FINLAND

Research institutes: stronger climate actions needed in the effort sharing sector

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — A number of research institutes have completed the assessments they were requested to make concerning the adequacy of the measures included in the daft Medium-term Climate Change Policy Plan. According to the assessments, stronger actions will be needed so that Finland can achieve its climate objectives with sufficient certainty. In its autumn budget session the Government decided that the adequacy of the measures to be included in the Climate Change Policy Plan will be evaluated in March on the basis of assessments by the ministries, the relevant research institutes and the Finnish Climate Change Panel.The Medium-term Climate Change Policy Plan is one of the three climate plans of the Finnish Government. It describes the measures to be taken in the effort sharing sector to achieve the EU target concerning emission reductions by 2030 and the target of a carbon-neutral Finland by 2035. The effort sharing sector comprises emissions from transport, agriculture, building-specific heating, non-road mobile machinery and waste management, and F-gas emissions.
Assessments of the adequacy of the measures in the draft Climate Change Policy Plan were requested from the Finnish Climate Change Panel, Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Finnish Meteorological Institute and Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT). The assessments considered the role of the agriculture and transport sectors as particularly important.Assessments by research institutes support the feedback received in consultationsThe assessments concerning the adequacy of the measures to be included in the Medium-term Climate Change Policy Plan support the feedback received in the consultations. The draft plan was circulated for comments from December to January. A total of 210 statements came in, and most of them drew attention to the adequacy of climate measures, with a particular focus on themes concerning the agriculture and transport sectors. Other themes that were commonly raised included the carbon footprint of consumption, climate work in municipalities and regions, and building-specific heating. The matters that were considered positive in the draft plan included the broad perspective on the potential sites and operations where emission reductions can be achieved and the large number of new means included in the measures that will also promote structural changes. However, the key concern in the responses was that the uncertainties associated with the package that is composed of a large number of small-scale actions could be difficult to manage.Ministerial Working Group on Climate and Energy Policy to decide on the package in MarchThe next step for the Ministerial Working Group on Climate and Energy Policy is to discuss the assessments by the research institutes and the feedback from consultations.“The Government is committed to pursuing a science-based policy and to discussing the draft Climate Change Policy Plan on the basis of assessments by the research institutes. We will read the assessments with care and discuss the modifications that may be needed to ensure that the necessary emission reductions will be achieved, while reducing the uncertainties related to this,” says Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Emma Kari, who chairs the Ministerial Working Group.The assessments will also be discussed at the Climate Policy Roundtable on 22 February. The Climate Policy Roundtable is chaired by the Prime Minister and it is composed of representatives of the key stakeholders: trade unions, municipalities, scientists, industrial sectors, interest groups, young people and NGOs.The Ministerial Working Group on Climate and Energy Policy will give its opinion on the assessments concerning the adequacy of the measures in the draft Medium-term Climate Change Policy Plan by mid-March. The focus of the Ministerial Working Group in evaluating the adequacy of the measures will be on this particular plan. The other two key climate change policy plans, i.e. the Climate and Energy Strategy concerning the emissions trading sector and the climate change plan for the land use sector, will be circulated for comments later this spring. The Government will submit a proposal for the new Climate Change Act at the end of February.Assessments by the research institutes (in Finnish):•    Finnish Climate Change Panel,

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Defence Forces to procure munition for heavy rocket launchers

