NordenBladet — The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment funds cooperation between the public and private sectors for innovations in circular economy. A total of million euros has been earmarked for grants that should be used during a three-year period. The funding aims to create new connections between different operators, inspire new solutions for achieving carbon neutrality and support the economic recovery after the coronavirus pandemic.
The funding will be used to launch cooperation programmes that use circular economy principles that support innovation and expertise between the public and private sectors. The objective of these programmes is to create new operating models, business and jobs. In addition to companies and research organisations, other operators, such as municipalities, regions and non-governmental organisations, may apply for funding. The objective of the grants is to create new operating models and early-stage cooperation networks in order to improve the conditions for business activities within circular economy. Here, networks mean cooperation-based activities of one or more operators in which the sharing of resources and data generates new business. Digitalisation and readiness for broader platform cooperation across sectoral boundaries should be at the core of networks and cooperation.
Grants to finance circular economy networks
Grants may be used to implement strategic growth platforms and business networks that promote the circular economydevelop business networks in the circular economyfund projects that promote the circular economy and network development in organisations within the scope of central government on-budget entities and higher education institutions and similar organisations conducting public research or dissemination of information, as well as in municipal and other public organisations.
Grants cannot be used to financealready established activities (this is not an operating grant)investment projects (facilities, laboratory equipment, etc.), but the acquisition of fixed assets essential for development, such as machinery and equipment, is discretionary under certain conditionsbusiness activitiesprojects of an individual companyprocurement alone (but the funded projects may include procurement).
Applications should be submitted to the Registry of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment by 4 June 2021 at 16.15.
NordenBladet — At the presidential session on Friday 9 April, the President of the Republic appointed a new Ambassador to Iraq, granted an authorisation to represent Finland in the OSCE and appointed a non-resident Ambassador to the Vatican.
The President of the Republic appointed Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Matti Lassila to serve as Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Baghdad, starting on 1 September 2021. Lassila will move to Baghdad from the Unit for General EU Affairs and Coordination, where he is currently Senior Adviser responsible for external energy relations and climate policy. In 2015–2018, he served as Finland’s Ambassador in Beirut and in 2007–2011, as Finland’s Ambassador in Abu Dhabi. In the Diplomatic Service, he has held posts in Brussels, Prague, Geneva, Tehran, Dublin and Marseilles. Lassila joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 1987. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Sciences.
The President of the Republic authorised Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Vesa Häkkinen, currently Head of the Finnish Embassy in Baghdad, to serve as Permanent Representative of Finland to the OSCE in Vienna starting on 1 September 2021.In addition, the President of the Republic authorised Ambassador Kalle Kankaanpää, who has been appointed to serve as Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Zagreb starting on 15 April 2021, to serve as non-resident Ambassador to the Vatican.
NordenBladet — The support for business costs is intended for companies whose turnover has decreased by at least 30% due to the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, closure compensation is meant for small and micro-sized companies where customer premises have been closed by law or order of an authority. The third application round for business cost support will begin on 27 April 2021 and the application round for closure compensation on 12 May 2021. Companies can apply for both forms of support at the State Treasury.
The Act on Support for Business Costs has been amended to make the granting of aid to sole entrepreneurs and small companies more flexible and to create a new form of aid, closure compensation, to companies closed down due to the coronavirus epidemic. The President of the Republic approved the amendments to the Act on 9 April 2021, and the Act will enter into force on 12 April 2021.
“We have updated business cost support to meet the current needs of both small and large companies. In addition, small companies shut down by the authorities due to the epidemic will benefit from a new form of aid. We are also preparing closure compensation for large companies and an event guarantee,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä.
“Due to the two previous rounds of business cost support, the State Treasury already has experience in granting the aid. Based on the customer feedback, we have succeeded well in the task. That is why we are happy to take responsibility for organising the third round of business cost support and the new closure compensation,” says Jyri Tapper, Director of Insurance from the State Treasury.
