” to the referendum to be held on 18 April 2021.

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu on holding a referendum on the issue of the definition of marriage, submitted by the Estonian Centre Party Faction, the Estonian Conservative People’s Party Faction and the Faction Isamaa, passed its first reading in the Riigikogu on 14 December. Nearly 10,000 motions to amend the draft Resolution had been submitted by the deadline.

During the debate, Lauri Läänemets (Social Democratic Party), Priit Sibul (Isamaa), Henn Põlluaas (Estonian Conservative People’s Party), Peeter Ernits (Estonian Conservative People’s Party), Kalle Grünthal (Estonian Conservative People’s Party), Eduard Odinets (Social Democratic Party), Mart Helme (Estonian Conservative People’s Party), Heiki Hepner (Isamaa), Tarmo Kruusimäe (Isamaa), Hanno Pevkur (Reform Party), Valdo Randpere (Reform Party), Imre Sooäär (Centre Party), Indrek Saar (Social Democratic Party), Siim Pohlak (Estonian Conservative People’s Party), Mihhail Lotman (Isamaa), Riina Sikkut (Social Democratic Party), Raimond Kaljulaid, Jevgeni Ossinovski (Social Democratic Party) and Helmen Kütt (Social Democratic Party) took the floor.

On behalf of the Centre Party Faction, Andrei Korobeinik moved to remove the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Holding a Referendum on the Issue of the Definition of Marriage” (288 OE) from the agenda for today’s sitting. The Estonian Conservative People’s Party Faction disagreed with that, and therefore the item remained on the agenda.

At today’s sitting, the Riigikogu also rejected the protests that had been lodged concerning the proceedings on the draft Resolution on the referendum.

Because the Board of the Riigikogu had not reached a consensus at its meeting the day before and Vice-President Siim Kallas had held a dissenting opinion on the Resolutions of the Board, the plenary of the Riigikogu voted on two motions of the Board at today’s sitting. They concerned the protests that had been lodged by members of the Riigikogu in connection with the proceedings on the draft Resolution on the referendum in the Constitutional Committee, and issues relating to obstruction.

The plenary of the Riigikogu passed with 49 votes in favour and 48 against the Resolution of the Board of the Riigikogu that provided for a rejection in their entirety of the protests that had been lodged concerning the proceedings on the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu “Holding a Referendum on the Issue of the Definition of Marriage” (288 OE). The Resolution notes that, considering the very broad right to self-regulation of the committees, the Constitutional Committee had acted within the framework of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act to ensure its ability to work.

The Resolution of the Board to regulate obstruction was not supported by the Riigikogu.

“The Board of the Riigikogu accepts obstruction as a means of the opposition in the parliament to demonstrate their disagreement with certain decisions of the majority of the parliament. However, blocking the work of the parliament must remain within the limits of dignity. Submitting thousands of motions to amend, a large part of which are unconstitutional, insulting and damaging to Estonia’s security and undermine Estonia’s international reputation does not serve the interests of democracy but lowers the Riigikogu’s reputation and discredits the functioning of the democracy as a whole. The Board of the Riigikogu disapproves of and condemns the submission of such motions and calls on members of parliament to refrain from submitting such motions in the future. Under the Constitution, the functioning of the parliament must be ensured in every situation and obstruction must not lead to blocking the daily legislative work of the Riigikogu.”

41 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of that Resolution of the Board of the Riigikogu and 45 were against. Thus, the motion was not supported.

The sitting ended at 8.40 p.m.

Finland: Government appoints new ministerial working group on sustainable growth in Finland

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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January 14, 2021

NordenBladet — At its plenary session on Thursday 14 January, the Government appointed a new ministerial working group on sustainable growth in Finland. Its task is to oversee the preparation of the Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland and the related national recovery and rehabilitation plan financed through the EU recovery instrument, and to guide and monitor their implementation.

The ministerial working group will also discuss reforms and investments related to the programme, and will address business and entrepreneurship policy issues when necessary. The working group will be chaired by Minister of Finance Matti Vanhanen. Its other members are Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari, Minister of Justice Anna-Maja Henriksson, Minister of Education Jussi Saramo and Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Krista Mikkonen. Permanent State Secretary Juha Majanen from the Ministry of Finance will serve as its Secretary-General. In its special meeting on 17–21 July 2020, the European Council agreed on the new multiannual financial framework and the Next Generation EU recovery instrument, which is being used to finance the Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland. A key element of the EU recovery instrument is the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). To benefit from the facility, each Member State must present a national recovery and rehabilitation plan covering reforms and investments to be made in 2021–2023. The reforms and investments included in the plan must correspond to the country-specific recommendations of the European Semester. They must also meet the other criteria of the RRF Regulation. In addition, the reforms and investments prioritised in the national recovery and rehabilitation plan must meet the criteria set out in the Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland. On 27 November 2020, the Government submitted a report to Parliament on the Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Finland: Act on the Marketing and Use of Explosives Precursors to enter into force on 1 February 2021

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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January 14, 2021

NordenBladet — The new Act on the Marketing and Use of Explosives Precursors will place further restrictions on consumer access to certain explosives precursors. The Government submitted the bill for approval on Thursday 14 January. The President of the Republic is to approve the bill on 15 January.

The Act will lay down national provisions on the marketing and use of explosives precursors and repeal the current act on the marketing and use of explosives precursors. National provisions will supplement the relevant Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council.

The new Act contains certain clarifications required by the EU Regulation. For example, consumers will no longer be able to obtain specific chlorates and perchlorates in certain concentrations. Sulphuric acid in a certain concentration will also be subject to a licence.

In addition, more thorough background checks will be carried out on licence applicants in future. The related provisions will be added to the Criminal Records Act and to the Act on the Storage of Information Extracted from the Criminal Records and on the Disclosure of Such Information between Finland and Other Member States of the European Union.

The new Act and the related provisions will enter into force on 1 February 2021 when the application of the EU Regulation begins.