NordenBladet — The Government has amended the decree restricting the activities of restaurants and other food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The amendment to the decree will enter into force on 7 May at 00.00.The Government reviews the restrictions on food and beverage service businesses once a week on the basis of the regional epidemiological situation. The restrictions have been more lenient for the areas where the epidemic is at a stable level than for the areas worst affected by the epidemic. The latest amendment to the decree will ease restrictions in the region of Kymenlaakso and in the Hospital District of East Savo. The restrictions in place in other areas will remain unchanged.With its resolution of 6 May 2021, the Government supported the proposal to lift the use of national tiers of prevention measures (1–3). Following this, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will discuss the matters required by the change with the regions and make the actual decision to lift the use of tiers. Once this decision has been made, the Government will also review the set of restrictions on food and beverage service businesses. Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in the regions of Åland, Satakunta, South Ostrobothnia, Ostrobothnia, North Ostrobothnia, Central Ostrobothnia, Lapland, Kainuu, North Savo, North Karelia, Central Finland and South Savo from 7 MayRestaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may have in use half the normal number of customer seats in indoor premises. In other restaurants, 75 per cent of customer seats may be in use in indoor premises. Restaurants may serve alcoholic beverages until 22.00 and be open to customers between 5.00 and 23.00.In these regions, restaurants must also instruct customers to stay seated in indoor premises. This means that dancing and karaoke, for example, are prohibited in indoor premises.
In outdoor terraces, each customer must have a seat, and everyone must take care of safe distances. The customer seating restrictions and ‘dance ban’ do not apply to outdoor terraces.Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in the regions of Kanta-Häme and Kymenlaakso from 7 MayRestaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may have in use one third of the normal number of customer seats in indoor premises. Other restaurants will be allowed to seat half of their normal number of customers inside their establishments.Restaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may serve alcohol until 18.00 and be open to customers between 5.00 and 19.00. Other restaurants may serve alcohol until 19.00 and be open to customers between 5.00 and 20.00.In these regions, restaurants must also instruct customers to stay seated in indoor premises. This means that dancing and karaoke, for example, are prohibited in indoor premises.In outdoor terraces, each customer must have a seat, and everyone must take care of safe distances. The customer seating restrictions and ‘dance ban’ do not apply to outdoor terraces.Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in the regions of Uusimaa, Southwest Finland, Pirkanmaa, Päijät-Häme and South Karelia from 7 MayRestaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may have in use one third of the normal number of customer seats in indoor premises. Other restaurants will be allowed to seat half of their normal number of customers inside their establishments.They may serve alcoholic beverages between 7.00 and 17.00. Restaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may be open between 5.00 and 18.00. Other restaurants may be open to customers between 5.00 and 19.00.The restaurants located in these regions must also instruct customers to stay seated in indoor premises. This means that dancing and karaoke, for example, are prohibited.
In outdoor terraces, each customer must have a seat, and everyone must take care of safe distances. The above-mentioned customer seating restrictions and ‘dance ban’ do not apply to outdoor terraces.Exceptions to restrictions remain unchangedThe restrictions laid down in the decree do not apply to the activities of staff restaurants or to takeaway sales of food to customers.The restrictions on opening hours do not apply to food and beverage service businesses on vessels and aircraft that operate between Finland and other countries or abroad or to food and beverage service businesses that operate at distribution stations for liquid fuels.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