Business cost support to companies with decreased turnover
The third round of business cost support is intended for companies whose turnover has fallen by at least 30% due to the coronavirus pandemic between 1 November 2020 and 28 February 2021, compared with the corresponding period in 2019–2020, as a rule.All companies can apply for business cost support. In April, the Government will issue a decree on the sectors that can apply for support without providing further justification. These include sectors where turnover has decreased by at least 10% during the period. If a company does not operate in one of the sectors defined in the decree, it must explain how the epidemic has caused a fall in turnover.
Business cost support is compensation for the company’s inflexible costs and payroll costs, but it does not compensate for a fall in turnover. The Act now defines inflexible costs in more detail. In addition, a certain share of the employer’s non-wage labour costs, such as social security contributions and occupational health costs, can be reimbursed.
Sole entrepreneurs to apply for support at State Treasury
A minimum of EUR 2,000 in business cost support will be paid to companies if they meet the conditions for it. This will help sole entrepreneurs in particular. The amount of support will be based on the decrease in the company’s turnover and actual costs.To be eligible for business cost support, the company must have a Business ID. The company must also have eligible expenses of at least EUR 2,000 during the support period.
The maximum amount of aid will increase, which in turn will meet the needs of large companies in particular. The maximum amount of aid a company can receive will rise from EUR 500,000 to EUR 1 million.
Closure compensation to restaurants and other companies shut down due to epidemic
The Government proposes that companies be paid compensation if they, due to an Act or an official order, have to keep their premises closed in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus. This new form of compensation applies to small and micro-sized enterprises that employ a maximum of 49 employees. Companies that have been closed down can also apply for business cost support.
Closure compensation for larger companies is under preparation. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is currently negotiating with the European Commission about the terms and maximum amount of support for large companies.Closure compensation applies to restaurants and other food and beverage service businesses that are temporarily closed to customers under the Act on Accommodation and Catering Operations. However, meals may be sold for takeaway. The amount of compensation will be based on that part of the company’s business operations that the closure affects.Compensation can also be paid to companies, which the municipality or the Regional State Administrative Agency has ordered to be closed under the Communicable Diseases Act. Such establishments include sports facilities, gyms, public saunas, swimming pools, spas and indoor playgrounds. Compensation is based on company costs in February 2021Compensation will be paid to companies for the period they remain closed. If a company has restricted the number of customers in its premises but has not closed completely, it is not entitled to compensation.
The amount of compensation is based on the company’s costs in February 2021 and that part of the company’s business operations that the closure affects. Compensation will be paid for 100% of payroll costs and for 70% of other costs, such as rent.Previously granted coronavirus-related support will be taken into account in the amount of business cost support and closure compensation. Under the EU’s State aid rules, the maximum amount of aid may not exceed EUR 1.8 million.Applications for business cost support will be accepted until 23 June 2021. Companies must apply for closure compensation within four months after the end of the calendar month when the order to keep the premises closed ended.The first application round for business cost support took place in July–August 2020. The second round began in December 2020 and ended in February 2021. A total of EUR 356 million has been reserved for the third round of business cost support and closure compensation.
NordenBladet — In their meeting on Wednesday 9 April, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the Government’s new Strategy for Arctic Policy.
They also discussed the Report on Development Policy Across Parliamentary Terms, which the Government will adopt in its General Session this spring.
NordenBladet — Information on the advance polling stations for the 2021 municipal elections to be held in June is now available on the Electionsfinland.fi website of the Ministry of Justice. The website contains the addresses and opening hours of all advance polling stations in Finland and abroad.
The municipal elections will be held on 13 June 2021. The advance voting period in Finland is longer than usual, two weeks, from 26 May to 8 June. Abroad, the advance voting period is from 2 to 5 June.
The number of general advance polling stations in Finland is 930. Advance polling stations are mainly located at town halls, libraries and shopping centres.Abroad, a possibility for advance voting will be provided at 106 Finnish diplomatic or consular missions or their offices in 75 different countries.
Some of the advance polling stations will be open only on certain days during the advance voting period.Eligible voters staying abroad during the advance voting period and on election day may also vote in advance by post from abroad. Instructions on postal voting are available at https://vaalit.fi/en/postal-voting.
