Estonia: Economic Affairs Committee: Hotels must have the possibility for digital registration of guests

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November 9, 2020

NordenBladet — At its sitting today, the Economic Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) approved the motions to amend the Bill regulating tourism. The motions enable the establishments providing accommodation to register their guests electronically and the obligation to preserve visitor’s cards in paper format will be abolished.

Chairman of the Economic Affairs Committee Sven Sester said that the possibility to register the users of accommodation services electronically would make the work and life of both the providers of accommodation services and their clients simpler. “Actually, there is no reason why such an amendment could not have been made long ago. The guests would not have to fill in the visitor’s cards at the reception any more, and the information submitted already during making the reservation could be entered on the electronic card,” Sester added.

Member of the Economic Affairs Committee Annely Akkermann pointed out that the amendment would give the accommodation establishments the possibility of not having to the preserve visitor’s cards in paper format, which would be a big step in reducing bureaucracy. “At the same time, the new possibility is not an obligation, and if some hotels feel that registration on paper and preserving paper cards is more convenient for them, they will still have the right to do that,” she explained.

Regardless of whether the guests are registered on paper cards or electronically in the future, the accommodation establishments will still have to preserve the data on guests for two years, as it is required also at present.

The purpose of the Bill on Amendments to the Tourism Act and the Consumer Protection Act (234 SE), initiated by the Government, is to update the requirements for the provision of the accommodation service. The requirements which are not directly necessary or where self-regulation works well, like in the case of quality requirements, are reduced. The definition of the accommodation service and the description of the types of accommodation establishments will be renewed. The second reading of the Bill will be held on 18 November.

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Norway has responded to the European Commission concerning the regulation of digital platforms

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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November 9, 2020

NordenBladet – The Norwegian Government has submitted Norway’s contribution regarding the EU’s announced regulation of digital platforms, the Digital Services Act. The contribution makes it clear that Norway supports the EU’s initiative to develop a new regulatory framework for digital platforms.

The EU has begun the task of regulating digital platforms, such as Facebook and Amazon. The planned regulation, the Digital Services Act (DSA), will form an important part of the EU’s new digital strategy.

The aims of the regulation are to facilitate the safe use of digital platforms and other digital services, and assess the platforms’ responsibility for their content, their role as a gatekeeper, freedom of expression and consumer rights. The first step in putting forward proposals for common EU regulation is a public consultation.

The Ministry of Local Government and Modernisation has carried out a process which has resulted in the provision of collective contribution from Norway to the EU concerning the DSA. A digital contribution meeting has been held with relevant stakeholders. There have also been a number of written submissions.

Stakeholders that have submitted written contributions are Telenor, the Norwegian Media Businesses’ Association, Schibsted, the Consumer Council, NRK, the Norwegian Consumer Ombudsman, the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO), Abelia, ICT Norway, the Norwegian Board of Technology, the National Parents’ Committee for Primary and Secondary Education, the Norwegian Association for the Blind, and the National Association for the Hard of Hearing.

Norway supports the EU’s initiative to develop a new regulatory framework for digital platforms, and the view that the new framework should be built on the fundamental principles of the current Electronic Commerce Directive.

Among other things, this entails the continuation of the principles of limited liability for service providers when acting as intermediaries, and a requirement for the rules applicable in the country of origin to be followed.

The Norwegian contribution further underlines the importance that the new regulatory framework must not lead to disproportionate regulatory burdens for small and medium enterprises. However, the contribution also refers to the importance of addressing relevant safety concerns and the need to combat crime.

Norway also believes that no obligations should be introduced for digital platforms which could cause content from edited media to be censored and freedom of expression to be harmed. Norway also recommends stronger protection of consumer rights on digital platforms. In addition, the need for universal design within digital solutions and measures to prevent hate speech against people with disabilities is underlined.

