NordenBladet — Achieving a circular economy requires coherent guidance that addresses problem areas and takes into account the overall picture. Products must be more environmentally friendly, more repairable and longer-lasting than at present. In order to achieve this objective, we need national and international guidance, especially at the European Union level. The research project examined policy instruments in four key areas of product policy. There is a great deal of work for legislators in all four areas, according to the report published on 15 June.The joint research project, carried out by the Finnish Environment Institute, the University of Eastern Finland and Vrije Unversiteit Brussel, produced information on how the objectives of a sustainable circular economy could be integrated into product policy guidance. The research project supports Finland’s goal of being a frontrunner in the field of circular economy and was carried out in close cooperation with the steering group and leading European experts.Developing new and existing instruments to support the circular economyImportant challenges for policy instruments include the vast number of products on the market, rapid changes in several product areas and the fact that the instruments are targeted at areas of great significance for companies. The interviews conducted during the project revealed that companies often do not adapt their activities to the circular economy at their own initiative, even if it would benefit them. Companies often need more information about the environmental impacts of their products and the requirements imposed on them. With this in mind, we need policy instruments for disseminating information, creating a circular economy market and promoting innovative product design.The main existing policy instruments, such as extended producer responsibility and ecodesign, should be developed to better take into account products sold online and should be expanded to cover new product groups – and Finnish research and companies should be involved in this development work. Consumers need clearer and more reliable information on the environmental impacts of products, so it is important to make sure that environmental claims are based on common ground rules. At the same time, we should encourage a shift from the ownership of products to the use of services. One way to do this could be by testing the potential of service-based models in public procurement.In order for policy guidance to be effective, it must often be enacted at the EU level and it must be applied uniformly across all Member States. It is essential to maintain a clear overall picture of the situation: a balanced range of policy instruments should be based on comprehensive assessments of the actual impacts of the instruments and should take their coherence into account from a variety of perspectives.Attention should be paid to policy coherence and ex post analyses of policy impactsThe study found that, despite the massive attention paid to the circular economy in recent years, analyses of the impacts of policy instruments are surprisingly limited. To this effect, the researchers call for systematic ex post analyses of the impacts of circular product policies in order to maintain a science-based approach to policymaking. The researchers also identified a clear need to pay close attention to policy coherence in all of the studied areas. Further, the environmental considerations of circular policies should not be limited to the material efficiency considerations; they should also extend to impacts on the climate, biodiversity and the environment. The circular economy is only a means to an end; environmental and other sustainability considerations must remain at the heart of product policy.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

NordenBladet — Finland will chair the session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on 15–17 June 2021. Representatives from more than 180 countries are expected to attend the Conference, which will be held both virtually and at the UN headquarters in New York. A large number of representatives of civil society organisations and UN agencies, dedicated to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, will also attend the Conference. Finland’s delegation will be led by Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto.The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted in 2006 and it has currently 182 parties. Finland ratified the Convention in 2016. The States Parties meet annually in New York to discuss the implementation of the obligations laid down in the CRPD and other topical questions. Finland is President of the 14th Conference of States Parties (COSP14). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the session will be held in a hybrid format, that is, partly in New York, partly online.The COSP has become a significant annual event where the rights of persons with disabilities are discussed. It is attended by not only states but also by a large number of non-governmental/civil society organisations that promote the rights of persons with disabilities. The realisation of the rights of persons with disabilities is among the priorities of Finland’s human rights policy and a cross-cutting goal of development policy.All of the central ministries are represented in Finland’s delegation, which will be led by Foreign Minister Haavisto. Every year, the Finnish delegation selects a representative of organisations for persons with disabilities to attend the COSP. The main theme of the COSP14 will be recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in a manner that takes into account persons with disabilities. Other themes on the session’s agenda are protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in armed conflict and humanitarian emergencies; living Independently, being included in the community; and right to education, challenges with inclusive education and accessibility during COVID-19.
Additionally, there will be dozens of side events discussing the rights of persons with disabilities. In side events organised by Finland, speakers include Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Krista Kiuru and Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Krista Mikkonen.The meeting is webcast live on the UN Web TV Channel at webtv.un.org. The side events can also be followed online.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

