NordenBladet — According to preliminary data, more than 1 035 745 votes were cast in advance in the 2022 county elections. This means that approximately 26,4 per cent of all eligible voters voted in advance.More precise figures will be published once the advance votes cast abroad have been added to the register.Numbers of advance voters in the Result Service
Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi
NordenBladet — On Tuesday 18 January, the Government held an extensive discussion on the need to update the COVID-19 strategy in response to changes in the situation caused by the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. The discussions were based on expert assessments the Government received on the epidemiological situation and the burden on medical care in the coming weeks, and on views about the need to amend the current operating strategy. The Government was also briefed on the status of preparations to expand the use of the COVID-19 passport.Government encourages public to get vaccinatedThe number of COVID-19 infections is growing rapidly in Finland, and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) estimates that they may reach their peak at the turn of January and February. Similar developments can be seen in all EU countries with minor variation in the timeline.According to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, a weekly average of 400–700 patients will end up in specialised healthcare over the next 12 weeks, with the maximum number reaching around 900–1,300 patients at the peak of infections. The strain on intensive care, however, is clearly more moderate than with earlier variants. It is important to bear in mind that there is still a great deal of uncertainty in the figures, as assessing the current epidemiological situation is challenging.The Government stresses the importance of vaccines in the current situation. According to experts, vaccines provide good protection against the most serious forms of the disease. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare emphasised that it is especially important to administer third doses of the vaccines to older people and people at risk as soon as possible in order to reduce the strain on hospital care.Most restrictions to continue for two weeksTo safeguard the capacity of the healthcare system, the Government decided to extend the validity of the current restrictive measures and recommendations for two weeks, or until mid-February. The restrictive measures are still needed because of the burden on hospitals and to ensure there is enough time to give third doses of the vaccines.As an exception to this general policy, the Government will not extend the validity of its recommendations on distance learning in higher education and on recreational activities for children and young people when they end on 31 January 2022.The Government intends to lift internal border control after 31 January 2022 in line with the opinion of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, which stated that travel has not played a significant role in the development of the epidemic in Finland and that internal border control can no longer be justified on public health grounds.Government to begin updating COVID-19 strategyIn its talks, the Government decided to begin work to update its hybrid COVID-19 strategy and test-and-trace strategy. If the development of the epidemic allows, the gradual lifting of restrictions and the reintroduction of the COVID-19 passport could begin after mid-February. The updated COVID-19 strategy will outline when and how the restrictions will be lifted. The Government will decide on the matter later.Preparations for expanding use of COVID-19 passport to continue In its meeting, the Government received an update from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health on the preparations for expanding the use of the COVID-19 passport. The aim is to allow more extensive use of the COVID-19 passport at recreational events by making the necessary amendments to the Communicable Diseases Act. The Government decided to continue the preparations so that the proposal could be submitted to Parliament in February.
Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi
NordenBladet — In 2020, the use of renewable energy in total energy consumption surpassed the use of fossil energy. The rapid increase in the price of emission allowances promotes investments in renewable energy and their use. The biogas sector will advance with the introduction of the distribution obligation and the guarantee of origin system. These were the conclusions of a thematic report on renewable energy published on 18 January 2022.In 2020, the total consumption of renewable energy was 140 terawatt hours (TWh). The share of renewable energy sources in the end-use energy consumption rose to 44.6%, which meant that Finland clearly exceeded the 38% target set by the EU for the use of renewable energy sources. This surplus also enabled the statistical transfer of 1.9 terawatt hours to Belgium for a price of approximately EUR 26 million. Even after the transfer, the proportion of renewable energy in Finland’s end consumption remained high (43.9%).At 74%, wood-based energy sources were the most significant source of total renewable energy consumption in 2020. Biogas production totalled 877 gigawatt hours (GWh) and its consumption 733 GWh. The remaining 144 GWh were burned off in a flare stack system.Including biomethane in the biofuel distribution obligation from the beginning of this year may increase the demand for biogas, especially as a transport fuel, and improve the profitability of biogas projects. This will also improve their eligibility for financing. Under the legislation currently in force, the distribution obligation will gradually rise from 19.5% at present to 30% by 2029.Other measures that promote biogas production include extending the scope of the guarantee of origin system to biogas and streamlining permit procedures. However, the future price level under the guarantee of origin will ultimately determine the impact of the system on a biogas company’s financial performance and profitability.The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has a major impact on the auto industry too. The greatest uncertainty regarding the wider use of biogas is the availability of gas vehicles in the future. Due to the regulation, auto manufacturers must significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.The proposal on the zero emissions of passenger cars from 2035, which is included in the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ package, one-sidedly favours the introduction of electric and hydrogen cars. This would mean that the development of biogas use in transport would focus exclusively on heavy vehicles and shipping. In addition, the thermal energy required for industrial processes can be produced with biogas very easily.Business Sector Services are expert services provided by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment that collate, analyse and distribute information about the operating environment for companies and the development of sectors.
Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi
NordenBladet — Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä has appointed Mari Kokko as his Special Adviser. She will assist the Minister especially in matters concerning entrepreneurship and innovation. Kokko will take up the position on 24 January 2022.Kokko, who holds a Master’s degree in Social Sciences, comes from Suomen Yrittäjät where she worked as field operations manager. Prior to that, she worked as communications officer at the Centre Party, at the communications agency Ellun Kanat, the Finnish Confederation of Professionals STTK, and as Special Adviser to Prime Minister and Minister for Public Administration and Local Government Mari Kiviniemi. Markku Rajala and Antti Siika-aho will continue as Special Advisers to Minister Lintilä. Jukka Ihanus serves as State Secretary to Minister Lintilä.
Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi
NordenBladet — In its meeting on Friday 14 January, the Government’s Ministerial Working Group on Coordinating COVID-19 Response discussed the development of the epidemic, closures of food and beverage service businesses and compensation for the costs of restrictive measures. On Friday morning, the ministerial working group received an overview of the epidemiological situation and heard preliminary assessments by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare on the development of the situation and the burden on hospital care in the coming weeks.Compensation for the direct and necessary costs arising from the restrictive measures
Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi
NordenBladet — The Ministry of the Interior’s project examined ways to clarify the picture of migration to Finland in the next few years and its impacts on the Finnish migration administration, especially the Finnish Immigration Service. The aim is to ensure that the migration administration meets the needs of society by means of smooth services.The Finnish population is ageing, which means that immigration plays an important role in improving the dependency ratio and increasing the working-age population. Migration is part of a vibrant society.“The immigration of workers, students and families to Finland has increased steadily in recent years. However, the appropriations allocated to the Finnish Immigration Service within the central government spending limits will decrease in the coming years. This means that we have to find ways for the agency to bridge the gap between the growing number of asylum applications and the resources at its disposal,” says Sanna Sutter, Director of Development and Steering from the Ministry of the Interior’s Migration Department.The project examined tools that the Finnish Immigration Service can use to develop its foresight activities and the measuring of the impact and productivity of its activities.Publicity of foresight information supports political decision-makingForesight work is related to the anticipated number of applications and the resources required for processing the applications. During the project, the anticipation models of migration authorities in the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden were examined, from which viable solutions were selected for Finland’s use. In addition, workshops were organised for the Finnish Immigration Service’s employees, which resulted in a proposal for the agency’s own foresight model.The project working group recommends that the Finnish Immigration Service establish the activities of the agency’s foresight network, involve all units and processes in it and assign a clear lead responsibility to someone. External experts should also be involved in the process.The intention is to publish the foresight information based on the new model. This way, the information can also be used in public debate and political decision-making, for example concerning the agency’s resources.Social impact measurement must be continuously developedWith regard to impact, the project began to explore how to better measure the social impact that can be obtained in return for the money invested in the migration administration. The figures in the Budget do not seem to describe the impact of the migration administration in the best possible way.The project initiated the development of a more comprehensive set of indicators, but the work must continue in a systematic manner both within the Finnish Immigration Service and in cooperation with other parties in the migration administration. The Immigration Service will produce new indicators for the budget proposal and its performance agreement in spring 2022.“Developing impact indicators is a continuous process. However, better indicators are not an end in themselves or a technical exercise. They are used to assess how the operations of the Finnish Immigration Service affect our society,” says Sutter.Productivity was explored by examining human resources and allocation of working hoursProductivity refers to the input-output ratio. Productivity increases if the output grows relatively more than the use of inputs. Improving productivity requires that productivity can be measured.The thematic entity on productivity examined the allocation of personnel resources and the use of working hours at the Finnish Immigration Service. It was also noted that there is a need to get a clearer picture of the impacts of automation on the work of the agency as well as the kinds of savings that can be expected from digitalisation and the timescale within which these savings will take place. As a whole, ways to develop analyses of productivity were considered.During the project, the agency carried out pilot projects on monitoring the use of working hours and examined recruitment processes. However, consideration of how productivity can be measured should be continued. The project working group recommends that in the future the Finnish Immigration Service utilise external expert expertise in the development of productivity indicators.Finnish Immigration Service wants to serve both the client and society better than beforeThe Finnish Immigration Service will start developing the monitoring of foresight activities, productivity and impact in accordance with the recommendations. The future Finnish Immigration Service will produce accurate and up-to-date information for the planning and management of its activities and for support of political decision-making.“Many development measures are already under way, such as the ‘Lupa22’ project, which streamlines the residence permit process for employees and students, along with the development of knowledge-based management and continued digital transformation. The recommendations we have now received further boost our activities. Our aim is to serve our clients and society even better than before,” says Elina Immonen, Deputy Director General of the Finnish Immigration Service.The project was carried out under the direction of the Migration Department of the Ministry of the Interior from 20 November 2020 to 31 December 2021. The working group also included representatives from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance and the Finnish Immigration Service.
Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi
NordenBladet — On 14 January 2022, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment released its informed conclusion on the environmental impact assessment report of Fortum Power and Heat Oy’s nuclear power plant in Loviisa. In the conclusion, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, as the coordinating authority, states its view on the significant environmental impacts of the project. The conclusion is based on the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, statements and opinions issued, and the Ministry’s own evaluation.The EIA procedure assessed the impact of continuing the operation of the Loviisa nuclear power plant by a maximum of 20 years, or alternatively, decommissioning the plant when the current operating licences expire. The valid operating licences for the Loviisa 1 and Loviisa 2 units and the buildings necessary for the management of nuclear fuel and nuclear waste will expire in 2027 and 2030. In addition to the national EIA procedure, the project was also subject to the transboundary environmental impact assessment specified in the so-called Espoo Convention.After the EIA procedure, the company will decide whether to apply for new operating licences for the power plant units or whether to decommission them.Report meets the requirements of EIA legislation and compares alternatives sufficientlyIn its informed conclusion, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment states that the assessment report meets the requirements of EIA legislation. The alternatives examined were not found to have such significant adverse environmental impacts that could not be accepted, prevented or mitigated to an acceptable level. The most significant effect of the nuclear power plant during normal operation is the thermal load of cooling water in the nearby sea area. According to the Ministry, the report compares the different alternatives to a sufficient degree. As a whole, the environmental impacts of continuing the use of the plant are greater than those of decommissioning alone, as in the case of continued use, the plant must eventually be decommissioned anyway. However, the assessment of environmental impacts of the alternatives must also take into account the project’s energy-economic significance, which is high nationally. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will announce its informed conclusion by public notice. The Ministry will submit the informed conclusion to the party responsible for the project, the relevant authorities and all those who have received a request for an statement. The conclusion will also be submitted to the Ministry of the Environment, which in turn will forward it to the other countries participating in the Espoo Covention procedure.The informed conclusion, the EIA report and the statements and opinions received during the consultation period have been published on the website of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment at www.tem.fi/loviisan-yva-selostus
Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi
NordenBladet — Internal border control will continue and the restrictions on entry will remain largely unchanged until 31 January. However, some exemptions will be made for people who cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical reasons. The Government decided on these changes at its session on 13 January and they will enter into force on 17 January 2022.Internal border control was reinstated for traffic between Finland and all Schengen countries as of 28 December. In addition, entry restrictions and health security measures were tightened so that, apart from a few exceptions, all passengers arriving in Finland from abroad will be required to present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the past six months, along with a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken less than 48 hours prior to arrival. This requirement applies to those born in 2006 or earlier.Exemptions for people who cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical reasonsThe decision on internal border control adopted at the end of December will be amended so that people who cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical reasons may enter Finland if they have a medical certificate indicating this, along with a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken less than 48 hours prior to entry.The decision on external border traffic will also be amended so that entry into Finland from non-Schengen EU countries would be permitted for people who cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical reasons if they hold the above mentioned certificates. With regard to third countries, restrictions on entry will continue in line with the previous decision.External border traffic refers to traffic between Finland and non-Schengen third countries.Exceptions for residents of border communities and people arriving in ÅlandAs an exception to the above, residents of border communities at Finland’s land border with Sweden and Norway as well as persons travelling between the Swedish municipality of Norrtälje and the province of Åland may enter Finland if they have proof of full vaccination with an approved COVID-19 vaccine, proof of recovery from COVID-19 less than six months prior to entry, or a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than seven days prior to entry.Finnish citizens not required to present a negative test resultA negative COVID-19 test result will not be required from Finnish citizens, foreign nationals residing permanently in Finland, or persons who have an essential reason for entry, such as compelling family matters or another compelling personal reason. However, all passengers are required to present certificates laid down in the Communicable Diseases Act and comply with the decisions made by the Regional State Administrative Agencies on compulsory health examinations.Finnish travellers should note that while they are allowed to enter Finland without a test, other countries and airlines may have their own testing requirements.
Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi
NordenBladet — The number of parental leave days will increase and there will be more flexibility for parents to take leave. The reform aims to increase equality in working life and between parents and to take better account of different types of families. The new types of parental leave will mainly apply to families where the child’s estimated date of birth is 4 September 2022 or later. The Government proposes that the bills for the acts concerning the family leave reform be approved by the President. Parliament adopted the reform on 8 December 2021.
The reform will, for the first time, give both parents an equal quota of parental leave. Parents may take leave over several periods until their child reaches the age of two, and they can transfer some of their own leave days to the other parent, other custodian, their spouse or the spouse of the other parent. New types of family leaveNew and old family leave models as a timeline imageThe family leave reform will give both parents a quota of 160 parental allowance days. Parents will be allowed to transfer up to 63 parental allowance days of this quota to the other parent, other custodian, their spouse or the spouse of the other parent. For the final stage of pregnancy, there will be a pregnancy allowance period of 40 daily allowance days. There will be six daily allowance days per week. All in all, allowance days for parents during family leaves will amount to more than 14 months. Single parents will have the right to use the quotas of both parents. Twins, triplets and other multiple-birth children will form an exception to this model — the quota of parental allowance days for their parents will increase by 84 daily allowance days per second child and every child thereafter.
Parents can use parental allowance days until the child reaches the age of two. Daily allowance days can be used in several parts. Parents in employment relationships will be entitled to split the leave up to four parts. Only pregnancy allowance days will have to be used in a single continuous period and started 14–30 days before the estimated date of birth. Parents may also take part-time parental leave. In such cases, one partial parental allowance day will take up half a day of the quota. The amount of partial parental allowance is also half the amount of full parental allowance. All parents who have custody of their child will have an equal right to daily allowance regardless of whether they are biological or adoptive, custodial or non-custodial and regardless of the gender of the parent. The duration and time of leaves laid down in the Employment Contracts Act will be changed in a similar manner.
At present, family leaves consist of the mother’s maternal allowance period (105 working days or approximately 4.2 months) which starts before the child’s estimated date of birth, the father’s paternal allowance period (54 working days or approximately 9 weeks) and the parental allowance period which may be taken by one of the parents or shared between the parents (158 working days or approximately 6.3 months). The Act on Early Childhood Education and Care will be amended so that the right to early childhood education and care will start in the month when the child turns nine months. A child’s right to the same early childhood education and care place will be maintained if the parental leave does not exceed 13 weeks. No client fees for early childhood education and care will be charged for this period.In addition, the reform will introduce the right to take unpaid carers’ leave for up to five days per year, based on the Work-life Balance Directive. The impact of the family leave reform will be monitored and assessed on a long-term basis, and the impact assessments will be published. The Government submitted the relevant legislative package for approval on Thursday 13 January. The President of the Republic is to approve the bills for the acts on Friday. The acts will enter into force on 1 August 2022, which means that the new family leaves will apply to families where the child’s estimated date of birth is 4 September 2022 or later. Regardless of the estimated date of birth, the current provisions will apply if the child is born before 1 August 2022. As for adopted children, the new provisions will apply if the adopted parents start to take care of the child on or after 31 July 2022.
Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi
NordenBladet — On 13 January, the Government amended both the decree on narcotic substances, preparations and plants (Narcotics Decree) and the decree on psychoactive substances prohibited on the consumer market. The decrees will enter into force on 14 February 2022.A total of 27 new substances that are used for intoxicating purposes will be added to the list of psychoactive substances prohibited on the consumer market in Finland. They are not medicines or narcotics and, as far as is known, they do not have any industrial purposes either. In addition, three substances will be removed: CUMYL PEGACLONE, diphenidine and metonitazene, which will be transferred to the Narcotics Decree. New substances classified as narcoticsThe Narcotics Decree will, for the first time, classify bromazolam and metonitazene as narcotics at the national level. Bromazolam is a derivative of benzodiazepine the health risks of which are comparable to those of other benzodiazepines already on the list of narcotics. Metonitazene is a synthetic opioid. New synthetic opioids are extremely dangerous, as they are effective in very small doses, making accurate dosage difficult and overdoses lead to a life-threatening respiratory depression.In the same context, seven substances are re-classified. MDMB-4 en-PINACA, 3- methoxyphencyclidine, CUMYL-PEGACLONE, diphenidine, clonazolam, diclazepam and flubromazolam have been placed under control in the UN Convention of 1971 and are therefore listed in Appendix II of the Narcotics Decree. These substances have previously been banned as narcotic substances by a decision of the European Union or at national level, or as psychoactive substances prohibited on the national consumer market.
Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi