FINLAND

Study: European countries need to prepare for the new era of geoeconomic rivalry

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The global economic system has entered a new era of geoeconomic rivarly. Particularly the United States and China are using economic instruments to advance strategic agendas, which poses a difficult challenge to the European Union.A new study by the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA), ETLA Economic Research, and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland investigates the risks and opportunities of this rise of geoeconomics for the EU and its member states, particularly Finland. Whereas the Union was designed on the premise that economic and security policy should remain separate, it now finds itself ill-equipped for their increasing convergence.“Global interdependence and the global trading system embodying it have traditionally been seen as sources of peace and stability”, says one of the authors of the study Mikael Wigell, FIIA’s Research Director. “However, the currently intensifying great power competition is threatening to challenge this view.”The study shows how the EU’s traditional market-based approach to international economic engagement exposes it to risks arising from the geoeconomic power politics of other major powers and how these risks are particularly acute in the technological domain, where Europe’s competitiveness has been decreasing and its strategic dependencies on China and the United States growing. As indicated by the discussion related to 5G technology, Europe needs better data and situational awareness concerning their economic and technological interdependencies.“Economic interdependencies generate many positive effects, but it can also entail dangerous vulnerabilities and security risks. For the EU and especially its technology companies the risk picture is undergoing significant change because of the rise of geoeconomics.  In this report, we have tried to come up with better ways to recognize and evaluate these risks, and how Europe and its member states can adapt to these developments”, Wigell says.In the context of new geoeconomic rivalry, the EU is now trying to strengthen its ability to participate in defining the rules of the game for the global economy. According to Wigell, this is also warrants active engagement from the member states.“Finland must be able to evaluate its own vulnerabilities to geoeconomics in order to be able to influence and support this EU ambition.”This publication is part of the implementation of the Government Plan for Analysis, Assessment and Research for 2021.For more information, please contact: Research Director Mikael Wigell, Finnish Institute of International Affairs, t. 040 583 1371, [email protected]

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Home affairs ministers to discuss security at Europe’s borders and EU’s migration and asylum reform

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — EU home affairs ministers will gather in Lille, France, on 3 February for an Informal Meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers. The ministers will discuss the security of Europe’s borders and the reform of the EU’s migration and asylum policy. Another topic on the agenda will be the impact of climate change on civil protection. No decisions will be made at the informal meeting.Day before the meeting, the French Presidency of the Council of the EU will organise a simulation exercise on managing cybercrime incidents for the home affairs ministers. Minister of the Interior Krista Mikkonen will represent Finland at the meeting and in the exercise.Legislative amendments among tools for improving the functioning of the Schengen areaThe current situation at the EU’s external borders were discussed in a number of contexts last summer and autumn. The topic is of particular interest for Finland as the border between Finland and Russia is a Schengen external border. The home ministers will discuss the situation at the external borders especially from the perspective of improving the Schengen area.“The Schengen Borders Code should be developed in ways that allow for Member States efficient, proportionate and more flexible ways to respond to changing situations at both internal and external borders, in full respect of fundamental and human rights,” says Minister Mikkonen.As part of its Schengen package, the European Commission submitted a proposal in December to amend the Schengen Borders Code. The aim of the proposal is to improve regulation on the reintroduction of internal border control and create various coordination mechanisms for incidents and crises at internal and external borders.The Commission has also presented a proposal to revise the Schengen evaluation and monitoring mechanism to improve the process of verifying that Member States have correctly implemented the Schengen rules.In addition, the EU’s migration and asylum policy must be comprehensive, and progress must be made on reforming the Common European Asylum System to improve Member States’ capacity to respond to all kinds of migration movements and thereby enable the uninterrupted functioning of the Schengen area.France proposes a new way forward in the migration and asylum reformThe EU’s migration and asylum reform, launched in autumn 2020, has made little progress especially with regard to legislation, and the French Presidency is now seeking a new way forward. France proposes that the reform should proceed gradually and strive to meet the needs of all Member States as far as possible at each stage.The comprehensive road map put forward by the French Presidency would strengthen checks and registration at external borders, while providing support for those Member States that bear the greatest responsibility for border control and the reception of asylum seekers. France sets much store by the external dimension of EU policies and especially by improving cooperation in return issues with key partner countries. Finland supports the Presidency’s proposal to advance the reform gradually and to build trust among Member States.The home affairs ministers will discuss the Presidency’s proposal for the first time at the informal meeting in Lille. They will pave the way for the March Justice and Home Affairs Council, where the ministers will seek to agree on a general approach on the new way forward.More European cooperation in civil protectionThe home affairs ministers will discuss the impacts of climate change on civil protection. Finland considers the issue important and topical.“The risks associated with climate change do not respect national borders. We must step up European cooperation so that we can better prepare for the impact of climate change and develop our common capabilities effectively,” says Mikkonen.Finland supports the objective to improve and enhance EU preparedness to respond to broad and serious disasters and crises. Strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation and resilience in society at the European level will contribute to better national preparedness in Finland. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Government to update COVID-19 strategy – restrictions to be lifted gradually taking into account epidemiological situation

