NordenBladet — VTT and IQM have entered into an agreement to establish a co-innovation partnership and begin building Finland’s first quantum computer. The cooperation will bring together top expertise in quantum technologies and enable a leap in Finland’s quantum capabilities. The government of Finland has granted the project EUR 20.7 million funding.
The computer will be built in Espoo, Finland at VTT’s and Aalto University’s joint national research infrastructure Micronova, where the clean room environment used to manufacture the quantum components is located. Work will begin already during 2020.“Finland has the potential to be the European leader in quantum technologies. I look forward to witnessing the opportunities that quantum will present to Finnish and European businesses and the competitiveness of the entire region,” states Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä.
The project proceeds in three phasesThe innovation partner, IQM, was selected as a result of an international public tender. IQM is the European leader in building quantum computers. Earlier this month, IQM announced the completion of a new successful funding round, which puts its total funding to EUR 71 million.“We are proud to be part of this cooperation and excited to work with the leading experts from VTT. This project is extremely prestigious for us and will offer a great opportunity to work together in ways that help build the future of quantum technologies.” says Jan Goetz, CEO of IQM.
The project will proceed in three phases. In the first phase, within approximately a year, the aim is a functioning five-qubit quantum computer, which will demonstrate Finland’s expertise in building quantum computers. The overall goal of the project is to build a 50-qubit device, by 2024.
Quantum technologies create new opportunities for Finland
Parallel to the work on the quantum computer, VTT will continue work also on other areas of application, such as quantum sensors, which are becoming important tools in medical imaging and diagnostics, and quantum-encryption algorithms, which can be used to protect information networks. These and other applications provide opportunities also for Finnish and European businesses to successfully leverage quantum technologies.“By investing in disruptive technologies like quantum computing, we invest in our future ability to solve global problems and create sustainable growth,” says VTT’s President and CEO Antti Vasara.
Minister Lintilä announced the decision about the innovation partner this morning at a joint virtual breakfast event arranged by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and VTT. In addition to representatives from the ministry, VTT and IQM, also participating were the Ambassador of Germany to Finland, Konrad Helmut Arz von Straussenburg, Chair of the Steering Committee for “Artificial Intelligence 4.0” program, Jussi Herlin, and Managing director, Country Manager of Pfizer Oy, Deb Mangone who participated in a round table discussion on the importance of quantum for European industry. Additionally, media representatives and stakeholders from academia and the business community were invited to join the event virtually.
Additional information:Antti Vasara, President and CEO, VTT p. +358 20 7224000
Himadri Majumdar, Manager, Quantum programs, VTT, p. +358 40 658 9596
Ulla Henttonen, Communications manager, VTT, p. +358 40 183 2228, (16.11.)
Paula Bergqvist, Senior Specialist, Communications, VTT, p. +358 50 566 5160, (17.11.-20.11.)
Jenny Hasu, Special Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs, TEM, p. +358 29 504 7213
Petri Räsänen, Development Director, TEM, p. +358 29 504 7287
Jan Goetz, CEO and Co-founder, IQM, p. +358 (0)50 566 6483
Raghunath Koduvayur, Head of Marketing and Communications, IQM p. +358 (0)50 487 6509
NordenBladet — In his address on the Day of Declaration of Sovereignty, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Henn Põlluaas underlined that the Declaration on the Sovereignty of the Estonian SSR, adopted by the Supreme Soviet of Estonia in 1988, had been an important step in the collapse of the Soviet Communist empire of evil.
“Today we are celebrating a significant day in the legislative history of Estonia and the history of Estonia after restoration of independence, the day of national importance which we today call the Day of Declaration of Sovereignty,” Põlluaas said. He recalled that the Declaration of the Supreme Soviet on the Sovereignty of the Estonian SSR, adopted in 1988, was the first legislative step towards a free and democratic Estonia after the nearly 50 years of Soviet occupation and oppression.
“It was the first legislative step of the liberation process of Estonia, which became an example to all the other nations occupied by the Soviet Union,” Põlluaas emphasised. “It was an important step in the collapse of the communist empire of evil.”