There will be 1,854 election day polling stations around the country.Information on outdoor polling stations will be added to the website later. Municipalities can provide voters with a possibility to vote outdoors at the addresses where the advance polling stations are located. Some municipalities will provide a possibility to vote outdoors in a tent or another shelter, for example. A possibility for drive-in voting will also be provided by some municipalities.Municipalities will also inform their residents about the polling stations themselves.
NordenBladet — The Ministry of Justice has launched a two-year project, Voice of Children and Young People in Europe, to support the participation of children and young people in policy-making at the national level. The project will develop methods, gather best practices and produce training materials, and will also provide training on the participation of children and young people for public authorities.
The project is a continuation of the assessment of the participation rights of children and young people made in 2019–2020. It is carried out in cooperation with the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and as part of the implementation of the National Child Strategy with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Prime Minister’s Office. The project rests on, among others, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Constitution of Finland, which oblige the authorities to take action to strengthen and support the inclusion of children and young people.
The Government of Prime Minister Sanna Marin is committed to promoting the inclusion of children and young people. The Voice of Children and Young People in Europe project supports the implementation of the National Democracy Programme, the National Child Strategy and the National Youth Work and Youth Policy Programme. The project is part of the CP4Europe project, coordinated by the Council of Europe, which has received funding from the Rights, Equality and Citizenship (REC) Programme of the European Union. Aside from the Council of Europe and Finland, the other collaboration partners participating in the joint European project are the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Portugal and Iceland.
NordenBladet — A new Substance Abuse and Addiction Strategy was published on 9 April. It outlines joint development work, objectives and priority areas until 2030. The aim is to prevent and reduce the risks, harms and problems caused by the use of alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products as well as drug use and gambling in all age groups.
The core idea of the strategy is that the harm caused by substance abuse and addictions can be prevented and treated better than at present. Succeeding in this requires that we engage in comprehensive planning and effective action in different sectors. Apart from the healthcare and social welfare sector, substance abuse and addictions are visible throughout society, and thus also in the work of other ministries and their agencies.
“Substance abuse and addiction place a great deal of strain on society and increase social inequality. I am pleased that, despite the coronavirus epidemic, a large number of actors in the sector have been able to participate in the preparation of the strategy. The same spirit of doing together is needed in implementing the strategy,” said Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Krista Kiuru at the launch of the strategy.
First comprehensive strategy on substance abuse and addictions
The strategy is the first one in Finland to address a wide range of substance abuses and addictions. It includes a whole range of measures from prevention to targeting the entire population and reducing harms caused, to the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals’ substance abuse and addiction problems. The strategy also takes into account digital gambling, drugs taken for intoxication and other substances.
Substance abuse and addiction not only affect both users and their families but they also increase inequality in society and between people. The strategy is, therefore based on safeguarding fundamental and human rights, identifying the links between the phenomena related to substance abuse and addiction, and promoting gender equality and equality. In addition to respect for human dignity and equality, it makes economic sense to prevent harm caused by substance abuse and addictions.
Five priorities of the strategy selected in consultation with stakeholders
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for preparing the strategy. The priorities, objectives and measures to reduce harm caused by substance abuse and addiction were selected on the basis of the issues and views raised in the consultations with the various stakeholders. The Substance Abuse and Addiction Strategy has the following five priorities: strengthening the rights of people suffering from substance abuse or experiencing addiction-related harm who are covered by substance abuse services, as well as the rights of those close to them;strengthening cooperation, information flow, expertise and knowledge base;intensifying alcohol, tobacco and nicotine, drug and gambling policy measures;ensuring the quality, accessibility and availability of both preventive work and substance abuse and addiction services;ensuring cooperation and expertise at the Government level to address substance abuse and addictions.
The achievements of the Strategy will be assessed using various monitoring indicators from the perspective of equality between citizens. The use of alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products and drugs, gambling and the resulting harms will be monitored by means of separate indicators.The Strategy is part of the Government Programme of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government.
NordenBladet — The Government has published a plan to lift the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 epidemic, along with a target timetable.