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — In its meeting on Wednesday 2 February, the Government was briefed on the current epidemiological situation, discussed updates to its COVID-19 strategy and assessed the lifting of restrictions. The Government also decided on preparations for updating the COVID-19 passport.The number of COVID-19 infections nationwide remains high, but the number of cases requiring intensive care has decreased considerably. Some regions have already reached the peak of this wave of the epidemic, and the burden on the healthcare system has evened out or begun to ease. That said, the epidemiological situation continues to vary from region to region, and in some regions the situation may still become more difficult. There are still many unvaccinated people who are susceptible to infection. Achieving the best possible vaccination coverage is our best tool in the fight against the epidemic, both now and in the future. Restrictions to be lifted graduallyThe Government discussed lifting the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19. In lifting the restrictions, it is wise to proceed gradually.   The Government decided to ease the restrictions on restaurants so that as of 14 February, restaurants can serve alcoholic beverages until 23.00 and remain open until midnight. This applies to both restaurants and businesses that primarily serve alcoholic beverages.  If the situation continues to develop favourably and we are not at risk of exceeding the capacity of the healthcare system, the restrictions on restaurant operations could be lifted completely as of 1 March for all food and beverage service businesses.    The Government recommends that all restrictions on the number of participants and the amount of customer seating at public events and in leisure activities in the cultural, sports and event sectors be lifted as of 14 February.The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is drawing up a circular on these recommendations for the competent regional authorities.Preparation of COVID-19 passport to continue, ministerial working group to finalise hybrid strategy The Government received an update on the preparations for changes to the COVID-19 passport The Government decided to continue drafting legislation on the expansion and independent use of the COVID-19 passport so that the passport could be quickly reintroduced if the epidemiological situation deteriorates due to a new virus variant, for example.   Use of the COVID-19 passport in its current form will continue to be suspended until 15 February. The Ministerial Working Group on COVID-19 will continue its discussion on resuming the use of the COVID-19 passport in its current form. The EU COVID-19 vaccination passport continues to be in use for travel as usual.The Government also held a general discussion on the hybrid strategy for managing COVID-19 and on its testing and tracing strategy. The Ministerial Working Group will continue to finalise these strategies.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

European Commission President von der Leyen to visit Helsinki

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Sanna Marin will meet in Helsinki on Thursday 3 February.Prime Minister Marin and President von der Leyen will discuss topical EU issues, including the security situation in Europe.During her visit, President von der Leyen will also meet with President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Recommendation to meet with no more than five persons outside family to be lifted

