NordenBladet — On Friday 21 May, the President of the Republic decided to appoint a new non-resident ambassador and representatives of Finland to international organisations.The President of the Republic decided to appoint Ambassador Anne Lammila, Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Pretoria, to serve as a non-resident Ambassador in Mauritius.In addition, the President of the Republic decided to authorise the following persons to represent Finland in international organisations:Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Leena Pylvänäinen, who has been appointed to serve as Head of Mission at the Embassy of Finland in Abuja starting from 1 September 2021, to represent Finland in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Pekka Kosonen, who has been appointed to serve as Head of Mission at the Embassy of Finland in Cairo starting on 1 September 2021, to represent Finland in the Arab League (AL).Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Jukka Siukosaari, who has been appointed to serve as Head of the Embassy of Finland in London starting on 1 September 2021, to represent Finland in the International Maritime Organization (IMO).Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Pirkka Tapiola, who has been appointed to serve as Head of Mission at the Embassy of Finland in Nairobi starting on 1 September 2021, to represent Finland in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN–HABITAT Commission on Human Settlements (HABITAT).
NordenBladet — According to a study published on 21 May, new genome editing techniques show great potential for use in plant breeding, livestock breeding and medical treatments from the perspective of beneficial applications and financial gains alike.That said, the transition from using genome editing in basic research to its use in applied research and development will not be possible unless new genome editing technologies are exempted from the scope of the legislation on genetically modified organisms in the EU. Another factor hindering the use of genome editing in the European market is consumers’ negative stance towards gene technologies in general. To overcome these challenges, we need to increase dialogue between the research field, the authorities and the public.Main findings and proposals for actionIn line with the wishes of researchers and the business community, the development of regulation for new genome editing techniques should be guided by the opportunities these technologies present. Deregulation would bring about new and experimental business and promote the development of various new innovations and solutions. Another alternative would be information-based regulation, in which the development of regulation is guided by the principle of promoting fair development. Multilevel regulation ensures diverse observation of the effects of genome editing and the balanced distribution of its benefits, while also taking into account risk management. The study recommends teaching the basic principles of new genome editing techniques as part of secondary education. Increasing people’s understanding of genome editing would enable them to form a knowledge-based view of the use and applications of the technology. The publication is part of the implementation of the Government’s plan for analysis, assessment and research for 2020.
NordenBladet — On 20 May, the Government decided to extend the restrictions on entry into the country until 15 June 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, and we do not yet have adequate measures available to replace the restrictions. For this reason, and to curb the spread of COVID-19 variants, both internal border controls and restrictions on external border traffic will continue. Minor amendments will be made to the decisions adopted on 22 April. These will enter into force on 24 May.In addition to the restrictions on internal and external border traffic, restrictions on the opening hours of certain border crossing points at the western border in Lapland and the eastern border will continue. At the border crossing points that are open to passenger traffic, the accepted criteria for entry are the return of persons living in Finland or in another EU or Schengen country and other essential reasons. In future, taking an entrance examination to an educational institution will be considered a justifiable personal reason to enter the country if physical attendance at the examination is mandatory.Restrictions will be lifted for residents of border communities between Finland and NorwayInternal border traffic refers to traffic between Finland and other Schengen countries. The decision adopted on 22 April will be amended to lift the border traffic restrictions for residents of border communities at Finland’s land border with Norway.Finland restricts entry from all other Schengen countries except Iceland The Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden, which are EU Member States, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, which are non-EU countries.The restrictions do not apply to leisure boating between Schengen countries.Minor changes to restrictions on external border trafficExternal border traffic refers to traffic between Finland and non-Schengen third countries. Based on an epidemiological assessment, restrictions on entry will be lifted for residents of Israel arriving in Finland from Israel as of 24 May. Restrictions have been lifted earlier for traffic arriving in Finland from the Vatican, and for traffic between Finland and Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Rwanda, Thailand and New Zealand for residents of these countries. Entry from these low-risk countries is not restricted due to the low incidence of COVID-19.As of 24 May, restrictions on entry will be reinstated for residents of Thailand arriving in Finland from Thailand. For other countries, the restrictions on entry will be extended until 15 June 2021.Cruise vessels are permitted to call at ports but passengers are not allowed to come ashore.Government still recommends avoiding unnecessary travel abroadUnder the Constitution of Finland, Finnish citizens and residents of Finland always have the right to return to Finland, and everyone has the right to leave Finland if they so wish, provided that there is no legal impediment to this. However, the Government still recommends avoiding unnecessary travel to other countries, except for countries for which the restrictions on entry have been lifted. Travellers must be aware of the current entry and quarantine regulations of their country of destination.
NordenBladet — On Thursday 20 May, the Government appointed Jukka Ihanus, Master of Laws, as State Secretary to Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Jari Leppä and Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä as of 25 May 2021. The State Secretaries’ terms end with those of the Ministers.State Secretary Ihanus took his oath of office at the same Government plenary session.Prior to his appointment as State Secretary, Jukka Ihanus served as Special Adviser to the ministerial group of the Centre Party as of June 2019. In addition, he has served as Special Adviser to Prime Ministers Matti Vanhanen and Mari Kiviniemi and to Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä. He also has experience working as Senior Officer for Legislative Affairs in the Centre Party Parliamentary Group. Moreover, he has held various positions in the Finnish Confederation of Professionals STTKState Secretaries assist ministers in matters relating to political steering and preparatory work. They also assist and represent the ministers in the drafting of policy outlines and in interministerial coordination, harmonising of policy positions, implementation of the Government Programme in the minister’s administrative branch, and handling of EU and international affairs.Tuomas Vanhanen, who currently serves as Special Adviser to Minister of Finance Matti Vanhanen in economic affairs, will replace Ihanus as Special Political Adviser to the ministerial group of the Centre Party. Earlier, Vanhanen has assisted Minister of Local Government and Public Reforms Anu Vehviläinen, among others, and served as economic affairs specialist for the Centre Party Parliamentary Group.
NordenBladet — The Government has amended the decree restricting the activities of restaurants and other food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The restrictions on opening and licensing hours will be tightened in the regions of Kanta-Häme and Central Ostrobothnia because of the worsened epidemiological situation in these regions. In the region of South Karelia, however, the situation has improved so the restrictions on opening and licensing hours will be eased.No changes will be made to the restrictions on the number of customer seats. The amendment to the decree will enter into force on 21 May at 00.00.The restrictions in place in other areas will remain unchanged.Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in areas that are at a stable level in the regions of Åland, South Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, North Ostrobothnia, North Savo, North Karelia, Central Finland, South Savo, Ostrobothnia and Satakunta and the Hospital District of Lapland from 21 MayFood and beverage service businesses may serve alcoholic beverages between 7.00 and 00.00 and be open to customers between 5.00 and 1.00.Restaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may have in use half the normal number of customer seats in indoor premises. Other restaurants may seat 75 per cent of their normal number of customers inside their establishments. The restrictions on the number of customer seats do not apply in Åland.The restaurants located in these areas must also instruct customers to stay seated in indoor premises. This means that dancing and karaoke, for example, are prohibited in indoor premises.On outdoor terraces, each customer must have a seat, and everyone must take care of safe distances. The customer seating restrictions and ‘dance ban’ do not apply to outdoor terraces.Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in areas that are in the acceleration phase in the regions of South Karelia, Kymenlaakso and Pirkanmaa and the Hospital District of Länsi-Pohja from 21 MayFood and beverage service businesses may serve alcoholic beverages between 7.00 and 22.00 and be open between 5.00 and 23.00. Restaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may have in use half the normal number of customer seats in indoor premises. Other restaurants may seat 75 per cent of their normal number of customers inside their establishments.In these areas, restaurants must also instruct customers to stay seated in indoor premises. This means that dancing and karaoke, for example, are prohibited in indoor premises.On outdoor terraces, each customer must have a seat, and everyone must take care of safe distances. The customer seating restrictions and ‘dance ban’ do not apply to outdoor terraces.Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in areas that are in the community transmission phase in the regions of Päijät-Häme, Southwest Finland, Uusimaa, Kanta-Häme and Central Ostrobothnia from 21 MayRestaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may serve alcohol between 7.00 and 18.00. They may be open between 5.00 and 19.00. They may have in use half the normal number of customer seats in indoor premises.Other restaurants may serve alcoholic beverages between 7.00 and 19.00 and be open between 5.00 and 20.00. They may have in use 75 per cent of their normal number of customer seats in indoor premises. In these areas, restaurants must also instruct customers to stay seated in indoor premises. This means that dancing and karaoke, for example, are prohibited.On outdoor terraces, each customer must have a seat, and everyone must take care of safe distances. The above-mentioned customer seating restrictions and ‘dance ban’ do not apply to outdoor terraces.Exceptions to restrictions remain unchangedThe restrictions laid down in the decree do not apply to the activities of staff restaurants or to takeaway sales of food to customers.The restrictions on opening hours do not apply to food and beverage service businesses on vessels and aircraft that operate between Finland and other countries or abroad or to food and beverage service businesses that operate at distribution stations for liquid fuels.