Norway: The Corona situation: Revision of requirement for negative Covid-19 test to enter Norway

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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November 9, 2020

NordenBladet — The Ministry of Justice and Public Security has made changes to the groups that are exempt from the requirement of a negative Covid-19 test on entry to Norway. These changes enter into force at midnight.

On Friday 6 November 2020, the Government announced the introduction of the requirement of a negative Covid-19 test when entering Norway. Foreign nations who cannot present documentation of such a test can be refused entry. This requirement applies to most foreign nations who are not resident in Norway. However, some changes were today made for groups with special needs. For further information, please refer to the revised circular relating to entry into force.

Source: regjeringen.no

Norway: Prime Minister Erna Solberg met head of European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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November 9, 2020

NordenBladet — Green transformation and the COVID-19 pandemic was the key topics at the meeting between Prime Minister Erna Solberg and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, today.

– European cooperation is essential to our efforts to address the major challenges we are facing, from how to encourage green transformation to how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, said PM Solberg.

Norway is part of European cooperation through the EEA Agreement, the Schengen Agreement and a wide array of other agreements. The meeting provides an opportunity to discuss issues of importance to Norway.

– Cooperation with the EU is vital to promoting and implementing the transition to a greener economy in Norway. We will be a partner in the European Green Deal, and we will work closely with the EU to follow up the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The EU has significantly strengthened cooperation in the area of health in order to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘Cooperation with the EU plays an extremely important part in Norway’s national response to the pandemic, both in terms of the acquisition and distribution of vaccines, and in terms of the exchange of experience and mutual assistance,’ Ms Solberg said.

– In a rapidly changing world, it is important that European countries work together and show solidarity for each other. It also means that we must stay true to our principles and defend our fundamental values, such as democracy and the rule of law, here in Europe as well. We discussed what Norway can do to support the Commission’s efforts in this area, said the Prime Minister.

Source: regjeringen.no

Estonia: Statement by Prime Minister Jüri Ratas: Remarks by Mart Helme and Martin Helme regarding the U.S. elections are not credible and are even absurd

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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November 9, 2020

NordenBladet — The United States of America is a country with a very strong democracy, whose elections are honest, free, and transparent. Disputes and complaints regarding the election results are resolved in the court, as it is customary in any democratic state. Crude criticism of these processes based on spurious information and fake news is not appropriate for ministers of the Republic of Estonia.

The President-elect Joe Biden, voted for by the American people, is a worthy statesman, who has promised to serve all the people of the United States. He has promised to work hard to bridge the differences arisen in society and heal the rifts that have widened over the years. These are sincere goals which Estonia could also learn from. On behalf of the Republic of Estonia, I congratulated Joe Biden on his election as 46th President of the United States.

Martin Helme, as leader of his political party and the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Estonia, must understand that the United States is an important ally, and indispensable strategic partner, both for Estonia and the European Union. Mart Helme, as Minister of the Interior, should also know very well that making serious accusations without evidence is unacceptable.

The American people vote for their leaders in free elections. For Estonia, strong transatlantic ties and the deepening bilateral defence co-operation with the United States have always been a foreign policy objective, whether a Republican or a Democratic president is in office. Aggressive rhetoric directed against one of our most important allies is therefore extremely irresponsible.

Remarks by Mart Helme and Martin Helme regarding the U.S. elections are not credible and are even absurd. Members of the Estonian Government must be able to remain balanced when commenting on the internal policy of our greatest ally. Mart and Martin Helme must immediately stop undermining Estonian-U.S. relations.

I have conveyed this message directly to the Chairman of the Conservative People´s Party of Estonia.

Source: Estonian Government

Faroe Islands: The Government tightens border controls and travel advice

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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November 9, 2020

NordenBladet – The Government is now taking steps to tighten border controls and is advising further travel restrictions. At a press conference this morning, the Prime Minister, Bárður á Steig Nielsen, underlined that even though the COVID-19 situation in the Faroe Islands is quite good at the moment, it is imperative that we reinforce our border controls, since the main source of infection is from outside the Faroe Islands.