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — At its meeting on 7 January, the Ministerial Working Group on COVID-19 issued a recommendation that people meet with no more than five persons outside their immediate family at a time. In a written procedure on Monday 31 January, the Ministerial Working Group decided to lift this recommendation as of 1 February.Summary of earlier decisions on amendments to COVID-19 restrictions entering into force at the beginning of FebruaryIn line with decisions and guidelines issued earlier, a number of COVID-19 restrictions and recommendations will be eased starting on 1 February.Internal border control to end, restrictions on external border traffic to continue until 14 FebruaryInternal border control, which was reinstated for traffic between Finland and all Schengen countries at the end of December, will end on 31 January. Restrictions on external border traffic will remain in force until 14 February. Entry restrictions for non-Schengen EU countries will also be lifted entirely as of 1 February due to the end of internal border control.However, all passengers must present the required certificates as laid down in the Communicable Diseases Act and comply with the decisions made by the regional state administrative agencies on compulsory health examinations.Read more: Ministry of the Interior press release (27 January 2021)EU COVID-19 vaccination certificates to be valid for nine months when used for travel purposesFrom February 2022 onwards, EU COVID-19 vaccination certificates will be accepted for travel purposes for a period of nine months since the last dose of the primary vaccination series. As of yet, no acceptance period will apply to certificates issued following booster doses. Once more than 270 days have passed from the second shot of a two-dose series, the EU COVID-19 vaccination certificate will no longer be accepted for travel within the EU.Read more: Ministry of Social Affairs and Health press release (31 January 2022)Restrictions on use of COVID-19 passport extended – restaurant restrictions easedAs of 1 February, COVID-19 restrictions will be eased for ‘lower-risk’ food and beverage service businesses. These businesses may serve alcohol until 20.00 and remain open until 21.00. Low-risk establishments are restaurants whose main purpose is not to serve alcohol. The number of customer seats in these businesses will continue to be restricted to 75 per cent of the normal maximum capacity. For businesses that primarily serve alcoholic beverages, the current restrictions will continue so that alcohol may be served until 17.00 and the doors must close at 18.00. The restrictions on the number of customer seats will also remain unchanged, meaning that only half of the normal maximum number of customers can be present at a time. Businesses requiring COVID-19 passports as a condition for entry may not use this as a way to circumvent the restrictions on the number of customer seats, alcohol service hours or opening hours. However, restaurants still have the right to require customers to present a valid COVID-19 passport as a condition for entry.  Read more: Ministry of Social Affairs and Health press release (28 January 2021) Restrictions on low-risk events and premises to be easedThe general hygiene requirements for operators will remain in force. Separate decisions may be made to restrict the number of participants in events or premises or to prohibit events or activities altogether. The decisions will take into account an assessment of the risk of infection and transmission associated with the event or activity. Decisions on restrictions are made by the municipality or by the Regional State Administrative Agency if the decisions apply to several municipalities.From the start of February, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health recommends not prohibiting low-risk public events altogether and placing restrictions on these events only if absolutely necessary. Similarly, low-risk premises intended for customers or activity participants should not be closed down altogether, nor should their use be restricted unless absolutely necessary. The ministry also recommends that people attending permitted events and users of customer premises take a COVID-19 test at home in advance. Read more: Ministry of Social Affairs and Health circular, 28.1.2021 (in Finnish)Distance learning recommendation for higher education institutions to be liftedThe recommendation on distance learning at higher education institutions and the recommendation to restrict recreational activities for children and young people will be discontinued as of 1 February.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Finland and Sweden express their concerns on Taxonomy’s proposed technical screening criteria for nuclear power to the Commission

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Finland and Sweden have sent a letter to Mairead McGuinness, EU Commissioner for financial services, financial stability and the Capital Markets Union, in which they express their concerns about the proposed technical screening criteria for nuclear power in the draft complementary delegated act of the EU Taxonomy Regulation. The College of Commissioners is expected to publish the final delegated act this week.Finland and Sweden remind the Commission that they are strong supporters of ambitious climate action and consider sustainable finance an essential part of their joint efforts to meet the EU’s common target for climate neutrality by 2050.It is important to respect the principle of technological neutrality. Therefore, the countries welcome the Commission’s decision to include nuclear-related activities in the draft delegated act as a complement to activities involving renewable energy. However, Finland and Sweden raise three concerns related to the proposed technical screening criteria for nuclear power. The criteria should consider the concrete developments that have taken place in Finland and Sweden as regards the implementation of the final disposal solution for nuclear waste. “In general, the criteria should build on the Euratom treaty and its secondary legislation, and national regulations for nuclear safety and licensing of installations,” the letter says.The deadlines for nuclear power investments proposed in the act should be removed. The Commission has proposed that existing nuclear power plants be included in the Taxonomy only until 2040 and new nuclear power plants until 2045. The third concern is that for existing nuclear facilities, the criteria only apply to modifying the facilities for the purpose of plant lifetime extension. It should be clarified to the criteria that the operation of existing nuclear power facilities is also in line with the Taxonomy.In addition, the countries are also concerned about the adoption process of the delegated act. The time spent on consulting the Member States has been too short, considering the complexity and controversy of the issue. Finland and Sweden stress the importance of transparent and inclusive processes in the future work on the Taxonomy to ensure its credibility and usability.After the publication of the final delegated act by the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament will have four months to deliberate on it and either adopt or reject it. After the final version of the act has been published, no proposed amendments to its content are possible. The letter was signed by Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä and Sweden’s Minister for Energy and Digital Development Khashayar Farmanbar.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