Põlluaas thanked the members of the Supreme Soviet who, regardless of the tumultuous times, had had the courage not only to think, but also to speak about the importance of national sovereignty and territorial autonomy to our people. “Those activities paved the way for the restoration of Estonia’s independence, which took place just a few years later, in 1991,” he said.
“Today, I call the people of Estonia to unite in order to make our society more democratic and more serving our national interests, so that we may keep the sovereignty we have won and ensure the everlasting survival of our small nation on our ancient homeland.”
The Day of Declaration of Sovereignty is a day of national importance. On 16 November 1988, the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic adopted the Declaration on the Sovereignty of the Estonian SSR. At the same time, an amendment to the Constitution, which asserted the supremacy of the laws of the Estonian SSR over the laws of the Soviet Union, was passed.
NordenBladet — Friday 20 November is Universal Children’s Day. For the first time this year, it will be a designated flag day. We invite everyone to join us in flying the flag and celebrating Universal Children’s Day.
At 8.00 in the morning on Universal Children’s Day, the Finnish flag will be raised at Puistokoulu School in Jyväskylä by schoolchildren’s representatives, the Ombudsman for Children and representatives from the National Child Strategy and the City of Jyväskylä. The event will be arranged in line with the health safety guidelines. As part of the broadcast of the event, President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö, Speaker of Parliament Anu Vehviläinen and Prime Minister Sanna Marin will present their video greetings to children and young people. The morning’s video broadcast will also feature an exciting and energetic performance by hip hop artist Elastinen, recorded specifically for the event.
You can watch the event live starting at 8.00 on the Government YouTube channel, where it will also be available as a recording from 9.00 onwards. As part of the celebration, the Ministry of Education and Culture will announce the winners of the Children’s Day Prize. The prize aims to recognise the work of organisations in promoting culture for children. A recording of the award ceremony, which will take place at the Snellman School in Helsinki, will be available on the Government YouTube channel on 20 November at 8.30.The events of the day are intended especially for schools as part of their Universal Children’s Day celebrations.Universal Children’s DayThe United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted in New York on 20 November 1989. The day has become established as Universal Children’s Day, which is celebrated in a variety of ways around the world. In Finland, Universal Children’s Day has been on the calendar since 2002. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely ratified human rights convention in the world. In Finland, a National Child Strategy is currently being drawn up to further strengthen its implementation. The strategy is based on fundamental and human rights treaties and will be completed in 2020. Its vision will be a genuinely child- and family-friendly Finland that respects the rights of the child. Flying the flag is a distinguished way to honour the rights of the child, highlighting the reason for the celebration and drawing attention to the fact that Finland is one of the best countries in the world for children. At the same time, the flag is a promise that we will all work together to ensure an even better childhood in the future.
NordenBladet — Welcome to a consultation on Finland’s Africa strategy on 20 November, 2020, at 14:00 – 15:30. The event will be online and open to all.The Government of Finland is currently drawing up a national Africa strategy. The aim of the strategy is to diversify Finland’s relations with African countries and develop the ambitions and coherence of Finland’s Africa policy. Special attention will be paid to the expansion and deepening of Finland’s political and economic ties with African countries, in addition to the already existing development cooperation, as well as of Finland’s relations with the African Union and other regional organisations on the continent.
The strategy aims at identifying shared interests and strengthening connections in different sectors between Finland and Africa. Points of departure include Finland’s own interests and competencies, Agenda 2030, and the “Africa We Want” Agenda 2063 of the African Union. Finland’s strategy also takes into consideration the policies of the European Union’s recent Strategy with Africa.As part of the strategy process, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is organizing a virtual consultation with African diaspora in Finland on Friday 20 November, 2020, at 14:00-15:30 (Finnish time).