“We can see the infection spreading rapidly in other countries around us, with all social interaction being restricted to very small groups. Some regions are being locked down completely and hospitals are reaching full capacity. Even curfews have been imposed in some places”, the Prime Minister pointed out.

The Government now advises against any non-essential travel abroad.

Anyone travelling to the Faroe Islands should provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test which has been taken no more than three days before departure.

The Prime Minister stressed how extremely important it is for people to show particular care from the day they arrive in the Faroe Islands until they have received the result of the second text, which should be taken 6 days after arrival.

“The way people conduct themselves in the first 6 days after arrival in the Faroe Islands is critical. We have seen numerous examples in recent months of people testing negative upon arrival only to test positive after 6 days. This is a reminder to us all to take extra precautions until results have been received from the second test that should be taken 6 days after arrival, “stated Bárður á Steig Nielsen, Prime Minister.

Finnish Defence Forces to procure tactical lights and visual identification beacons

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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November 9, 2020

NordenBladet — Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen has authorised the Defence Forces Logistics Command to conclude an agreement to procure tactical weapons-mounted lights, helmet lights and visual identification beacons from two Finnish importers.

The procurement follows extensive field tests carried out in Finland to assess the suitability and compatibility of 25 different products included in commercial competitive tendering.The weapons-mounted lights and helmet lights will be supplied by Hantaurus SHOT Oy and the visual identification beacons by Finnprotec Oy.The procurement, which is included in the national defence development programme, is part of a series of procurements aiming to develop the infantry’s night combat capabilities. The procurement will improve the ability of the infantry forces to operate in dark conditions with poor visibility.

The first products will be delivered by the end of 2021 and will be taken into use starting in 2022.The total value of the procurement, including VAT, is more than EUR 1 million. The Defence Forces have an additional provision for tactical lights, the total value of which is approximately EUR 6 million including VAT.More information about the procurement:A weapon-mounted light is a light that is affixed to a weapon for the purpose of identifying a target and facilitating firing and movement.

A helmet light is a light affixed to a helmet or mounting device that a combatant uses as a work light in operations requiring additional lighting, for example when reading maps or providing first aid and, if necessary, as a signalling tool.A visual identification beacon enables the visual identification of a combatant, one’s own troops or a dangerous area under variable lighting conditions and improves safety, especially in night combat training.For more information, please contact Jouko Tuloisela, Senior Government Adviser, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 412; and Inspector of Infantry Colonel Rainer Peltoniemi, Army Command Finland, tel. +358 299 800 (Defence Forces’ switchboard).

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Iceland adopts the WTTC global safety and hygiene stamp

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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November 7, 2020

NordenBladet — Iceland is among 145 destinations to adopt the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) global safety and hygiene stamp, which was launched earlier this year. The Safe Travels stamp was developed as the first of its kind to help restore confidence in travellers and aims to revive an ailing Travel & Tourism sector. It is now being used by over 145 destinations, including major holiday hotspots such as Puerto Rico, Philippines, Portugal, Turkey and Maldives.

The stamp allows travellers to identify which destinations around the world have adopted standardised global health and hygiene protocols – so they can experience ‘Safe Travels’.

This landmark move by WTTC also received the backing of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The launch of global protocols to recover the Travel & Tourism sector have been embraced by over 200 CEO’s, including some of the world’s major tourism groups.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of our Safe Travels stamp. More than 145destinations now proudly use the stamp, all of which are working together to help rebuild consumer confidence worldwide. Global coordination is more important than ever in the road to recovery.

“As the stamp continues growing in popularity, travellers will more easily be able to recognise destinations around the world which have adopted these important standardised global protocols, encouraging the return of ‘Safe Travels’ around the world.

“The success of the stamp shows its importance both to countries and destinations, but also to travellers and the 330 million people around the world who work in and depend on, a thriving the Travel & Tourism sector.”