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen has approved a proposal to procure ammunition for a heavy rocket launcher system from the United States. The Ministerial Finance Committee supported the procurement in its session on 10 February 2022.
The procurement from the United States will provide the Defence Forces with Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Alternative Warheads (ER GMLRS AW) for area targets and Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Unitary (ER GMLRS UNITARY) ammunition for point target effect.
The procurement is based on the guidelines of the Government’s Defence Policy Report and the long-term development plans of the Defence Forces. The assignment to procure munitions was given in 2018. The procurement will ensure that the artillery’s capabilities are maintained and developed to correspond to the general level of development.
The new munitions will significantly improve the performance of heavy rocket launchers and extend their range. The effectiveness of the ER GMLRS AW and UNITARY munitions corresponds to the GMLRS AW and UNITARY procured by the Defence Forces in 2016. The procurement is part of a plan to ensure the usability and performance of heavy rocket launchers into the 2050’s.
The new guided rockets will enable the more efficient use of heavy rocket launchers purchased in 2006 and they will diversify the range of munition used by heavy rocket launchers. The use of guided rockets will be possible due to an upgrade done in 2012-2015 on the fire control system.
The area target AW rockets spread preformed tungsten fragments when they explode above the target while the effect of the point target UNITARY rockets is based on explosions and blast effects. The range of both munitions is some 150 kilometres.
The procurement’s overall value is about EUR 70 million and the funding is included in the defence spending. The ammunition manufacturer in the United States is Lockheed Martin.
Procurement deliveries are estimated to start in 2025.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Candidates sought for Multidisciplinary Expert Panel of IPBES

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) invites its member states to nominate candidates for the next three-year term of the Expert Panel. The candidates should have a strong background in science and experience on the science-policy interface. Please let us know if you are interested by 23 February 2022.The present term of the IPBES Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) is coming to an end, and IPBES invites its member states to nominate candidates to the next panel for the term 2022–2025. MEP is responsible for the scientific quality of IPBES work, including the peer review process, and for engaging different disciplines and communities, and it serves as scientific adviser to the Plenary of IPBES. The candidates are expected to have a distinguished scientific background in natural and social sciences, with a particular focus on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The members elected will not represent their own countries or regions but they will serve in MEP through their personal expertise.The Ministry of the Environment is responsible for nominating Finland’s candidate. The applicant should be a distinguished researcher working in Finland with solid experience in operating on the science-policy interface. Any previous knowledge of IPBES and its work is considered an asset. The applicants are requested to inform Olli Ojala (contact details below) of their interest no later than Wednesday 23 February 2022 at 23.00. The applicants will be contacted soon after that date. Please attach your CV including a list of publications to your letter and tell why you would be the right person to be elected as MEP member (these should be in the English language as this is also required for the official nomination). IPBES work is carried out on a pro bono basis.Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem ServicesEstablished in 2012, IPBES is an independent intergovernmental body, with secretariat services provided by the UN. Its mission is to strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human well-being and sustainable development. IPBES prepares regional and global reports on the basis of information on biodiversity, ecosystem services and connections between these, collects and prioritises scientific knowledge to support political decision-making, promotes the acquisition of new information by cooperating with the scientific community, decision-makers and financiers, and mobilises funding in accordance with identified priorities. IPBES currently has 198 member states. The Ministry of the Environment serves as the contact point in Finland.Read more about MEPRead more about the selection process

