FINLAND

Finland: Ministers to prepare for the UN High-level Dialogue on Energy in thematic forums – Lintilä to take part in Innovation, Technology and Data forum on 22 June

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — In connection with its General Assembly, the UN will organise a High-level Dialogue on Energy in New York in September. This is the first time since 1981 that the UN addresses energy issue at this level. The aim of the meeting is to strengthen Member States’ efforts to achieve the Paris Climate Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on energy in preparation for the COP26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November.

Ahead of the meeting in September, five thematic ministerial forums will be held virtually on 21–25 June. Finland will participate in the forum on Innovation, Technology and Data on 22 June and act as one of its co-chairs. Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä will represent Finland as a Global Champion and facilitate the discussion. “The UN’s High-level Dialogue on Energy is a unique forum that will speed up global climate action. In Finland, as elsewhere, economic recovery is an opportunity to invest in clean energy solutions and the digital economy. I hope that Finland can show an example and inspire the rest of the world to make ambitious and rapid changes to the energy sector, where reductions in emissions can be significant,” Lintilä says.

The four other forums focus on energy access (21 June), energy transition (23 June), enabling SDGs through inclusive and just energy transitions (24 June) and finance and investment (25 June). A report will be published on each forum including recommendations for concrete actions and for discussion at the High-level Dialogue in September. The UN will use these thematic reports to create a roadmap to achieve a transition in the energy sector. The forums are inclusive and will bring together ministers and leading experts from the Member States as well as representatives of various stakeholders, such as businesses, civil society and young people, to share experiences and discuss the possibilities of speeding up the implementation of SDG7 and the Paris Climate Change Agreement in the 2020s. The SDG7 aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Finland to co-chair the forum on Innovation, Technology and Data
The Innovation, Technology and Data forum focuses on promoting energy access and transition and on meeting the SDGs through development work and applications related to knowledge, technology, innovation and research. “I am pleased that innovation, technology and data are one of the dialogue’s five themes. We need local and clean innovative technology solutions to achieve equal access to clean energy around the world. These solutions can also support other SDGs and create new business opportunities,” Lintilä says.

“Long-term decision-making and a stable regulatory environment are also important for all stakeholders in promoting the transition towards climate neutrality. In the energy sector, political decisions can have an impact for decades to come and investment decisions are made in the long term,” Lintilä adds.

The ministerial segment of the forum will be held on Tuesday, 22 June at 16.00–18.00. In addition to Finland, Mauritius and Morocco will give opening speeches at the ministerial segment. Besides Lintilä and officials from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, several Finnish speakers will participate in the forum. Business Finland, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Outokumpu, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Fingrid will address the participants of the forum. Karoliina Loikkanen, Head of Sustainability at Nokia, will take part in the leadership conversation on energy transition.   The forum was prepared by technical expert working groups, including VTT, which participated in the preparation of the forum for Innovation, Technology and Data. The forum’s side events (to be held at 15–16 and 17.30–02.00 Finnish time) will focus on sharing innovations, best practices and experiences. The dialogue also includes the possibility for those involved to launch new voluntary energy commitments (Energy Compacts).

In May 2021, Finland was selected as one of the Global Champions to help prepare the UN’s High-level Dialogue on Energy in September. The main task of the Champions is to lead the international influencing work on their own theme and to work together with other Champions to host the ministerial meeting. “Finland applied to host the Innovation, Technology and Data forum at the request of the European Commission, because we have a reputation as a leader in clean energy transition and the low-carbon economy. We also have a lot to offer in the discussion on the promotion of innovation and clean technology,” Minister Lintilä said in the spring.

 

Finland: Ministers for European affairs to prepare for June European Council and discuss situation with regard to rule of law

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — In its meeting in Luxembourg on Tuesday 22 June, the EU General Affairs Council will discuss the preparations for the European Council taking place on 24–25 June. Other items on the agenda include EU enlargement, hearings on the rule of law in Poland and Hungary and the Conference on the Future of Europe. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Tytti Tuppurainen will represent Finland at the meeting.

The topics of the June European Council will be the EU’s COVID-19 response, economic recovery, migration and external relations, including relations with Turkey and Russia.

Finland supports the development of the EU Digital COVID Certificate and the objective of opening up Europe for safe travel. It is also important to discuss the lessons learned from the COVID-19 crisis so that the EU can be better and more comprehensively prepared for crises moving forward. From the point of view of Europe’s economic recovery, it is essential for structural reforms and public investments to form clear entities in the Member States’ recovery and resilience plans. With regard to migration, Finland’s view is that comprehensive, common European solutions are necessary in order to meet the internal needs of the EU and address the root causes of migration. Finland stresses that the EU must pursue its policy on Turkey on a consistent and long-term basis. Coherence is also very important when it comes to the EU’s policy on Russia.

“In addition to managing the pandemic, we need to set our sights on the future. The EU Digital COVID Certificate, which will soon be introduced, will hopefully help to open Europe up for safe travel. Now is also the time to begin discussing the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic so we can be better prepared for emergencies in the future. In addition to the activities of the health sector, we need to ensure preparedness at the borders, security of supply, the functioning of the single market and effective decision-making in times of crisis,” Minister Tuppurainen said.

The Council will hold an exchange of views on the situation with regard to EU enlargement in the Western Balkans. Stability in the region is important for the EU and Finland. The reforms required to meet the accession criteria help to modernise societies and benefit citizens even before membership. The EU perspective is important, especially for young people in the region. In Finland’s view, the negotiating frameworks concerning the accession of Albania and North Macedonia should be adopted in order to make progress on the accession process. The agenda for the meeting also includes hearings with Poland and Hungary on the rule of law in the countries. No substantive decisions will be made, nor will the Council formulate a position at this time. Finland will continue to exert influence to ensure that the EU’s common values are strictly adhered to. Democracy, the rule of law and fundamental and human rights are the foundation for all activities of the EU.

Also at the meeting, the Portuguese Council Presidency will brief the Council on the citizens’ event held on 17 June in Lisbon as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe and on the inaugural plenary of the conference held on 19 June in Strasbourg. In the General Affairs Council (GAC), the EU Member States are primarily represented by their ministers for European affairs. The tasks of the Council include preparations for the European Council meetings. The GAC is also responsible for a number of cross-cutting policy areas, including negotiations on the multiannual financial framework and EU enlargement. Questions relating to the rule of law are also an established part of the Council’s agenda.

 

Finland: Keep in mind the risk of forest fires at Midsummer

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — Every year, Midsummer bonfires lead to forest fires. Most of the fires are due to poor preparations or carelessness. The Ministry of the Interior would like to remind the public that it is always prohibited to light a bonfire when the Finnish Meteorological Institute has issued a forest fire or grass fire warning.

No exceptions will be granted for lighting bonfires. The Ministry of the Interior urges people to check the latest fire warnings for forest fires or grass fires in the area from a local weather forecast or from the website of the Finnish Meteorological Institute.

In addition, bonfires may not be lit if, because of drought, wind or other reasons, the conditions are such that there is a manifest risk of a forest fire, grass fire or other fire. Regional rescue authorities may also, on reasonable grounds, prohibit the making of open fires in their rescue service regions or parts of them for a specific period of time. All

 

Finland: Ambassador Terhi Hakala appointed EU Special Representative for Central Asia

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The Council of the European Union has appointed Ambassador Terhi Hakala to serve as the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia, starting on 1 July 2021.

The EUSRs work under the authority of High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell and support his work in the implementation of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). The EUSRs play a central role in the development of the common EU policy and in efforts to make the Union a more effective actor. In the duties of the EUSR for Central Asia, the focus is on the EU’s continued and comprehensive cooperation with countries in the region. The cooperation covers a broad range of matters in the following sectors: security, the rule of law, environment, water, climate change, education, and human rights with an emphasis on the position of women.  In line with the European Union Strategy for Central Asia, it is also important to promote the development of the business environment and to stimulate investments as well as to foster sustainable connectivity.  Finland has promoted the achievement of the Union’s goals actively by promoting political dialogue and economic relations and by implementing development cooperation projects in the region.