Tentative programme:
14:00 Opening remarks by Ms. Johanna Sumuvuori, Secretary of State
14:10 Presentation of the strategy process by the Department for Africa and the Middle East
14:25 Panel of diaspora members, moderator Mr. Peter Kariuki, Ministry of Justice
Ms. Sarah Laaru, Finnish-African Society
Mr. Takura Matswetu, Think Africa
Mr. Driss El Habti, University of Eastern Finland
Ms. Maiju Korpela, the Finnish Somalia Network
14:55 Discussion
15:25 Conclusion by Ms. Johanna Sumuvuori, Secretary of State
Under the theme How does African diaspora in Finland see Finland’s Africa strategy? the panel (and the discussion thereafter) is expected to answer particularly the following two questions:
1) What does the diaspora expect and wish from the strategy?
2) The strategy aims at expanding and deepening Finland’s political and economic relations with African countries, in addition to existing development cooperation. How can African diaspora in Finland contribute to this goal?
The event will be in English and recorded for internal purposes only. Please register for the event here by 18 November at 16:00. The event will be organised as a Microsoft Teams meeting, a link to which will be sent to those registered for the event.Since the time for speaking in the event itself will be limited, please send questions and comments beforehand here or by email to Ms. Nanna Hallikainen ([email protected]). Participants are also invited to use the chat option during the event.For additional information, please contact Ms. Nanna Hallikainen ([email protected]).More information on the Africa strategy process is available on the website of Finland’s Africa strategy.
Follow the discussion on the Africa strategy on social media using the hashtag #afrikkastrategia. Please join us in creating Finland’s Africa strategy!
NordenBladet — Concerns about the security of the internet and risks associated with emerging digital applications have increased in recent years. Misuse of artificial intelligence, for example through facial recognition technology or automated content moderation, may undermine the development of democracy and the rule of law and deteriorate the position of minorities, for example.
The Freedom Online Coalition (FOC), an intergovernmental human rights organisation, explains the connection between artificial intelligence (AI) and human rights in its recently published statement.
On 5 November 2020, the international human rights organisation FOC launched a joint statement, drawn up under the lead of the Government of Canada, according to which the management, development and use of artificial intelligence systems should be in line with the international human rights obligations. Governments should not use AI systems for repressive and authoritarian purposes.Johanna Sumuvuori, State Secretary to Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, emphasised the potential of AI technologies in supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals when speaking in connection with the 2020 Internet Governance Forum on 5 November 2020: “According to international comparisons, Finland has succeeded well in utilising new digital technologies to increase well-being in society. We have also invested in the development of basic skills in artificial intelligence, both in Finland and internationally, by providing the free Elements of AI online course.
”Finland supports digital equalityThe Freedom Online Coalition aims to promote an open and secure internet. Sumuvuori considers the Coalition’s work to be increasingly important in today’s world where we must ensure that no one is left behind by digitalisation. It is important for Finland that human rights, especially the rights of women and children, are safeguarded on the internet as well. Finland will chair the Coalition, which comprises 32 members, next year. “Our chairmanship will particularly focus on issues related to equality and digitalisation, effects of artificial intelligence, and challenges related to authoritarian regimes,” Sumuvuori says. The FOC’s statement concerning artificial intelligence and human rights emphasises the obligation of states to safeguard the realisation of human rights in their territory and the role of states in promoting transparency and accountability in the use of artificial intelligence by companies, organisations and other actors. Extensive national and international cooperation is needed in assessing and managing risks related to artificial intelligence, developing artificial intelligence, and formulating best practices related to the use of artificial intelligence. Both opportunities and risks related to these technologies must also be explored in AI training. “The chairmanship of the FOC will also support Finland’s work in the other international processes promoting digital equality, in which we hold a leadership position. For example, Finland leads an Action Coalition on technology and innovation in the UN Women’s five-year project Generation Equality,” State Secretary Sumuvuori says.
NordenBladet —The government imposed new restrictions on visiting shops, shopping centres, and catering and entertainment establishments, and attending public meetings and events. Catering and entertainment establishments must close their doors to customers at 12 a.m. However, buying take-away food is allowed. The new measures will enter into force on Monday, 16 November.
