Summary:
According to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Kai Mykkänen, they are currently updating the tax policy for the Finnish development fund Finnfund. Yle reported on Monday that Finnfund’s funds have circulated through the Cayman Islands, known as a tax haven. Mr Mykkänen said that Finnfund can no longer use structures, which imply aggressive tax planning. As a rule, Finnfund is steered towards direct investments in the target countries, but when there is no other way to get partner investors, they can use a controlled organisation in another country, but it cannot avoid taxes.
Auteur/autrice : David
President Niinistö believes in practical collaboration: black carbon could be a suitable topic
Summary:
In connection with the visit of the US Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö brought up practical deeds in easing tension between countries. He asked whether now would be a good time to build understanding within concrete civil issues as times are restless. As an example, he mentioned black carbon emissions: there is wide accord on their reduction. « I have been satisfied with the reception of the idea both in Moscow and Washington, » he said. The President added that he believes that practical everyday collaboration could lead to greater results than collaborating in projects.
Editorial: Storm approaching the bank sector
Summary:
Helsingin Sanomat writes in its editorial that the market leaders of money sales, i.e. banks, face tough cost competition from new and agile competitors. Now that the economic trend has taken a turn, European banks announce staff reductions. It is not just about making better profits through savings, but mainly it is about the entire financing business’ giant turning point due to changes in paying and competitive landscape. However bad it feels, the change will take place, whether you want it or not. The worst alternative is not to be prepared.
Media: 
Helsingin Sanomat
Date: 27.10.2017
Journalist: –
Main source: –
Summary:
Chairman Juha Marttila of MTK, says that EU needs more information on Nordic forestry. Common EU forest policy could contribute to this, or increase regulations. Until now, MTK and Finland have not wanted EU to have a common forest policy, but now EU seems to bring regulations to forestry through climate policy, Mr Marttila says. The problem is that decisions, which also affect forests, are prepared without forest experts. EU’s institutions do not know the sustainable forestry of Nordic countries. Mr Marttila particularly hopes that the EU would understand the significance of sustainable logging, Maaseudun Tulevaisuus reports.
Ilkka Kanerva would change decision-making: Security Council to Finland
Summary:
Chair of the Finnish Parliament’s Defence Committee, MP Ilkka Kanerva (Coalition) proposes that Finland establish a security council, writes Verkkouutiset. The Council would deal with EU foreign affairs and Finnish internal security issues. The council would solve the problem of the President being officially outside decision-making regarding EU foreign, security, and defence affairs while being responsible for the management of these issues together with the government. As an example, Mr Kanerva mentions situations where the EU is defining its relationship with Russia. Moreover, the President as the Commander-in-chief of the Defence Forces should be more included in EU defence policy.
Minister Mykkänen comments on climate funding
Summary:
Kepa has studied Finland’s climate funding: in its new report is says that the funding has crashed. Usually the funding for climate work comes from development aid. The same applies to Finland, and the cut in development aid made a few years ago also affected climate funding. Minister for Development Kai Mykkänen says that the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has found that climate issues are decisive in development work and therefore they invest in it. « As we don’t have more money, we get more done, for example, through investments in renewable energy. » The money has increasingly been directed towards the poorest countries, where the need for energy is growing.
Soini on Catalonia: Unilateral independence declarations are not fruitful
Summary:
Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini commented on Catalonia’s independence declaration to YLE. He said that it does not meet with the principles of the democratic process as opposition parties were not present. Spain should now proceed legally and through negotiations, Minister Soini said and pointed out that the Spanish constitution must be obeyed. Furthermore, EU should support Spain.
Media: YLE Uutiset
Date: 27.10.2017
Journalist: Annette Blencowe
Main source: Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini
EU proposes 2.5 million euros to aid former Anttila and Stockmann workers
Summary:
The European Commission has proposed 2.5 million euros in funding to help former staff of the retail chains Anttila and Stockmann find new work. The funding is meant for about 1,500 people. It is provided by the European globalisation fund and can be used to get professional education and re-training, as well as to set up businesses. The proposal still requires approval from the European Parliament and the EU Council of Ministers.
Media: Keskisuomalainen 
Date: 23.10.2017
Journalist: –
Main source: –