Terhi Hakala has previously worked, for example, as Head of Finland’s Permanent Mission in Geneva; Director General of the Department for Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Ambassador to India; Head of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mission to Georgia; and Roving Ambassador to the South Caucasus. At present, Hakala is Ambassador for Hybrid Threats in the Political Department of the Foreign Ministry of Finland.The importance of the Strategy for Central Asia is growing also because of neighbouring Afghanistan.

“In Central Asia, the EU is a welcome and balancing partner to help tackle the challenges of the region. The EU has many tools that can be used to promote recovery from the global pandemic. The mandate of the EUSR for Central Asia emphasises the need to strengthen regional cooperation and stability in collaboration with the countries of the region and other international actors.  In the coming years, this will be even more important than before,” Hakala notes. Central Asian countries are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

 

Finland: Government submits legislative proposal to Parliament to prevent spread of COVID-19 to Finland from abroad 

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The Government proposes a number of temporary amendments to the Communicable Diseases Act. The aim of the proposed amendments is to prevent COVID-19 infections contracted abroad from spreading to Finland. People arriving in Finland would be required to present a certificate of recovery from COVID-19, a certificate of a completed COVID-19 vaccination series or a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken before arrival in Finland.

If persons arriving in Finland could not present a COVID-19 certificate, they should get tested as soon as they arrive in Finland. Those who have not received their full vaccination series or had a COVID-19 infection should take a second test within 3–5 days after arriving in Finland. The section on a second test would remain in force until 15 October 2021. The obligation to present a certificate or take a test would apply to people over 16 years of age. The amended Act would also specify the exceptional categories of people who would not be subject to this obligation. The Communicable Diseases Act would make it punishable to not take the required COVID-19 tests. The regulation on executive assistance would also be complemented. The police and Customs could provide executive assistance in ensuring compliance with the prohibition to leave, for example, the airport, stopping a vehicle and directing traffic. The Government proposed on Friday 18 June that new temporary provisions, namely sections 16a–16g, 87a and 89a, be added to the Communicable Diseases Act. The amendments are scheduled to enter into force as soon as possible, and they would remain in force until 31 December 2021.European countries have put in place various measures to prevent the spread of infections across borders. Such measures include quarantine, testing and vaccination requirements for travellers.

For more information on the various measures in place in different countries, please visit the official website of the European Union at https://reopen.europa.eu/en/

 

Finland: Inaugural plenary of the Conference on the Future of Europe to take place in Strasbourg

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The inaugural plenary of the European Conference on the Future will be held in Strasbourg on 19 June. The inaugural meeting will feature discussions on the purpose and expectations of the conference and on the conference timetable. The Finnish Government will be represented at the meeting by State Secretaries Vesa Vuorenkoski and Johanna Sumuvuori, who will attend remotely. Citizen representative Ninni Norra will represent Finland in person at the event in Strasbourg.

“The European Union exists for its citizens. The Europe-wide and national conference events will create opportunities for citizens to participate in discussions on the future of the EU in a variety of ways. These discussions will focus on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental and human rights, which are the foundation of all of the Union’s activities and which the future must also be built on,” says State Secretary Vesa Vuorenkoski.

One of the goals of the Conference on the Future of Europe is for civil society to participate actively and to organise various events. The Government will promote and support civil dialogue within the framework of the conference as part of its ordinary activities. The aim is for the participants to be as representative and diverse as possible. Discussions will be held in different parts of Finland. Information on conference events will be collected on the Commission’s multilingual digital platform, which citizens can also use to share their thoughts and submit their proposals.

Minister for European Affairs Tytti Tuppurainen will represent the Government at the conference plenaries. In addition, another minister will participate in each session based on the themes under discussion. The ministers’ state secretaries will represent the Government at the inaugural June meeting.

The composition of the conference plenary includes, among others, 108 representatives from the European Parliament, 108 representatives from all national Parliaments, 108 Europeans, and representatives from a variety of European partners. Finland considers it important to highlight the strong youth component of the conference: the Finnish citizen representative is 20-year-old Ninni Norra, who was selected by the Finnish National Youth Council Allianssi.

After the June session, plenaries will be held on 22–23 October 2021, 17–18 December 2021, 21–22 January 2022, 18–19 February 2022 and, if necessary, 11–12 March 2022.