2 + 2 and 10 + 2 restrictions on movement
The so-called 2 + 2 rule will be re-established in shops and common areas of shopping centres, such as corridors and the atrium. Pursuant to the order, no more than two people may move together and a distance of at least two metres must be kept with others. The restriction does not apply to families moving together and in situations where this cannot be reasonably ensured. The restriction does not apply to employees or places of service, such as pharmacies, banks, beauty salons, shoemakers, etc.
The government imposed a less restrictive restriction on the freedom of movement in the sales and service halls of catering establishments and in entertainment and cultural establishments, such as theatres, cinemas, concerts, nightclubs, etc., where groups of up to 10 people are allowed and a distance of at least two metres must be kept with others (the 10 + 2 rule).
The restriction applies to places outside of seating areas. In other words, it does not apply when you are sitting in your seat in a theatre or cinema. The restriction does not apply to the local staff. There is also an exception for families, which means that people in the same family can move together regardless of the size of the family.
The service provider must ensure that customers are able to meet the requirements and that groups of people can be dispersed outside the seating area. Catering establishments offering on-site dining must ensure that customers are able to meet the requirement of keeping a distance of two metres, for example, by placing tables at a sufficient distance.
Events with fixed seats will continue to be exempt from the 50 per cent occupancy limit, but the limit of 750 participants must not be exceeded.
Restrictions on opening hours do not extend to cultural institutions
In addition, the government has decided that catering and entertainment establishments must close their doors to visitors from midnight to 6 a.m. from Monday, 16 November. Take-away food sales and purchases are allowed.
Cultural institutions with stationary seats, such as theatres, cinemas, and concert halls, may keep their doors open to customers past midnight.
The aim of the order is to prevent and stop the spread of COVID-19, while allowing people to continue with their normal lives as much as possible. Despite the restrictions, the rules still allow people to spend time together in smaller groups and companies to continue their economic activities.
The additional restrictions are necessary, as the spread of the coronavirus in Estonia has increased rapidly. According to the Health Board, as at 12 November, 374 new positive coronavirus test results were added in the past 24 hours, and the number of cases for every 100,000 people in the last fourteen days is 166. For comparison, on 14 October, the same indicator was 43, on 12 September, it was 22.8, and on 1 August, it was 4.
Both the Health Board and the Government Committee Scientific Advisory Board consider the introduced restrictions necessary.
The Government Communication Unit publishes the order and the explanatory memorandum to the order on the kriis.ee website.
NordenBladet — At today’s sitting, the Riigikogu passed four Acts and two Resolutions. The fundamentals of legislative drafting policy and criminal policy until 2030 were adopted as Resolutions.
The Act on Amendments to the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act and Other Acts (restructuring of the Estonian Financial Intelligence Unit into a governmental authority) (259 SE), initiated by the Government, makes the necessary amendments to the legislation, so that the Financial Intelligence Unit currently operating as a structural unit of the Police and Border Guard Board will be transferred to the area of government of the Ministry of Finance as an independent governmental authority from 1 January 2021.
The amendments concern the status of the Financial Intelligence Unit as a governmental authority and in particular the availability of the information necessary to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism and the ensuring of legal certainty upon the distribution of information to other authorities. In addition, the Act specifies the right to sign the agreements concluded before 1 January 2021 and administrative acts.
The purpose of the Act is to ensure that the Estonian Financial Intelligence Unit as a governmental authority can exchange information and cooperate with other authorities in Estonia and abroad largely on the same bases as it has been doing until now while the Financial Intelligence Unit has been a structural unit of the Police and Border Guard Board.
83 members of the Riigikogu voted for the passing of the Act.
The Act on Amendments to the Labour Dispute Resolution Act (214 SE), initiated by the Government, amends the principles for the remuneration of lay assessors of labour dispute committees.
Under the Act, the remuneration of a lay assessor is equal to the minimum hourly wage rate, which is 3.48 euro this year. At present, the remuneration of lay assessors is calculated on the basis of the Salaries of Higher state Servants Act according to which the hourly wage is 3.07 euro. In the future, the work of lay assessors of labour dispute committees in preparation for sessions will be remunerated. At present, remuneration is paid only for the time spent on attending the sessions of a labour dispute committee.