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

New Ambassadors to New York, Reykjavik and Santiago de Chile and Roving Ambassador to Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — At the presidential session on Friday 11 February, the President of the Republic appointed new Ambassadors. Jarmo Sareva. Photo: LehtikuvaThe President of the Republic appointed Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Jarmo Sareva to serve as Consul General at Finland’s Consulate General in New York, starting on 1 September 2022. Sareva will move to the United States from the post of Ambassador for Cyber Security, which he has held since 2021. In 2018–2021, he served as Ambassador for Innovations. Sareva has previously worked as Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland at the Permanent Mission of Finland to the United Nations. His career in the Diplomatic Service includes also posts in Moscow, Washington DC and Vienna. Sareva has held supervisory positions in the United Nations in 2006–2018. He joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 1984. He holds the degree of Master of Social Sciences as well as the degree of Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University.      Anu Laamanen. Photo: Markus Bunders The President of the Republic appointed Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Anu Laamanen to serve as Head of the Embassy of Finland in Reykjavik, starting on 1 September 2022. Laamanen will move to Iceland from the Ministry, where she has worked as Director of the National Security Authority since 2016. In 2013–2016, she served as Finland’s Ambassador in Vienna and, in 2007-2013, as Deputy Director General of the Political Department in the Ministry. Her career in the Diplomatic Service includes posts in Oslo and New York. Laamanen joined the Foreign Ministry in 1986. She holds the degree of Master of Social Sciences.        Johanna Kotkajärvi. Photo: Kimmo RäisänenThe President of the Republic appointed Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Johanna Kotkajärvi to serve as Head of the Embassy of Finland in Santiago de Chile, starting on 1 September 2022. Kotkajärvi will move to Chile from the Ministry, where she has been Deputy Director General of the Department for Communications since 2017. In 2014–2017, she served as Director of the Unit for Communications on Asia, Africa and the Americas in the same department. In 2013–2014, she worked in the Department for the Americas and Asia, where she led the Southeast Asia and Oceania Team. Her duties as Team Leader included monitoring of security policy in the Pacific region. Before that, in 2010–2013, she worked as Ministerial Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Tokyo. In the Diplomatic Service, she has held posts also in Oslo, Zagreb and Luxembourg. Kotkajärvi joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 1994. She holds the degree of Master of Social Sciences.     Illkka Räisänen. In addition, the President of the Republic appointed Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Ilkka Räisänen to serve as Roving Ambassador for Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, starting on 14 February 2022. Räisänen will move to the post of Roving Ambassador based at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs from the post of Senior Adviser for Central Asia at the Ministry’s Department for Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Before that, in 2018–2021, he was Alternate Board Director at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in London. In 2017–2018, Räisänen worked at the Department for Development Policy, where he was Senior Adviser for international procurements, responsible for the promotion of Finnish companies’ opportunities to participate in projects carried out by international organisations and development finance institutions. He served as Finland’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in 2013–2017 and as Head of the Liaison Office in Minsk in 2010–2013. In 2009–2010, before appointments to supervisory positions, he was on secondment at the Estonian Ministry for Foreign Affairs. His career in the Diplomatic Service includes also posts in St Petersburg, Washington DC, Buenos Aires and Nairobi. Räisänen joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 1992. He holds the degree of Licentiate of Science (Economics and Business Administration).

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

New e-training tool to help increase diversity in public administration  

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Taking diversity into account at work is increasingly important as society becomes more diverse. A new electronic training course for public administration employees will provide information and tools for increasing diversity and strengthening a culture that includes everyone. The number of foreign-language speakers has quadrupled in Finland over the past twenty years, and this trend is continuing. Understanding of gender diversity has increased. The opportunities of persons with disabilities and impaired capacity to work are actively promoted. In order for everyone to be themselves in a work community, measures supporting diversity and inclusion are needed.The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has created an electronic training programme for public sector employees and their supervisors, which provides concrete tools for increasing diversity and promoting an inclusive culture at workplaces. The training is open to everyone and available on the central government’s learning platform eOppiva.Education is one way to help the public sector participate in the development of diversity in society. In an equal society, different population groups are represented in different organisations and tasks. The age and gender distribution of personnel and the share of foreign-language speakers in the public sector should better reflect the working-age population in general.  Importance of everyday practices Everyday practices play an important role in promoting diversity and inclusiveness. The training provides information on recruitment practices that support diversity, consideration of minorities in the workplace, and measures to tackle discrimination or racism at work. A person may also face discrimination or prejudice based on their age, religion or health. Persons who belong to groups subject to stereotyping or prejudice are particularly susceptible to discrimination. Although the mechanisms of discrimination are often the same, the discriminatory situations vary from one group to another. The purpose of the training is to raise awareness of the discrimination experienced by different groups, to help identify and challenge discriminatory structures and to challenge everyone’s way of thinking.Consideration of diversity strengthens equalityWith operating models that promote diversity, organisations can ensure equality and non-discrimination, improve the availability of employees and promote the wellbeing of their employees. Ultimately, a diverse organisation is also better able to serve its customers and the society around it. The eOppiva training that supports diversity is part of the working life diversity programme, which is based on Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government Programme and coordinated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. The Swedish version of the training will become available later in 2022.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