The plan is available at the Institutional Repository for the Government. The Government is requesting comments and opinions on the plan over the next seven days. All interested parties are invited to submit their comments using the otakantaa.fi service beginning on Friday afternoon until 16 April. Submitting a comment requires registration to the otakantaa.fi service. You may register prior to the opening of the survey. The comments will be analysed and drawn upon in the finalisation of the plan. In addition to the public consultation round, the Government will hold a separate event where labour market organisations and municipalities can discuss the plan.
“Let’s make a better summer together”
The purpose of the plan is to give the public, businesses and communities a clear picture of how society will gradually open up. The dismantling of restrictive measures requires everyone to act responsibly and continue to follow the existing restrictions and recommendations. If we manage to keep the COVID-19 epidemic under control in April and May and vaccines are progressing steadily, we may meet the requirements set for transitioning towards normal life in Finland in June and July. Restrictions to be lifted based on the epidemiological situation The plan lays out the principles and epidemiological preconditions for the lifting of restrictions and includes a target timetable detailing the stages at which the restrictions will be lifted.
The plan is based on the available research data, modelling, forecasts and monitoring. It is not binding on the Government and authorities or their decision-making. It is possible that the restrictions will need to be continued, reinstated or tightened again in certain regions if the development of the epidemic so requires. It may be necessary to slow down the dismantling of restrictive measures if the number of infections remains high or the number of vaccines is too low. Easily spreading virus variants may also delay the lifting of restrictive measures.
Timetable for the lifting of restrictions and recommendationsThe restrictions will be lifted in line with an indicative timetable. This will be possible if the epidemiological situation and vaccine coverage develop favourably.
The Government will reassess the conditions for lifting the restrictions and update the set timetable every two weeks. The impact of the decisions on the COVID-19 epidemic will be monitored and new restrictions can be dismantled every two to three weeks. This way, it will be possible to use information about the impact that the lifting of restrictions has had on the epidemiological situation.
April – state of emergency ends
The powers granted under the Emergency Powers Act will no longer apply
Transition to contact teaching (comprehensive school education and upper secondary education)
Restaurants will open with certain restrictions; opening hours and the number of customers will still be restricted
Older people have received their first dose of the vaccine.
May – strict restrictions lifted
Restrictions imposed due to the threat of a fast acceleration of the epidemic will be removed; return to regional measures Children and young people may take part in outdoor group hobbies
Public and private premises (incl. libraries and museums) will reopen
Commuter traffic within the EU will be possible
People in risk groups have received their first dose of the vaccine.
June – regional restrictions gradually lifted
Restrictions on gatherings will be eased
Restrictions on restaurants’ customer seating and opening hours will be eased
Adults may take part in outdoor group hobbies
Public events will resume with restrictions on the number of participants
Internal border control will end
Vaccination coverage of working-age population having received their first dose of the vaccine is more than 50%.
July – vaccination coverage increases
Restrictions on gatherings will be eased and removed
Restrictions on the number of participants in public events will be eased and removed
Working-age population has received their first dose of the vaccine and older people and people in risk groups have received their second dose of the vaccine (July-August).
August – vaccination coverage increases
Commuter traffic to and from third countries will possibly resume
Working-age population has received their first vaccine dose and older people and people in risk groups have received their second vaccine dose (July-August).
Lifting of restrictions to begin with activities for children and young people
In the Government’s view, it is important for the lifting of restrictions to begin with groups that have been particularly affected by the restrictions. The first step will be to lift the restrictions affecting children and young people.
First public events could be held in June
The restrictions on public events would be lifted in three stages as outlined in the “safe events” model drawn up by a working group appointed by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The main premise is that first public events could be held in many regions in June. In the first phase, public events could be organised in such a way that attendees have pre-assigned seats and that groups would be able to avoid close contact with others. In regions where the epidemic situation is very good, public events could be organised even earlier with the permission of regional authorities. In the third phase, the restrictions would be lifted completely. The goal is to transition to this phase as soon as the epidemic situation permits.
Dismantling restrictions will support the recovery of businesses
The controlled lifting of restrictions and the target timetable will also help businesses recover from the COVID-19 crisis and plan their activities. The sectors most affected by the pandemic, such as restaurants, tourism and the events sector, may even recover quickly as society opens up.