Two lay assessors must attend a session of a labour resolution committee: a representative of employees and a representative of employers. Similarly to lay judges, the purpose of lay assessors’ attendance is to view the labour dispute matter from a human rather than juridical aspect in the resolution of a labour dispute, taking into account the particularities of the views of the employees and the employers where they are of importance in the resolution of the labour dispute matter. The bases for the calculation of the remuneration paid to lay assessors have not been changed since 2013, and, under the current procedure, the remuneration paid to lay assessors is lower than the minimum hourly wage rate. This restrains employees and employers’ willingness to contribute to the work of labour dispute committees in the resolution of labour disputes.
In addition, the Act introduces amendments aiming at specification and amendment of the current procedure in the interests of legal clarity. For example, it is specified how many people can have recourse to a labour dispute committee with a joint petition, and the additional option of conducting sessions via a video bridge is provided.
85 members of the Riigikogu voted for the passing of the Act.
The Act on Amendments to the Tax Information Exchange Act (238 SE), initiated by the Government.
In order to facilitate the overcoming of the economic difficulties accompanying the emergency situation due to the coronavirus, the European Union member states have agreed by a relevant Council directive that member states can defer the beginning of the exchange of information on cross-border arrangements by six months. In view of this, the Act makes amendments to the time limits for filing the arrangements, while no substantial amendments are made. The exchange of information concerns cross-border arrangements that enable aggressive tax-planning and the concealment of the beneficial owner of assets or complicate the exchange of bank account information. Under the current law, providers of tax advice, banks and taxpayers would have to begin to communicate the information on the arrangements to tax authorities from 31 July 2021. According to the Act, 31 January 2021 is the new deadline.
85 members of the Riigikogu voted for the passing of the Act.
The Act on Amendments to the Public Holidays and Days of National Importance Act and the Estonian Flag Act (277 SE) (consolidated Bills 131 SE, 132 SE and 172 SE) includes the Children’s Day, celebrated on 1 June, in the list of days of national importance. The Children’s Day and the Grandparents’ Day, which is already now celebrated as a day of national importance on the second Sunday of September are included in the list of flag days.
Three Bills were consolidated in the course of the proceedings: the Bill on Amendments to the Public Holidays and Days of National Importance Act (131 SE), initiated by Liina Kersna, Annely Akkermann, Andres Sutt, Mart Võrklaev, Signe Kivi, Signe Riisalo, Andrus Seeme, Toomas Kivimägi, Vilja Toomast, Jüri Jaanson, Yoko Alender and Kaja Kallas, the Bill on Amendments to the Public Holidays and Days of National Importance Act and the Estonian Flag Act (132 SE), initiated by the Social Democratic Party Faction, and the Bill on Amendments to the Public Holidays and Days of National Importance Act and the Estonian Flag Act (172 SE), initiated by the Government.
83 members of the Riigikogu voted for the passing of the Act.
The Riigikogu also passed two Resolutions
Under the Resolution of the Riigikogu “Approval of the Fundamentals of Legislative Drafting Policy until 2030” (53 OE), submitted by the Government, the long-term vision of the Estonian legislative drafting policy and the principles of good legislative drafting are agreed upon. In the future, they will serve as the basis in proceedings on Bills, the development of legal language, and the organisation of cooperation and development. The explicit formulation and enforcement of legal policy objectives is also important to stakeholders and society more broadly in order to ensure foreseeability and openness of legal policy.
During the debate, Toomas Kivimägi (Reform Party) and Paul Puustusmaa (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) took the floor.
78 members of the Riigikogu were in favour of passing the Resolution.
The Resolution of the Riigikogu “Approval of the Fundamentals of Criminal Policy until 2030” (52 OE), submitted by the Government.
The fundamentals of criminal policy have been drafted due to the need to increase security in society and to make the criminal justice system more citizen-centred. The main goal of criminal policy approved by the Riigikogu is to increase the efficiency of the criminal justice system, to prevent offences committed by young people and due to addictions and mental health disorders and to enhance the penal policy. Criminal policy includes the prevention of offences, and treating offenders so that the security of society and the rights and needs of victims would be ensured and the rehabilitation of offenders would be supported.