NordenBladet — On Thursday 20 May, the Government adopted the Report on Internal Security and submitted it to Parliament for consideration. The objective of the Report is that Finland will be an even safer country for all people and population groups in the future.The Report on Internal Security assesses the state of internal security in Finland and the national and global drivers of change affecting it, and it defines the internal security objectives and the direction of development until 2030.Internal security policy is primarily based on preventionAccording to a survey [1], 96 per cent of Finns feel that their lives are safe. What kind of security problems a person faces in everyday life strongly depends on their personal situation, circumstances or experiences.Equal and accessible services throughout the countrySecurity authorities have a crucial role to play in ensuring internal security in the event of accidents, disruptions and crime. The work of security authorities ensures that people can count on the help of society in the face of the most serious situations. A high-level of internal security, for its part, builds social peace.
NordenBladet — The report ordered by the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment assesses whether Finland could use the so-called community sponsorship integration model when accepting refugees. According to the reports, the model could make the integration of refugees in Finland faster and support the integration work led by the state and municipalities.In the community sponsorship model, a quota refugee would be appointed five sponsors who would participate in the refugee’s integration for 1–2 years. The sponsor group could help the quota refugee in matters such as the early stages of settling, finding social networks, planning the future, language studies and finding a job or training. The aim is to speed up and improve the integration of quota refugees.At its best, the community sponsor activity could, according to the report, prevent malaise and psychosocial issues created by loneliness and lack of everyday connections. It could also be used to create permanent structures in the cooperation between authorities and civil societies. The report states that in the long run, the civil society’s more fixed participation in integration could also support increasing the refugee quota.Community sponsor activity could be piloted in a few municipalitiesThe report proposes that the community sponsor operations have a national coordinator. The coordinator would manage the realisation of goals by, for example, organising training and supporting local agents. Local coordinators would also be needed. They would be responsible for the recruiting of community sponsors, connecting refugees and sponsors, and close cooperation between the public sector and civil society.The report also proposes piloting the community sponsor operations in a few municipalities. Based on the results from the pilots, the operations could be developed and possibly expanded to new municipalities.Integration operators welcome the model The report reviewed Finland’s opportunities to develop the community sponsorship model in cooperation between the state, municipalities, organisations and rest of civil society. In addition to the feasibility of the model, the report assessed its requirements, additional value and possible challenges within the context of Finland.Integration operators have responded positively to the community sponsorship. All municipalities accepting quota refugees were sent a survey, which was answered by a total of 32 municipalities around Finland. Additionally, organisations working in integration, representatives of churches and religious communities, researchers and people operating in volunteer work were asked about the opportunities of community sponsorship. The report was produced by the Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius, which operates under the University of Jyväskylä. The report was realised with funding from the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and as part of the ministries’ research operations. The members of the steering group included representatives from the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.The Commission and the UN encourage the use of the new modelCommunity sponsorship was created in Canada where the sponsor operations of private parties started in 1978. In the last few years, similar integration models have become more common in the EU countries and globally, and there have been encouraging reports concerning the improved integration results of quota refugees.The European Commission published in September 2020 an in-depth report concerning immigration and asylum matters in which it highlighted the importance of accepting quota refugees, among other things. The Commission also encourages the Member States to establish programmes for community sponsorships together with civil society. The development of these programmes is also one of the objectives of the United Nation’s High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) 2019–2021 strategy concerning quota refugees.“The UNHCR warmly welcomes this study as it provides a first and important step towards establishing a community-based sponsorship programme in Finland. Community-based sponsorship programmes allow citizens and local communities to directly engage with and support the states’ refugee integration work, contribute to finding solutions for refugees, and building together a stronger community for all. With such support, refugees have a network to help them adapt, learn, find a job and integrate more quickly,” says Henrik M. Nordentoft, the UNHCR’s Representative to the Nordic and Baltic Countries.“We have already seen positive and visible results in other European countries and the UNHCR is ready to support Finland in taking the next steps,” he continues.The reception of quota refugees is a traditional priority of Finland’s immigration policy and will continue to be a key priority. It is a way of being globally responsible and offering protection effectively and safely to those who need it the most. This year, Finland will accept 1,050 quota refugees and Finland’s goal in the EU cooperation is to have the operations established in as many Member States as possible.
NordenBladet — Today, the Ministry of Justice, the Prime Minister’s Office and the National Emergency Supply Agency are launching a joint communications campaign with the theme: Elections in Finland are reliable – Cast your vote.In the run-up to the municipal elections, the campaign encourages to use the democratic right to vote. It also encourages to discuss, participate and give ground for others’ opinions. The aim of the campaign is to prevent any possible disinformation related to the elections by reminding people of the importance of media literacy and by directing them to the reliable sources of information provided by the authorities. In addition, the campaign reminds people of health security at the polling stations. The campaign planning started in January.Journalist Pirjo Nuotio, philanthropist Heikki Hursti from the charity organisation Laupeudentyö, actor Sara Parikka and head coach of the Finnish national basketball team Henrik Dettman have lent their faces to the campaign. The communications campaign will appear on television and radio, in printed media and online. The campaign material is in Finnish and Swedish, and key parts are also in English and in the most common foreign languages spoken in Finland. The 2021 municipal elections will be held on Sunday 13 June. The advance voting period in Finland is from 26 May to 8 June.Elections in Finland are reliable – Cast your vote (Youtube)Information about the municipal elections: Electionsfinland.fi
NordenBladet — In Finland, the COVID-19 situation deteriorated very quickly in some areas, also at local level, between 10 and 16 May. Despite this, the number of new cases was about 70 per cent lower than between 8 and 14 March when the number of cases was at its highest.The rate of decline in the number of cases has stabilised over the past four weeks, and the favourable development of the epidemic stalled between 3 and 9 May. For this reason, it is justified that regions maintain comprehensive and effective ways to prevent infections while the vaccine rollout is progressing swiftly. This helps to create better conditions for opening up society in the coming summer.COVID-19 vaccine provides good protection but we need to be vigilantThe vaccine rollout has progressed well across the country. In Finland, as many as 90 per cent of people aged 70 or older and 46 per cent of all those over 16 have already received their first vaccine dose. It is estimated that all those aged 16 or over who wish to be vaccinated will have received their first dose by the end of July. The vaccine provides good protection against COVID-19 and the more serious forms of the disease. However, it does not remove the risk of contracting and transmitting the disease completely. The virus has spread in the population throughout the country. It is therefore important that those who have already received their first or second vaccine dose continue to keep a safe distance from others, wear a mask, wash their hands and follow the guidelines and recommendations in place to prevent the spread of the virus.Infections are still detected effectively Between 10 April and 16 May, about 1,400 new cases were reported to the communicable diseases register, showing a decrease of less than 100 cases from the previous week. The incidence of new cases was 25 per 100,000 inhabitants between 10 and 16 May, while in the previous week it was 27. About 40 per cent of all new cases were reported among people already in quarantine.The total number of new cases reported in the last two-week period was almost 2,900, which is about 100 cases fewer than in the preceding two-week period. The incidence of new cases was 52 per 100,000 inhabitants, while in the preceding two-week period it was 54.The estimated basic reproduction number is the same as the week before, i.e. 0.8–1.0, with a 90 per cent probability. Throughout April, the estimated basic reproduction number was below one.Between 10 and 16 May, the number of people tested for COVID-19, about 111,000 people, was lower than in the previous week. The percentage of positive samples of those tested was about the same as the week before, approximately 1.3 per cent. This percentage has remained low, meaning that infections are still detected effectively.Need for hospital care increased from previous week, but need for intensive care remained at same levelThe number of COVID-19 patients in hospital care was highest at the end of March before Easter (between 22 March and 4 April). The number of inpatients in specialised and primary healthcare decreased in April, but the number increased again from the previous week. The need for intensive care, however, has remained more or less the same in recent weeks. According to the forecast, the number of periods in specialised healthcare and intensive care in Finland over the next week will be slightly lower than what was predicted last week.
NordenBladet — Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari will participate in the EU trade minister conference in Brussels on 20 May 2021.The agenda includes the EU’s trade political strategy in the coming years, the future prospects of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the trade relations between the EU and the United States. During the meeting, the ministers have also an opportunity to exchange opinions unofficially with WRO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai.The EU trade policy has been discussed on the basis of the communication published by the Commission in February. According to Minister Ville Skinnari, the changed world requires a new trade strategy which will help to respond to global challenges. He hopes that the trade ministers will send a joint message about the EU’s transparency while simultaneously being prepared to address unfair practices in international trade. Discussions on the WTO reform will also continue. Minister Skinnari finds it important that the reform work would progress and that the decisions of the Ministerial Conference at the end of the year will reinforce the multilateral trade system. “Finland’s and the EU’s message to WTO’s Director-General is that ambitious but nevertheless realistic goals should be set for the conference,” says Minister Skinnari. He sees a lot of opportunities in transatlantic trade relations and hopes that the shared interests, instead of differentiating factors, will be emphasised in the future. “Cooperation between the EU and the United States is also necessary in order to be able to respond to global challenges, and I hope that soon we will be able to discuss this in more detail,” says Skinnari, adding that the video meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tain provides an excellent opportunity to hear more about the thoughts of the United States administration. For more information, please contact:Diplomatic Adviser to the Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Juha Niemi, tel. +358 50 478 1387 and Director General Ilkka-Pekka Similä, tel. +358 50 336 3856.The Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ e-mail addresses are in the form [email protected]