The costs of correcting the economic and social impacts of the crisis will be addressed in the government session on spending limits at the end of April, in the preparations for the 2022 budget and in the Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland. They are not addressed in this plan.
Restrictions on entry into the country to be liftedEntry into Finland has been restricted and border control has been reinstated at Finland’s internal and external borders since 17 March 2020. The current decisions will remain in force until 30 April. Internal border control will continue until it can be replaced with sufficient health security measures. Preparations for the autumn must be made At the end of August, the number of infections may begin to rise again gradually as contacts increase, particularly at educational institutions and workplaces. However, we are unlikely to see a similar rapid acceleration to the one experienced in autumn 2020 if there is sufficient vaccination coverage among the adult population, especially young adults, and if people behave safely.
NordenBladet — Restaurants and other food and beverage service businesses must remain closed to customers until 18 April 2021 in regions where it is necessary to stop the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic. Restaurants will be able to open to customers in Kittilä and North Ostrobothnia on 9 April 2021.
Restaurants must be closed to customers in the following regions:
Uusimaa
Southwest Finland
Satakunta
Kanta-Häme
Pirkanmaa
Päijät-Häme
Kymenlaakso
South Karelia
South Savo
North Savo
North Karelia
Central Finland
Ostrobothnia.
The following regions do not fall under the closure requirement: Åland, South Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, Central Ostrobothnia, Lapland and North Ostrobothnia.
The Government regularly monitors the development of the epidemic situation in different regions. By law, the Government is required to amend the decree and impose and lift closure restrictions in line with the development of the epidemiological situation in any given region. On 8 April 2021, the Government amended the decree on the regions that fall under the closure requirement. The amendment to the decree is based on the health authorities’ assessment of the epidemic situation in the regions. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) issued a statement on the epidemic situation on 7 April 2021.
Closure affects all food and beverage service businesses, with the exception of staff restaurants
The food and beverage service businesses to be closed down include cafés, restaurants, bars and nightclubs that are open to the public. The closure also applies to outdoor terraces. However, restaurants and cafes are allowed to sell meals and beverages for takeaway, either directly to the customer, or for delivery. Restaurants can organise the delivery to the customer’s home themselves or using other service providers.
The order to close restaurants does not apply to personnel canteens that are not open to the public. Canteens in residential homes for older people, hospitals, garrisons, prisons, daycare centres and schools, as well as other staff canteens closed to the general public, may remain open. However, they must still comply with the other restrictions imposed due to COVID-19.
Support scheme for restaurants under preparation
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is preparing a support scheme for the reasonable compensation of businesses where customer premises have been closed by law or order of an authority. The government proposal is currently being discussed by Parliament. The new closure compensation would apply to small and micro-sized companies that do not employ more than 49 people. A separate form of aid for larger companies will be prepared as soon as possible.Applications for closure compensation will be accepted from May. Companies can apply for compensation at the State Treasury.
NordenBladet — On 8 April, the Government submitted to Parliament a government proposal concerning safety, security and service measures at football matches and other sports events. The purpose of the proposal is to bring into force the Council of Europe Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events. The Government also proposes that the Assembly Act be amended.
The aim of the Council of Europe Convention is to create a safe and secure environment and a positive atmosphere at football matches and other sports events. “According to the Convention, measures aimed at safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the participants, ensuring the smooth running of the event and creating a welcoming atmosphere must all be taken into account in organising the events. This can be achieved, among other things, by updating the provisions on the security measures of events and on public order and security,” says Jouko Huhtamäki, Ministerial Adviser from the Ministry of the Interior.
The previous Convention dates back to 1985. The new Convention aims to improve the safety of spectators by taking into account the experience gained since the entry into force of the previous Convention and good practices concerning the organisation and safety of sports events. The various stakeholders taking part in the events will also be involved more extensively in order to achieve this objective. In addition, the purpose is to amend the Assembly Act to ensure that certain provisions in the Convention concerning safety and emergency planning be taken into account in connection with the events referred to in the Convention. On Thursday 8 April, the Government submitted the proposal to Parliament for consideration.