First HX Fighter Programme agreements signed

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — On 10 December 2021, the Government decided on the procurement of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II multi-role fighters, which will replace the capabilities of the Air Force’s Hornet fleet that will be phased out by 2030. The Finnish Defence Forces’ Logistics Command was authorised to conclude procurement contracts for the F-35 system and air-to-air weapons while the Ministry of Defence was authorised to sign an agreement on industrial participation for the HX fighter programme with Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney, the engine manufacturer.Signing of first LOA documents of HX projectThe procurement of multi-role fighters will be carried out in line with the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procedure as required by the United States administration for defence materiel export. Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) documents will be drafted on the procurement packages, and when signed, these documents are the procurement agreement.On Friday 11 February 2022, Major General (Eng.) Kari Renko, Chief of the Defence Forces Logistics Command, signed in Tampere the LOA documents on F-35A aircraft and their maintenance services. As to the implementation of the LOA agreements, the United States is represented by the F-35 project offices operating under the defence administration.The procurement contracts include the deliveries of 64 multi-role fighters in 2025-30 that represent the F-35A Block 4 configuration, aircraft engines and maintenance equipment, systems, spare parts, replacement equipment, training equipment and servicing needed for use and maintenance. The agreements include F-35 type training for the Defence Forces’ flying and technical personnel.After the procurement of aircraft and maintenance services, LOA documents will be signed during 2022 on the procurement of air-to-air weapons, the Sidewinder and AMRAAM missiles. In accordance with the procurement proposal submitted to the Government in December 2021, the agreements on procuring air-to-ground and air-to-surface weapons will be made later. This will ensure that the weapon composition can be optimised, for example in terms of the number and types of weapons, so that Finland will have a high-performance F-35 system when entering the 2030s.Agreement on industrial participationMinister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen signed an agreement on industrial participation on Friday 11 February 2022 in Helsinki. The agreement was concluded with the fighter manufacturer Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney, the engine manufacturer and member of the Raytheon technologies group.The industrial participation obligation is based on a decision made by the Minister of Defence in April 2018 which stated that the value of industrial cooperation should be at least 30 per cent of the actual contract price. The industrial participation solution in the F-35 system met the requirements of the HX Fighter Programme set for industrial participation.The objective of industrial participation is to develop and maintain the production, technology and expertise in the defence and security industry that is critical with respect to national defence, state security and functions vital to society, as well as to improve and safeguard the national security of supply.The industrial participation solution will develop credible expertise in the domestic industry from the security of supply perspective and will play an important role in the national economy. The most important industrial participation projects include large-scale production of the F-35 front fuselage in Finland also for other users, production of structural components as well as equipment testing and maintenance capability. Finland was also offered a project of the final assembly of engines for the Air Force aircraft. The estimated direct domestic employment effect of industrial participation is 4,500 person-years while the indirect effect is 1,500 person-years.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Minister for European Affairs Tuppurainen to visit Paris