Kert Kingo (Estonian Conservative People’s Party) took the floor during the debate.
73 members of the Riigikogu were in favour of passing the Resolution.
Members of the press,
In view of the COVID-19 virus disease outbreak, the Chancellery of the Riigikogu is taking the necessary precautionary measures. Members of the press are asked to wear face masks and maintain social distance from interviewees where possible when visiting Toompea Castle.
NordenBladet — On 12 November, the Government amended both the decree on narcotic substances, preparations and plants (Narcotics Decree) and the decree on psychoactive substances prohibited on the consumer market. The decrees will enter into force on 21 December 2020.Control of new psychoactive substances is important — they spread quickly onlineA total of 32 new substances that are used for intoxicating purposes will be added to the list of psychoactive substances prohibited on the consumer market in Finland. These substances are available in Europe particularly for recreational use. They are not medicines or narcotics and, as far as is known, they do not have any industrial purposes either. The substances were identified by the Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea) in cooperation with the Police and Customs, and they have also been reported to the EU Early Warning System (EWS).
Using new psychoactive substances can be harmful to health and have adverse effects on mental health and social functioning. While prohibiting these substances on the consumer market does not stop their use, it can prevent the spread and recreational use of new psychoactive substances.
The prohibition of these substances may slow down and even prevent their spread to new user groups and young people in particular. It will also enable more efficient control.Because new psychoactive substances are marketed online, there is a global market for them. It is important to identify such substances as early as possible and to bring them under control. This makes it impossible to circumvent legislation by making tiny changes at the molecular level.
Two new synthetic opioids classified as narcotics
The Narcotics Decree will, for the first time, classify brorphine and etazene as narcotics at the national level. They are synthetic opioids that resemble morphine and fentanyl. The most harmful effect of their misuse is a life-threatening respiratory depression caused by an overdose. It is impossible to know the content or purity of the brorphine and etazene products on the market. They are even sold as other products or substances. Such products involve a high risk of severe and even accidental poisoning.
In the same context, eight substances that were previously classified as psychoactive substances prohibited on the consumer market will be classified as actual narcotics on the basis of the classification made by the UN Commission on Narcotics Drugs in March 2020. These substances are DOC, AB-FUBINACA, 5F-AMB-PINACA, 5F-MDMB-PICA, 4F-MDMB-BINACA, 4-CMC, N-ethylhexedrone and alpha-PHP. Of these, DOC is a hallucinogen similar to LSD and DOM, which are both classified as hallucinogenic drugs internationally. AB-FUBINACA, 5F-AMB-PINACA, 5F-MDMB-PICA and 4F-MDMB-BINACA are synthetic cannabinoids with effects similar to those of cannabis. Synthetic cannabinoids are more potent than cannabis, and their accurate dosing can be difficult as they are available as pure powders and herbal blends. 4-CMC, N-ethylhexedrone and alpha-PHP are stimulants that are associated with risks and dependence potential similar to those of substances such as ecstasy, amphetamine and methamphetamine, which are already classified as stimulants.
In addition, two substances that were previously classified as narcotics nationally — flualprazolam and etizolam — will be classified as narcotics and placed under international control. These substances are benzodiazepine derivatives. Benzodiazepines have a paralysing effect on the nervous system, which can threaten the user’s life. This risk increases if the person simultaneously uses both benzodiazepines and alcohol or psychoactive medicines.
These substances do not have any medical purposes in Finland.
NordenBladet — The European Commission issued a comprehensive communication on the reform of migration and asylum policy on 23 September. The communication was accompanied by five legislative proposals. The Government expressed its position on the Commission’s proposals in its communications submitted to Parliament on 12 November.
With these legislative proposals, the Commission intends to give a fresh start to the reform of the Common European Asylum System. Three of the proposals are new and two of them will amend the proposals submitted in 2016. Some of the proposals put forward by the previous Commission remain unchanged as a basis for further negotiations, and work will continue building on the agreement already reached.