The conference is expected to present its conclusions by spring 2022. The European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European Commission are all committed to listening to Europeans and to following up on the conclusions reached, within their spheres of competence and within the framework of EU Treaties.

 

Finland: Changes to travel recommendations: exercise special caution when travelling to the EU and the Schengen area

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — The Ministry for Foreign Affairs recommends exercising special caution when travelling to the EU and Schengen area The Ministry also recommends avoiding unnecessary travel to countries outside the EU and Schengen area, except for countries for which the restrictions on entry have been lifted. In addition, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs still recommends avoiding all travel to Brazil, South Africa and India.

The COVID-19 pandemic remains a major global risk to travel safety, and the situation may deteriorate abruptly and unpredictably in any country or region. Travellers may face limited access to healthcare, quarantine and restrictions on being outdoors. The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has limited capacity to assist travellers in distress during the pandemic.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foreign Ministry’s general travel advice is to exercise special caution when travelling to the EU and the Schengen area. With regard to countries outside the EU and Schengen area, the general advice is to avoid all non-essential travel except to countries for which the restrictions on entry have already been lifted. In addition, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs still recommends avoiding all travel to Brazil, South Africa and India.The Foreign Ministry also recommends avoiding all travel to certain countries due to their general security situation or leaving such countries immediately. Country-specific travel advice (in Finnish)Finnish citizens always have the right to leave Finland if they wish to do so, provided that there is no legal impediment to this, and Finnish citizens and people with a permanent residence in Finland always have the right to return to Finland.

If you travel, act responsibly
If you decide to travel, you must act responsibly and follow the recommendations and regulations issued by the authorities.If you are planning to travel, it is important to remember that all countries may impose restrictions on entry at their own borders, and it may not be possible to travel to all countries. Before travelling, always check the current entry regulations in your destination from the authorities of the country in question, e.g. by contacting the nearest mission of the country. Note that countries may also impose entry restrictions on transit traffic.An increasing number of countries are not permitting entry unless travellers show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, proof of recovery from COVID-19 or proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Most countries require the certificates to be either in their own language or in English. Travellers are responsible for finding out what kinds of certificates they need to enter the country or countries they intend to visit.Before you travel, check the validity and coverage of your travel insurance. Especially now, it is important to make sure that the insurance policy provides sufficient coverage even when the pandemic situation is taken into account.We always recommend submitting your travel plans and contact details to the Ministry at matkustusilmoitus.fi Please also consult the Ministry’s frequently asked questions before you travel.

Restrictions on foreigners’ entry into Finland from the EU and Schengen countries to be eased from 21 June
The restrictions on entry into Finland from EU and Schengen countries are being eased so that entry will be allowed for those who have received an approved COVID-19 vaccination series and those who have recovered from COVID-19 less than six months prior to entry. Entry into the country will also be allowed for those travelling from EU and Schengen countries because of their work. The changes will enter into force on 21 June. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare is responsible for providing appropriate health security instructions to all travellers arriving in Finland.

Visit the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare website for the latest health security guidelines and recommendations for self-isolation: Travel and the coronavirus pandemic Ministry of the Interior: Restrictions on entry into Finland from EU and Schengen countries to be eased from 21 JuneFinnish Border Guard: Covid19-infoFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare: Travel and the coronavirus pandemic

 

Finland: Audit of ELY Centre COVID-19 subsidies completed

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — An audit commissioned by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy of grants made by Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centres) for SME development projects has been completed. The audit sought to provide information on the guidance, oversight and reporting of financing granted due to the COVID-19 epidemic. It was conducted by BDO Audiator Ltd for the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

“The audit gives us important information on how we can prepare more effectively for future emergencies and improve the guidance, oversight and reporting of grants,” explains Senior Ministerial Adviser Mikko Ojala.Preparations for COVID-19 financing began at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in mid-March 2020. Applications were open between 30 April and 8 June 2020, with the first decisions issued in early April 2020. More than 33,000 grant applications were submitted to ELY Centres, requesting total grant aid of just over one billion euros. Slightly more than 22,500 favourable decisions were issued, awarding grants totalling EUR 335.3 million.

Subsidy process deployed rapidlyThe audit indicates that the Ministry, the Development and Administration centre for ELY Centres and TE Offices (KEHA Centre) and ELY Centres acted very rapidly in the COVID-19 crisis of spring 2020. The forms of assistance, instructions for applicants and authorities, and an updated information system for requesting and processing COVID-19 grants were all set up in about two weeks.Allowances were made for the emergency conditions in many ways: the terms and conditions for issuing grants were amended, the application process was simplified, and advice was arranged for applicants on grants and how to apply for them.

The rapidly deployed system also needs enhancing
ELY Centres have had no separate quality control for the COVID-19 grant funding process, but quality was retrospectively ensured on the basis of risk and audit findings in spring 2021.This was a long-term form of assistance from a crisis management perspective. The crisis began in spring 2020 and some projects were still unfinished at the time of completing the audit in May 2021.The final reports of some financed projects do not clearly indicate the subsidised operation in the funding application and the results achieved. This has caused some ambiguity in verifying the terms and conditions of financing.Some deficiencies and ambiguities were observed in a small number of projects during the audit. A review of these has begun and been completed in part.The average processing time was long from the perspective of applicants, due to a very large number of applications in relation to ELY Centre staffing.

COVID-19 subsidy audits are ongoing, with impacts also investigated
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will commission external audits on the appropriate use of central government funds during the COVID-19 crisis. These audits will focus on COVID-19 subsidies granted by Business Finland and ELY Centres, subsidies for sole traders and the self-employed granted by municipalities, and business subsidies in the food and beverage service sector granted by the KEHA Centre.

The audit covers the entire process from application to granting, payment, use and supervision.Short and long-term impacts of COVID-19 subsidies to be reviewed separatelyIn addition to audits, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will commission an assessment of the impacts of COVID-19 support. The first stage involves assessing the short-term impacts of COVID-19 subsidies. Areas of special scrutiny include the allocation of subsidies, their ability to prevent bankruptcies and promote employment, and their impact on reinvention and productivity. The project is the responsibility of the Research Division on Business Subsidies, an independent body operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, which conducts its own independent assessments and arranges competitive tendering for background research.Two separate reviews of the long-term impacts of COVID-19 subsidies are expected in 2021–2023.

 

Finland: President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discuss Russia and Government’s Defence Report

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — In their meeting on Friday 18 June, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed current issues concerning Russia. 

The President and the Ministerial Committee also discussed the preparation of the Government’s Defence Report.

 

Finland: EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Belarus, Iraq and Latin America

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet — EU Foreign Ministers will convene in Luxembourg on Monday 21 June. Finland’s representative at the meeting will be Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto. The main topics on the agenda are Belarus, Iraq and Latin America. The Foreign Ministers will also exchange views with Minister Fuad Hussein, the Foreign Minister of Iraq, and the Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. The current affairs to be discussed include Russia, Yemen, the Middle East Peace Process and relations between the EU and Turkey.

The Foreign Ministers will exchange views on the deteriorating situation in Belarus and how the EU should respond to it. Finland is deeply worried about the situation in the country and supports a gradual expansion of the sanctions against Belarus. At the same time, Finland supports the Commission’s support package that could be deployed if progress is made in the country’s democratic transition.

The Foreign Ministers will also discuss the current situation in Iraq and have an informal exchange with the Foreign Minister of Iraq Fuad Hussein during a working lunch. The topics likely to be raised include the parliamentary elections in Iraq in October, fragile security situation in the country, slow progress in rebuilding and weak economic situation, and regional tensions. Finland considers that the stability and democratic development of Iraq is in the interest of the whole Europe, which is why the EU must be an active player in the country. One way to do this would be to participate in the observation of the parliamentary elections in October. With respect to Latin America, Finland stresses the importance of solidarity in view of the COVID-19 situation; the pandemic has hit the countries in the region very hard, which is why it is important, for example, to supply vaccines to them. In cooperation with Latin American countries it is important to stress human rights, the rule of law, good governance and gender equality. The current affairs to be discussed by the Foreign Ministers include Russia, relations between the EU and Turkey, Yemen and the progress of the Middle East Peace Process.

 

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