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

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

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

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

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

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

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

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

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

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

NordenBladet — The Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations (ETNO) has published election materials in seven languages to raise awareness of municipal elections in Finland. These visual materials will be used to encourage multilingual municipal residents to participate in decision-making and vote in the forthcoming municipal elections.The materials on municipal elections are available in seven languages: Finnish, Swedish, English, Russian, Estonian, Arabic and Somali. The materials have been prepared on the basis of questions that ETNO has encountered in its work: When can I vote in the municipal elections? Who has the right to vote in the municipal elections? Who can I vote for? Who can stand as a candidate? Why is it important to vote in municipal elections and what kinds of issues do I vote on in municipal elections? How can I vote safely during COVID-19? The materials are intended for multilingual municipal residents and voters. Organisations, municipalities and influencers can make use of the materials to raise awareness of the municipal elections and other influencing opportunities in municipalities.  The materials are highly visual and they consist of PowerPoint presentations and infographics combining text and images. The infographics can be shared on social media. The PowerPoint presentations can be used in training and other events related to municipal elections and other influencing opportunities or to make short GIF videos, for example. “The mere existence of these materials is not enough, and that is why we hope that the materials will be disseminated and taken into active use,” Specialist Nina Suorsa from the Ministry of Justice and Secretary General of ETNO Peter Kariuki say. “Each individual, organisation and municipality can do their part, raise awareness and encourage multilingual friends, neighbours and colleagues to vote in the municipal elections. We hope that the materials will be actively shared on social media and that they will spur good discussion on the importance of municipal elections and the importance of participation by multilingual municipal residents in all decision-making.”The materials support the objectives set out in the National Democracy Programme 2025 to increase voter turnout in municipal elections among immigrants and multilingual municipal residents and to encourage them to stand for election. See the materials for the 2021 municipal elections prepared by the Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations (ETNO) on the website of the Ministry of Justice.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

NordenBladet — Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto will meet Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Péter Szijjártó in Helsinki on Wednesday 5 May.Follow the live webcast of the press conference at 12:45: 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