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Minister for European Affairs Tytti Tuppurainen will visit Paris on 14–15 February and meet her French colleagues Minister of State for European Affairs Clément Beaune, Minister of Public Sector Transformation and the Civil Service Amélie de Montchalin and Minister Delegate for Public Accounts Olivier Dussopt. The topics to be discussed include the priorities of France’s current Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Conference on the Future of Europe and the security situation in Europe.The motto of France’s Presidency is “Recovery, Strength and a Sense of Belonging”. The main priorities are: improving European sovereignty, creating a new European growth model and building a more socially oriented Europe.“Discussions with France, which holds the EU Presidency, are very topical. Finland and France share many similar goals, such as development of the EU’s defence cooperation. Both countries consider it important to improve the EU’s resilience and preparedness for crises. We also share the objectives of strengthening the climate policy and the rule of law in the EU”, Minister Tuppurainen says. The Ministers will discuss citizens’ views expressed at the Conference on the Future of Europe and the consequent work to be carried out in the EU. The final report on the Conference is to be drafted during France’s Presidency. The aim of the Conference was to hear people’s opinions on what kind of EU they would like to have in the future.As part of the Conference, ‘We are Europe’ series of events was arranged in Finland in the autumn and early this year. A total of 19 events were organised around the country, from Helsinki to Utsjoki. Every time, a government minister was present to discuss with people attending the event. A summary report of the series of events has been published and Minister Tuppurainen will present the Finnish priorities to her French colleague. Topics on the meeting agenda include the security situation in Europe and the role of the EU in finding a diplomatic solution to the situation in Ukraine.Ministers Tuppurainen and Beaune are colleagues on the EU General Affairs Council, which prepares the meetings of the European Council and regularly deals with issues related to the rule of law.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

The President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed Russia, Ukraine and the security situation in Europe

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — On 11 February, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the actions taken by Russia and the security situation in Europe. The discussion focused on the situation concerning Russia and Ukraine and the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Minister Skinnari to attend informal meeting of EU trade ministers in Marseille

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — On 13–14 February, Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari will attend an informal meeting of EU trade ministers in Marseille, France.The meeting will focus on the trade and investment relations between the EU and Africa and on preparations for the next meeting of the EU–US Trade and Technology Council.In connection with the meeting, the ministers will also have an opportunity for informal discussions with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization WTO, and Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament Committee on International Trade. The ministers will also hear an update on the trade dispute between Lithuania and China.According to Minister Skinnari, it is important for the EU to build an equal partnership with Africa. The discussions of the ministers will be conducted in advance of the European Union–African Union summit to be held on 17–18 February.“Deepening the trade and investment relations is an integral part of the partnership between the EU and Africa. It is important to support the acceleration of Africa’s economic integration. Finland also supports the development and deepening of Economic Partnership Agreements with African countries,” Skinnari says.Minister Skinnari considers the EU–US Trade and Technology Council, launched last year, to be a good forum for promoting the common goals of the EU and the United States. The next meeting of the Council is scheduled to take place in Europe this spring.“Key issues for Finland in this cooperation are technological standards, 5G and 6G, climate, and green technology, for example. It is also important that we engage in dialogue with the United States on the challenges of global trade,” Skinnari says.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Ministry for Foreign Affairs continues evacuations from Afghanistan to Finland

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Based on the decision to continue evacuations from Afghanistan, 37 Afghans were brought to Finland late on the evening of Thursday 10 February 2022. In addition, about 10 evacuees from Afghanistan will arrive in Finland in the next few weeks.The persons in the group that arrived in Finland are former locally employed staff members of the Embassy of Finland in Kabul and their family members, and Finnish citizens or foreign nationals residing permanently in Finland, who are covered by the Consular Services Act and who have been trying to leave Afghanistan since last August. They moved from Afghanistan to Pakistan a week before and came to Finland via Germany. The group was assisted by the Foreign Ministry’s posted consular rapid response team, which cooperated with Pakistani authorities and the German, Dutch and Nordic missions in Islamabad that were assisting their own evacuees via Pakistan.  The implementation of the Government decisions made in August 2021 concerning the evacuation of former locally employed staff of the Finnish mission will soon be completed. Work is continuing with regard to persons who are eligible for consular assistance but who are still staying in the country. In August 2021, the Government made three separate decisions to bring a total of 298 persons from Afghanistan to Finland. Finland continues close monitoring of developments in the security and human rights situation in Afghanistan in collaboration with the EU and the Nordic countries.  

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

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