Mr. Skarphedinn Berg Steinarsson, Director General, Icelandic Tourist Board, said:

“The Icelandic Tourist Board has implemented Clean & Safe guidelines for tourism businesses who are working hard to adhere to government and public health and is committed to achieve traveller confidence and ensure safety. The guidelines are aligned with WTTC, to whom we want to express our gratitude for its effort in establishing and developing the new global safety stamp and Safe Travels protocols.

“As the tourism industry starts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and people feel like travelling again, it is important that tourism companies are ready to welcome their guests and customers in a safe and responsible way. Global collaboration with harmonised guidelines is vital and help us in achieving this goal, to restore the public’s confidence in the tourism sector for future travel.

The widespread adoption of the stamp demonstrates that WTTC and all its Members from around the world have the safety and hygiene of travellers as their top priority.

Evidence from WTTC’s Crisis Readiness report, which looked at 90 different types of crises in the last 20 years, highlights the importance of public-private cooperation and the implementation of standardised protocols.

WTTC has been at the forefront of leading the private sector in the drive to rebuild global consumer confidence and encourage the return of Safe Travels.

According to WTTC’s 2020 Economic Impact Report, during 2019, Travel & Tourism was responsible for one in 10 jobs (330 million total), making a 10.3% contribution to global GDP and generating one in four of all new jobs.

Featured image: Pexels

UK bans travel from Denmark over new Coronavirus strain among minks

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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November 7, 2020

NordenBladet – The United Kingdom has prohibited entry into the country from Denmark starting Saturday following an outbreak of a new coronavirus strain at Danish mink farms, Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps has said.

Earlier in the week, Denmark decided to cull all its mink population after a mutated strain of the novel coronavirus was found in these animals. The new strain, which can be transmitted to humans, causes weak antibody production potentially undermining the global efforts to develop a vaccine. Some 214 people in northern Denmark were reported to carry the mutation of the coronavirus.

“The [UK Home Office] is also announcing that from 0400, Saturday 7th November, visitors arriving into the UK from Denmark will not be permitted entry into the UK. This means all non-British national or resident travellers who have been in or transited through Denmark in the last 14 days will be denied entry by Border Force upon arrival,” Shapps tweeted.

Meanwhile, the UK citizens and residents will have to self-quarantine for two weeks along with their family members upon returning from Denmark.

On Thursday, the country’s government imposed a four-week lockdown for England to counter a spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths.

Corona information to all companies working with Denmark: Denmark remains open for business

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Helena-Reet Ennet

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November 7, 2020

NordenBladet – The Danish Government has implemented border control at all of Denmark’s borders as part of the effort to curb the spread of Covid-19. Persons wishing to enter Denmark must expect to be rejected at the Danish borders, including in Danish airports, unless they have a worthy purpose for entering. In the context of trade relations, a worthy purpose (anerkendelsesværdigt formål) for entering is understood as:

Persons residing or working in Denmark, including self-employed entrepreneurs performing work in Denmark
Persons commissioned to deliver goods or services to Denmark or transport goods out of Denmark

It is important to emphasize to all companies working with Denmark that Denmark remains open for business. Freight transport will be able to access Denmark in order to not disrupt the necessary supply chains including food supply, as well as to maintain Denmark’s imports and exports of goods and services from and to other countries that is important to uphold the Danish economy.

“Denmark is taking the necessary steps to address corona. While tourism is temporarily paused, the inflow of goods and services remains open. We remain an outward-looking country open for business.”
Jeppe Kofod, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

Despite Denmark’s closed borders to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the Danish government has set up fast tracks for import and export of goods and services to guarantee continued cross-border trade between Denmark and foreign companies.

“It is crucial for companies and the Danish society that the borders are open for transportation of goods. The borders will remain open for persons commissioned to provide goods or services in Denmark and trucks will be able to cross the border into and out of Denmark,”
the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Jeppe Kofod, continues.

The Danish authorities are continuously assessing the potential need for further measures regarding entry into Denmark. For updates on current measures (in Danish), see the website coronasmitte.dk

Featured image: Pexels