The premise of the Government’s policy guidelines is to safeguard fundamental and human rights, including legal protection, in all situations. In particular, the Government emphasises the realisation of the rights of children and other vulnerable persons.
Preliminary screening of migrants at the external Schengen borders
The Commission proposes a new Regulation on screening at the external Schengen borders. This would create uniform rules for the handling of irregular migrants. The screening would be a data collection phase that would establish the person’s identity, register the person in the database and ensure that the person does not pose a threat to internal security or public health. After the screening, applicants for international protection would be referred to the asylum process and the others would be returned to the country of origin or transit.The Government supports the strengthening of external border control and considers that, when correctly implemented, the screening process would contribute to this objective. The Government welcomes the fact that the Commission’s proposal would create common EU-wide practices for the processing and registration of persons who have entered the Schengen area without authorisation. The introduction of screening requires that the fundamental rights of individuals and the protection of privacy are strictly safeguarded. It is also important that the realisation of fundamental and human rights is monitored by an independent party.
In the border procedure, decisions on applications would be made swiftly in the vicinity of the borderThe amended proposal for a Regulation on a common asylum procedure aims to ensure an efficient and fair processing of asylum applications. As a major change to the previous proposal, the Commission proposes that Member States examine an applicant’s asylum application during the border procedure when the applicant comes from a country of origin whose citizens have, on average, a low recognition rate in the asylum procedure in the Member States. During the border procedure, applicants would remain close to the border.
Effective examination of applications, prevention of unfounded applications and rapid referral of those who have received a negative decision to the return process would also make it possible to grant protection to those who need it quickly. The Government considers it important that there will be an individual assessment of the grounds for an application in all asylum procedures and that the legal protection of applicants will be ensured in the processing.We need further clarification of the legal grounds for and conditions of the border procedure at EU level. The Government has certain reservations about the Commission’s proposal to limit appeal only to a court of first instance in the border procedure.
Individual Member States would be responsible for examining asylum applications – Member States would support one another through solidarity measures
The Regulation on migration management proposed by the Commission would nominally replace the old Dublin system. However, it would not undermine the basic principle that individual Member States are responsible for examining asylum applications and that the responsibility is determined on pre-agreed grounds. The proposed Regulation would create a common management framework based, for example on annual situational reports by the Commission. The aim is for asylum seekers to have swift access to the asylum procedure in the Member State responsible for examining the application.In addition, the proposal would create a solidarity mechanism binding on EU Member States, which would, in situations of migratory pressure, shift the responsibility for applicants onto other Member States in addition to those located at the external borders. The solidarity mechanism would also respond to the situation of asylum seekers disembarked in the country following search and rescue operations: the aim is to create a permanent arrangement instead of dealing with such situations on a case-by-case basis. In the Commission proposal, alternative support measures include, in particular, participation in the relocation of asylum seekers or providing support for return.The Government supports the premise that the EU’s migration and asylum policy is based on long-term strategy work. It is also important that a permanent solidarity mechanism that is binding on all Member States be established in the EU. The Government will carefully examine the possibility of also providing support for returns in a manner that respects fundamental and human rights. However, to enable an effective operation of the system it is important that Member States participate extensively in relocations.
In situations of crisis, solidarity measures would be launched quickly and time limits for procedures would be more flexible
The proposal for a Regulation on measures in situations of crisis and force majeure covers exceptional situations where a mass influx of migrants could paralyse the asylum, reception and return systems of a Member State and also affect the Union’s asylum system. In situations of crisis, solidarity measures would be triggered rapidly and Member States would have flexibility with regard to certain time limits for procedures.According to the Government, the Commission’s proposal for a new crisis mechanism is justified and necessary. The system should be binding on all Member States, and a wide set of tools should be available to demonstrate solidarity. Member States should also be able to decide, in accordance with pre-agreed framework conditions, what kind of support measures they are prepared to commit themselves to. Deviations from normal procedures must be predictable, justified and strictly limited.