A shared knowledge base for public administration promotes interoperability and efficient use of information resources

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The Ministry of Finance has published an information management map of public administration to promote the interoperability and efficient use of the public sector’s information pools and resources. The map, which was collected in cooperation with other ministries, consists of the information pools used in public administration, related disclosures, and information on the actors that are responsible for and utilise this data.The information management map offers different actors a shared knowledge base on the current state of information management, which they can use to improve the interoperability of the public sector’s information pools and resources and to assess the impacts of changes in information management. The first version of the information management map is now freely available to different actors in the exploreadministration.fi online service maintained by the State Treasury.Information management map helps to assess the impacts of development workThe information management map will make the authorities responsible for information management better equipped to assess the impacts of extensive administrative or structural changes. The map provides different actors with a general view of what the key information pools in public administration are, what information is maintained and how the information they contain is utilised, how is the disclosure of information between different information pools organised, and under what conditions could the actors access the information.The information management map is intended to serve as a tool for ministries for steering the interoperability of information pools and for planning interoperability implementation methods in their respective branches. For law drafters, the map provides information on the regulation of information pools and on the disclosure of information, as well as information on current regulatory methods across different administrative sectors.For the authorities, the map serves as a tool for identifying and utilising existing information pools as well as information managed by other authorities. It also allows the authorities to assess the impact of information management development measures on other actors. The information management map supports the principle of public access to official documents by providing an overview of the information resources utilised by the public authorities in the performance of their duties. The information management map reflects the current legislation. It is maintained by the Ministry of Finance. Each ministry is responsible for keeping the material regarding their respective branch up to date. Further development work on the information management map to promote interoperability will continue in cooperation with the ministries.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Time limit for lodging an application before the European Court of Human Rights to be reduced to four months

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The time limit for lodging an application before the European Court of Human Rights will be reduced from the current six months to four months on 1 February 2022.The process for lodging an application before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg will be changed in certain respects as of 1 February 2022. As regards applicants, the most significant change is the reduction of the period for submitting an application. The time limit within which the Court must receive an application after the final domestic decision will be reduced from six to four months. However, the shorter application period will not apply to cases where the final domestic decision was given before 1 August 2021.The change is due to the transitional provision laid down in Protocol No. 15 amending the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, having entered into force on 1 August 2021, under which the four-month period for submitting an application to the Court shall only apply as of 1 February 2022. Another major change affecting applicants concerns the admissibility criteria for a human rights application at the Court with regard to ‘insignificant disadvantage’. Following this change that entered into force on 1 August 2021, cases where the applicant has not suffered a significant disadvantage will no longer be admitted, even if the alleged human rights violation had not been duly considered by a domestic court.  Consequently, the European Court of Human Rights will no longer process matters that can be characterised as insignificant.The change underlines the subsidiarity of the application mechanism under the Convention in relation to applying the Convention at national level. Alleged human rights violations must primarily be considered before national courts. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Anni-Kristiina Juuso appointed Secretary General of Truth and Reconciliation Commission Concerning the Sámi People

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Anni-Kristiina Juuso, Master of Laws trained on the bench, has been appointed to serve as Secretary General of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Concerning the Sámi People. Juuso will take up her duties on 1 February 2022.Juuso is transferring to her post from UiT The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø, where she worked as a doctoral researcher studying the institution of truth and reconciliation commissions in the context of indigenous peoples. Prior to this, she served as a Senior Specialist at the Prime Minister’s Office in preparatory tasks related to establishing the truth and reconciliation commission in Finland, and as a Senior Adviser involved in establishing a truth and reconciliation commission concerning the Sámi and Kven people in Norway.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

Minister for Foreign Affairs Haavisto and Minister of Defence Kaikkonen to visit Sweden

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto and Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen will visit Sweden on 2 February and meet with Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde and Minister of Defence Peter Hultqvist.The Ministers will discuss topical foreign and security policy questions.“Sweden is our closest bilateral partner and cooperation is active in many fields. Contacts at ministerial level are also close. I look forward to useful discussions,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Haavisto.“In Finland’s international cooperation in the defence sector, Sweden has a special status. We intend to continue the defence cooperation between our countries that has intensified in recent years. The aim is to improve the interoperability of defence in all circumstances,” says Minister of Defence Kaikkonen. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

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