NordenBladet — Working groups appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry propose a five-year experiment to allow wolf hunting for population management purposes if the population is at a favourable conservation status. The Ministry will assess the possibility to allow hunting after the Natural Resources Institute Finland has published its interim report on the reference values for the favourable conservation status of the wolf population.The report describes the key conditions for allowing the hunting of wolves to manage their population and gives proposals concerning the grounds for this and the measures to be taken. The whole process is mainly based on the preliminary ruling of the Court of Justice on wolf hunting for population management purposes issued in 2019. The report points out that the aim of the restricted hunting is to control the growth of the wolf population, thus reducing the socio-economic conflicts related to wolves and promoting the acceptance of wolves so that the favourable conservation status of the population can be secured.“Hunting is an important part of the management of large carnivore populations, and now the aim is to use it for wolves as well. The groups have done a good job and the report provides a solid basis for this kind of hunting. The Ministry is ready to proceed quickly in the implementation if the conditions for allowing the hunt are fulfilled,” Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Jari Leppä says. Hunting for population management purposes is one of the measures of the Management Plan for the Wolf Population in Finland.“Managing the wolf population is a balancing act. We want to ensure a viable wolf population while at the same time responding to the needs of people living in areas inhabited by wolves. The plan concerning hunting for population management purposes is one of the tools for the sustainable management of the wolf population,” says Jaana Husu-Kallio, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.Based on the reference values for the favourable conservation status in the interim report, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will decide whether wolf hunting for population management purposes can be started in Finland. If the population is at a favourable conservation status, hunting will start as a five-year experiment. More detailed grounds for allowing the hunt are described in a decree of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and its background memorandum. “The five-year experiment will enable us to react to changes in the wolf population. Regulating the numbers hunted in accordance with the population management targets has worked well for bear and lynx,” says Vesa Ruusila, Senior Ministerial Adviser at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and chair of the working group responsible for preparing project.The report also states that it is particularly important to provide adequate training to hunting masters, their deputies and hunters if hunting for population management is started as an experiment. The report was drawn up as part of the project concerning the planning and definition of wolf hunting for population management purposes. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry appointed the preparation and steering groups for the project in 2020. The English and Swedish language versions of the working group report will be published soon.Management Plan for the Wolf Population in Finland
Planning and definition of wolf hunting for population management purposes in the Gateway to Information on Government Projects (in Finnish)Earlier press releases (in Finnish):
 Press release 18 November 2020: Planning of wolf hunting for population management purposes proceeds 
Press release 23 January 2020: Working groups to study wolf hunting for population management purposes 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

NordenBladet — For the first time, Finland has been ranked number one in an international comparison of sustainable development. The esteemed ranking by the UN and the Bertelsmann Foundation is published annually, and Finland has also been in the top three in earlier years, together with Denmark and Sweden. The comparison assesses countries’ progress on implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals.According to the ranking, Finland has achieved or is close to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty alleviation, health, education, water, energy, reducing inequality, peace, and the rule of law. Finland’s greatest challenges are related to the fight against climate change, the need for more sustainable consumption and production patterns and halting biodiversity loss. Prime Minister Sanna Marin, who also chairs the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development, emphasises that Finland’s first place ranking is the result of long-term work and the contribution of all of Finnish society. “Credit for this recognition is due to all Finns, who work persistently to build a more sustainable society. We are proud of our ranking, but we still have a lot to do in order to achieve all of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The most crucial thing now is figuring out how we can safeguard our wellbeing within the limits of our planet’s carrying capacity in the future,” says Marin.COVID-19 pandemic has increased inequalityThe results were published in a report by the UN’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the German Bertelsmann Foundation on Monday 14 June. Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari will represent Finland at the virtual release event on Monday afternoon.Skinnari highlights the importance of the Nordic welfare model in the results of the ranking: Sweden, Norway and Denmark are also among the top ten countries.Skinnari stresses that, in the post-pandemic world, Finland and other wealthy countries need to focus on supporting the most disadvantaged worldwide. The core idea of the 2030 Agenda is that no one should be left behind.“The pandemic has led to a global increase in extreme poverty and inequality and has weakened gender equality. We need to make sure that everyone stays on board with the development and that we are able to close the gap between the most successful and worst-performing countries.”Finland praised for participatory approachFinland has received international praise for how society as a whole participates in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. This past spring, the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development received the international Catalyst 2030 Award for sustainable development. The Commission brings together a broad range of stakeholders from different areas of society.“A participatory approach has been an important part of Finland’s work on sustainable development for several decades. We are building a sustainable society together with the state, municipalities, businesses and organisations. Every Finn’s contribution is important,” Skinnari says.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

NordenBladet — The purpose of the conference is to hear the views of citizens on the future challenges and opportunities of the EU. The conference focuses on the perspectives of young people, and therefore the Prime Minister’s Office requested the Finnish National Youth Council Allianssi to appoint a citizen representative to the plenary session. Ninni Norra, who is 20 years old and from Helsinki, was selected as representative.Norra has served in the local council of the European Youth Parliament both as chairperson and representative in Finland and abroad. She currently holds a position of trust in the Allianssi’s international youth policy group. As part of this group, Norra has participated in the European Youth Conference and the EU Youth Dialogue.“The Future of Europe conference is not only an excellent opportunity to bring our ideas to the attention of decision-makers, but also to consider the EU policies we want to pursue in the future. To me as a citizen representative, it is important to raise interest in the debate about the EU, because every decision made in the Union has an impact on our everyday lives, indirectly at least. If we develop our cooperation when times are stable, we will also be able to cope with setbacks better,” Norra says.The first plenary session of the Conference on the Future of Europe will be held in Strasbourg and partly via remote connections on 18–19 June 2021. Minister for European Affairs Tytti Tuppurainen will represent the Finnish Government. In addition, another minister will participate in the conference based on the themes under discussion.“When we discuss the future of Europe, it is important that the voice of young Europeans – the voice of the future – is heard strongly. We have wanted to emphasise this when we decided on a citizen representative. I wish Ninni Norra every success in this important task,” Tuppurainen said.The aim is for civil society to participate actively in the conference and to organise various events. Information on conference events will be collected on the Commission’s multilingual digital platform. Citizens can also use the digital platform to share their thoughts and submit their proposals. The conference launch event took place on Europe Day, 9 May, in Strasbourg. Due to the pandemic, it was held partially online. 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.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

NordenBladet — Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Tytti Tuppurainen and Spanish State Secretary for the European Union Juan González-Barba Pera will meet in Oulu on Monday 14 June. The meeting will focus on current European Union affairs, such as economic recovery, the rule of law and EU-Russia relations.The meeting will also highlight regional development of sparsely populated areas, the 6G flagship focusing on developing wireless network technologies, the importance of innovation, and the selection of Oulu as a European Capital of Culture for 2026. In addition to discussions, the programme will include a visit to Oulu Museum of Art, the University of Oulu, and the Nokia 5G test laboratory.“It is a pleasure to present the wide-ranging expertise of my home city of Oulu while taking this valuable opportunity to set out the challenges faced in the sparsely populated areas of Eastern and Northern Finland, and the importance of recognition in the EU accession treaty of Finland of criteria for special support of sparsely populated northern territories,” Minister Tuppurainen explains.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

NordenBladet — On the day of the municipal elections, 13 June 2021, voters may only vote at the polling station mentioned in the notice of right to vote sent to them.Information on the election day polling station can be found in the notice of right to vote and in the Polling station service at www.aanestyspaikat.fi. Voters may also contact the free service number 0800 9 4770 to ask about their polling station. The notices of right to vote in the municipal elections have been sent by post. The notice was sent in electronic format to those eligible voters who have activated the Suomi.fi Messages service and given their consent for all official notifications to be sent to them electronically. Around 580,000 people have already activated the service. The voting register for the 2021 municipal elections was compiled based on the data contained in the Population Information System on 23 April 2021. If a person has moved after 23 April, the polling station is determined in accordance with the previous municipality of residence. Polling stations on the mapInformation about municipal elections and votingElectionsfinland.fi: Voting on election day Instructions for voters during COVID-19 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

NordenBladet — In this year’s municipal elections, 2,684 persons voted in Finland’s missions abroad. The number is higher than in the municipal elections of 2017, when the total number of voters abroad was 9,500.Advance voting was arranged in 71 countries and at a total of 102 polling stations. In addition, advance voting was made possible for crew on some twenty Finnish vessels. A bit more than a hundred Finnish crew members cast their advance votes on board. Advance voting was also arranged at the bases of the Finnish crisis management forces in Erbil, Iraq, and in Lebanon.The busiest advance polling stations abroad were in Spain with 318 voters, of which 198 in Fuengirola. The second highest voter turnout was recorded in Brussels where 282 persons cast their votes. Estonia with 158 advance voters came in third place. In Lebanon, the number of advance voters was 136 and in Russia 138. Eligible voters staying abroad during the elections could also vote by post. Postal voting was recommended because the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible to guarantee advance voting in all the planned polling stations. For that reason, voters were advised to order postal voting documents in advance. Advance voting could not be organised, for example, in New Delhi and Kathmandu. The number of the cast postal votes is not yet available. The Ministry of Justice is responsible for the organisation of postal voting.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi

NordenBladet — The Government has amended the decree restricting the activities of restaurants and other food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. As a result, the region of Uusimaa will move to acceleration phase restrictions.The more lenient restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in Uusimaa will enter into force on 11 June at 18.00. The restrictions in place in other areas will remain unchanged.Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in baseline areas in the regions of Åland, South Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, North Ostrobothnia, North Savo, North Karelia, Central Finland, South Savo, Ostrobothnia, Satakunta, South Karelia, Pirkanmaa, Kymenlaakso and Lapland from 11 JuneFood and beverage service businesses may serve alcoholic beverages between 7.00 and 1.00 and be open to customers between 5.00 and 2.00.Restaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may have in use half the normal number of customer seats in indoor premises. Other restaurants may seat 75 per cent of their normal number of customers inside their establishments.Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in areas in the acceleration phase in the regions of Uusimaa, Southwest Finland and Central Ostrobothnia from 11 JuneFood and beverage service businesses may serve alcoholic beverages between 7.00 and 22.00 and be open between 5.00 and 23.00. Restaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may have in use half the normal number of customer seats in indoor premises. Other restaurants may seat 75 per cent of their normal number of customers inside their establishments.On outdoor terraces, each customer must have a seat, and everyone must take care of safe distances. The customer seating restrictions do not apply to outdoor terraces.Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses in areas in the community transmission phase in the regions of Päijät-Häme and Kanta-Häme from 9 JuneRestaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages may serve alcohol between 7.00 and 18.00 and be open to customers between 5.00 and 19.00. They may have in use half the normal number of customer seats in indoor premises. Other restaurants may serve alcoholic beverages between 7.00 and 20.00 and be open between 5.00 and 21.00. They may have in use 75 per cent of their normal number of customer seats in indoor premises. In these areas, restaurants must instruct customers to stay seated in indoor premises. This means that dancing and karaoke, for example, are prohibited.On outdoor terraces, each customer must have a seat, and everyone must take care of safe distances. The above-mentioned customer seating restrictions and dance ban do not apply to outdoor terraces.Exceptions to restrictions remain unchangedThe restrictions laid down in the decree do not apply to the activities of staff restaurants or to takeaway sales of food to customers.The restrictions on opening hours do not apply to food and beverage service businesses on vessels and aircraft that operate between Finland and other countries or abroad or to food and beverage service businesses that operate at distribution stations for liquid fuels.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi