Summary:
Finland’s government outlined in October that Finland emphasises market discipline and member states’ own responsibility in the development of EMU. Finland does not support reforms that increase joint liability of member states, the government stated. Taneli Lahti of the Federation of Finnish Industries says that when looking at the euro area, Finland is in the minority with its opinion, Verkkouutiset reports. Mr Lahti thinks that the majority of euro member states support some kind of a cyclical adjustment mechanism. The European Commission publishes its proposals on EMU’s future on 6 December. Mr Lahti thinks the Commission could propose a cyclical adjustment mechanism or euro area’s own budget. « During the next weeks or months, EMU will start moving ahead, » Mr Lahti says.
Auteur/autrice : David
Survey: Finns less keen on Nato membership
Summary:
The number of Finns supporting Finland’s Nato membership is declining, shows a survey by the Advisory Board For Defence Information (ABDI). 22% of the respondents said they see Nato membership positively. It seems that the EU crises have not affected Finns’ trust in the Union’s future: 58% say their trust in EU’s future has not changed. Furthermore, Finns’ trust in the EU as a security institution has slightly grown. Issues that concern Finns the most include the refugee crisis, international terrorism and climate change. The most important threat that Finland should be prepared for in the next decade is terrorism in Finland, the respondents found.
Petteri Orpo: EU defence cooperation is also in the interests of the US
Summary:
Verkkouutiset writes that according to Finland’s Minister of Finance Petteri Orpo, worries over the weakened security situation in Europe and the US demands of more fair burden sharing have made it clear that Europe must take responsibility for its own defence. Orpo says that tightening the European defence cooperation is the long-term goal of Finland in the EU. However, the EU will not become a defence union. Nato and EU will be complementary structures, and tightening EU cooperation does not contradict Nato. For Finland, both cooperating with Nato and developing EU defence is very important.
Minister Kai Mykkänen: Russia is breaching its commitments
Summary:
According to Minister of Foreign Trade Kai Mykkänen, the trade between Finland and Russia is recovering. Exports are growing and the number of visas granted to Russian tourists has clearly increased from last year. However, the Minister is concerned over Russia’s increasingly strong import substitution policy. When it comes to state-owned companies, Russia is breaching its World Trade Organisation commitments. Mr Mykkänen is to discuss the issue with Russian colleagues and adds that also EU and Russia should discuss it. Minister Mykkänen says that though the Russian economy is growing slightly, no boom is expected, which means that the superpower ideology continues to dominate after next spring’s election in Russia.
President Niinistö implied that Sweden does not ratify treaty banning nuclear weapons
Summary:
President Sauli Niinistö has implied that Sweden would not ratify the treaty banning nuclear weapons but would support the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. According to Mr Niinistö, Sweden’s answer to the question will come after a year. Finland has only signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which also includes nuclear weapon states. Foreign Affairs Minister Timo Soini says that it remains to be seen what Sweden does, but Finland is not to sign the treaty banning nuclear weapons. It did not even take part in the negotiations.
Media: 
Demokraatti.fi
Date: 28.11.2017
Journalist: Johannes Ijäs
Main source: President Sauli Niinistö, Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini
Sipilä praised the EU policy of his government but did not offer new visions of its direction – « Our middle-way approach has become the common policy of the EU »
Summary:
Helsingin Sanomat writes that according to the Prime Minister of Finland Juha Sipilä, Finland is actively influencing the development of the EU and Finland’s middle-way approach towards EU integration has become the dominant view within the EU. Finland is willing to deepen integration quickly in some issues, while in other issues it is more reluctant. The government is excited about the development of EU defence cooperation, but Finland does not want to deepen the integration in the financial union too much. Sipilä rejects increasing the common responsibility within the monetary union. The integration must also be kept uniform.
Wärtsilä delivers technology to Africa’s largest solar power plant
Summary:
Wärtsilä delivers technology to Africa’s largest solar power plant, which is built in Nigeria, and produces power to more than one million people. According to Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Kai Mykkänen, the deal is a significant for Finland in the framework of renewable energy. Mr Mykkänen says that the expectations on Africa’s economic growth for the next few years are great. He was positively surprised by the success of Finnish companies during the export promotion trip to Nigeria and Ghana.
Media: Iltalehti
Date: 17.11.2017
Journalist: Kreeta Karvala
Main source: Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Kai Mykkänen
Soini discussed with Suu Kyi in Myanmar
Summary:
The international community tries to bring new hope to the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini discussed the situation with Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday. All EU and Asian Foreign Ministers who discussed with the Myanmar leader called for an end to the violence. Minister Soini told STT that there is some optimism in the situation but no decisive steps have been taken to improve the situation. He found it positive that negotiations are carried out to find a solution. Minister Soini reminded that even a peace Nobel prize winner cannot make miracles happen, as the army has great power in Myanmar.