The Eurodac system would support the formation of situation awarenessThe amended proposal for a Regulation on the Eurodac system would make Eurodac a modern migration management database that would make it possible to obtain a better picture of the situation with regard to migration as a basis for a common policy. The reform would, in particular, enable obtaining statistics on the number of asylum seekers.The Government considers the proposed amendment important. Information systems must be developed so that they support, for example the application of asylum and return provisions and the examination of the conditions for entry and stay.
Finland is ready for discussions seeking compromises
In October, the Government adopted general guidelines on Finland’s position to the reform. According to these guidelines, Finland is committed to common European solutions for the development of migration and asylum policy, and is ready for open and flexible discussions seeking compromises on the basis of the Commission proposals. The Government’s guidelines on the Regulations will support active and constructive participation in the discussions.Germany, the current Presidency of the Council of the European Union, seeks political agreement between the EU Member States on the key issues of the reform. At ministerial level, the next discussion will take place at the informal meeting of the home affairs ministers on Friday 13 November.
NordenBladet — In its negotiations on Wednesday 11 November, the Government decided on measures to help victims of identity theft and to improve personal identity protection. The Government outlined the following measures:Ensuring psychosocial and other support and coordinating aftercareThe Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will ensure that the victims of the data breach at Psychotherapy Centre Vastaamo continue to receive the necessary psychosocial and other support. Support will continue to be provided through a number of different operators and channels for as long as is required. The Ministry will also monitor and coordinate the aftercare of the situation within the healthcare and social welfare services system.Amending the Act on the Electronic Processing of Client Data in Healthcare and Social Welfare and allocating additional resourcesOn 5 November 2020, the Government submitted a bill to Parliament on the processing of client data in healthcare and social welfare. The Act is due to enter into force on 1 April 2021.
The proposed amendment would extend the obligation to join the Kanta service platform to all service providers that use client or patient information systems. The information systems used by service providers must pass a test ensuring their operability with the Kanta services and a data security assessment carried out by an appointed data security assessment body.
The Government will ensure the effective implementation of the Act through a variety of measures, including allocating additional resources to the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. These increases in resources aim to improve guidance and supervision concerning the use of data management systems. Under the current legislation, the criteria for changing an individual’s personal identity code are strict and cannot be applied proactively to prevent criminal or other severe misuse of the personal identity code. The Government is therefore preparing a legislative amendment that, in limited situations such as data breaches, would provide an opportunity for individuals to change their personal identity code in order to limit the misuse of their identity.
Developing a single blocking service for all official bans, blocks and prohibitions
In order to ensure that the victims of a data breach are able to manage their everyday lives, it is important to make it as easy as possible to prevent the misuse of their data.
The suomi.fi website provides information on official bans, blocks and prohibitions and has links to the different services. The Digital and Population Data Services Agency, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transport and Communications are exploring the possibility of creating a single blocking service together with operators in the private sector. The service would make it possible to apply for all official bans, blocks and prohibitions in one place. The service is expected to be ready by the end of next year.
The Ministry of Finance is setting up a project to reform the legislation on the personal identity code system in its entirety. One of the objectives of the project is to clarify the use of personal identity codes and ensure that they are used to distinguish between individuals rather than for identification purposes. Enhancing communication on practices concerning the processing of personal identity codes The Government decided to enhance communications with citizens on the proper use of personal identity codes and other information related to the identity of individuals in different services. The personal identity code is designed to distinguish between individuals and may not be used for identification purposes by law. The Data Protection Ombudsman is also assessing the need for a more stringent policy on the use of personal identity codes.Several operators (the Ministry of Finance, the Digital and Population Data Services Agency, the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, the Police and the Financial Supervisory Authority) are working together to provide guidance on how personal identity codes and other personal data should be used in society. This is intended to ensure that from now on, personal identity codes will only be used to distinguish between individuals. The Data Protection Ombudsman is responsible for supervising the processing of personal data as a general authority.
Other longer-term measures
The Ministry of Finance will continue its digital identity project aimed at developing a digital identity card. The project is expected to be completed in 2022.The Government Resolution on digital security (issued on 8 April 2020) will be implemented.Preparations will be made for amendments to the Consumer Protection Act that would extend the requirement for strong identification to include, for example, online purchases paid for on credit in instalments.