NordenBladet — The 2021 municipal elections will be held on Sunday 13 June. In the elections, local councillors and deputy councillors will be elected for the next four-year term. The term of office of the local councils will begin on 1 August 2021 and last until 31 May 2025.This year, the advance voting period in Finland will exceptionally last for two weeks, from 26 May to 8 June. Advance voting will be conducted abroad between 2 and 5 June, but the voting period is shorter than this at many of the advance polling stations abroad.On election day, voters may only cast their vote at the polling station specified on the notice of right to vote sent to them before the elections. When voting in advance, voters may freely choose any polling station. A list of all advance polling stations is available on the Electionsfinland.fi website of the Ministry of Justice. Information on the advance polling stations where voting will take place outdoors will be added to the website on 19 May.Information on the addresses and opening hours of polling stations can also be obtained by calling the Elections helpline. Calls to the helpline are free of charge, and service is provided in Finnish (0800 9 4770) and in Swedish (0800 9 4771). Election-related questions can also be sent on WhatsApp (050 438 8730).Eligible voters in municipal electionsA person who reaches the age of 18 years on election day at the latest has the right to vote in the municipal elections in their municipality of residence. In addition to Finnish citizens, those citizens of EU Member States, Iceland and Norway who have a municipality of residence in Finland are also entitled to vote. Other foreign citizens are entitled to vote if they have had a municipality of residence in Finland for at least two years.The voting municipality in the 2021 municipal elections is determined based on the information contained in the Population Information System on 23 April. The total number of eligible voters is 4,464,814.The Digital and Population Data Services Agency will send a notice of right to vote (polling card) to all eligible voters. A list of advance polling stations close to the eligible voter’s place of residence and instructions on safe voting during the COVID-19 epidemic will be enclosed to the notice.The notices of right to vote will be sent by post. The notice will be sent in electronic format to those eligible voters who have activated the Suomi.fi Messages service and given their consent for all official notifications to be sent to them electronically.Candidates in municipal electionsVoters may only vote for a candidate standing for election in their municipality of residence. The deadline for submitting candidate applications to the central municipal election boards was on 4 May. The municipalities will review the applications and confirm the nomination of candidates on 14 May. The master list of candidates, including candidate numbers, will be published on the Electionsfinland.fi website on 14 May.Instructions on safe voting during COVID-19The Electionsfinland.fi website contains instructions for voters on safe voting in the municipal elections during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry has prepared the instructions in cooperation with the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.The purpose of the website is to provide easily understandable information on the special arrangements put in place to enable safe voting during COVID-19. Voters must wear a face mask or covering, use hand sanitiser and stay two metres away from others at the polling station. Election officials will monitor safety at the polling stations and advise voters on how to follow the instructions.Special measures have been planned to enable voters placed in quarantine or isolation by a doctor or having respiratory symptoms to vote. Voters can contact the central municipal election board of their municipality to ask about these special arrangements.  Proof of identityVoters must present some form of official photo ID when voting, for example a passport, an identity card or a driving licence. The old cardboard driving licence will also be accepted as proof of identity, if the voter can be identified from the photo and the election official can thus reliably verify the voter’s identity. Voters who do not have a valid proof of identity can obtain a temporary identity card free of charge from the police for voting purposes.Election officials may ask voters to briefly remove their face mask to verify their identity.At-home voting and voting at an institutionPersons whose ability to move or act is limited to the degree that they cannot go to an advance polling station or the election day polling station without undue hardship have the right to vote at home. At-home voting takes place in the voter’s home during the advance voting period. Those who wish to vote in advance in their home must notify the central municipal election board of their municipality of this by 16.00 on 1 June 2021. The family carer of a person entitled to vote at home, living in the same household, may under certain conditions also vote at home.In accordance with a recent government proposal, a possibility for voting will now be provided for the first time in the garrisons of the Defence Forces’ units providing military training and in the units of the Border Guard providing military training.A possibility for voting will also provided at hospitals, prisons and care institutions similarly as in connection with previous elections.Postal voting from abroadEligible voters staying abroad during the municipal elections may vote by post. Eligible voters wishing to vote by post must order the postal voting documents to an address located abroad in advance, cast their vote after receiving the documents, and send the ballot in a covering envelope to the central municipal election board of their municipality of residence in Finland. The first possible day for postal voting is 14 May. Postal votes must arrive at the correct central municipal election board by 19.00 on Friday 11 June.Election results will be published as they are countedDuring the advance voting period, up-to-date information about the number of advance voters in each municipality and electoral district and in the entire country will be published on the elections website every hour.The central municipal election boards will start counting the advance votes on 13 June at 12.00 at the earliest. Preliminary information on the vote count will be published starting at 20.00 on election day. Election boards will begin the preliminary count of votes cast on election day as soon as the polling stations close at 20.00. The preliminary election results will be available during the evening of the election day and the following night.On election day, the progress of the preliminary vote count can be followed online. The names of the elected local councillors and the number of votes received by them will be published on the Electionsfinland.fi website once the preliminary vote count has been completed. Moreover, the number and percentage of votes received by each political party in each municipality and electoral district and in the entire country will be published. The results of the preliminary vote count will also be made available as downloadable files once the count has been completed.Once the check count has been completed, the central municipal election boards will confirm the final election results in each municipality at their meetings starting on Wednesday 16 June at 18.00 at the latest. The confirmed results will be published on the Electionsfinland.fi website on 16 June 2021.Information about municipal elections is available through many channels and in several languagesThe Electionsfinland.fi website provides information about municipal elections in many languages (Finnish, Swedish, Skolt Sámi, Inari Sámi, North Sámi, and the Finnish and Finland-Swedish Sign Languages, and several most used foreign languages, such as English, Estonian and Russian). In addition, the YouTube channel of the Ministry of Justice contains videos on voting in easy-to-understand language and sign language. Brochures in easy-to-read Finnish and Swedish are also available.Election funding disclosure must be filed with the National Audit Office of FinlandThe newly elected local councillors and deputy councillors must file an election funding disclosure with the National Audit Office of Finland by 16 August 2021. Candidates may also choose to file a voluntary advance disclosure containing an estimate of their campaign costs with the National Audit Office of Finland.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

NordenBladet — On Tuesday 4 May, Prime Minister Sanna Marin met with European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius at Kesäranta. Commission Member Jutta Urpilainen also attended the meeting.At the meeting, they discussed Finland’s views and objectives concerning EU climate policy, forestry policy and biodiversity issues. During his two-day visit, Commissioner Sinkevičius met with several members of the Government, visited Lahti, the European Green Capital for 2021, and familiarised himself extensively with Finland’s sustainable forestry.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi