Summary:
Helsingin Sanomat writes that combining the national parliamentary and EU parliamentary elections in Finland will probably not succeed, because the working group consisting of the Party Secretaries of Finnish parliamentary parties could not reach agreement regarding combining the two elections in 2019. A majority of Party Secretaries supported combining the two elections if the European Parliament elections are held in May at the latest. However, the Social Democratic Party, the Swedish People’s Party and the Christian Democrats were opposed to the idea. Consequently, the working group handed the issue over for the Minister for Justice Antti Häkkänen to consider.
Auteur/autrice : David
Soini’s wish about climate deal: « If Trump would happen to realise that it’s a good deal » – Sipilä hopes for China to be EU’s friend
Summary:
Worries about the US breaking away from the Paris Agreement have raised concerns in the Finnish Parliament. Prime Minister Juha Sipilä said that it is very unfortunate if the US were to withdraw, but in that case the EU must take the lead, Nordic countries must do their part and China must be a partner. Sipilä believes that the EU and China can show leadership and perhaps even turn the US around. Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini said that implementing the Paris Agreement will be one of Finland’s most important goals when it chairs the Arctic Council. He noted that the US might still change its mind if President Donald Trump realised the business opportunities related to environmental cooperation in the Arctic.
Harsh assessment from professors on 2-year-old Sipilä Government: “Quite poor performance if own promises are not kept”
Summary:
Three professors of Political Science and Economics assess the first two years of the Sipilä Government in Ilta-Sanomat. In economic policy and competitiveness, the decisions have been in the right direction. In education, the Government has not kept its promises. In EU policy, Prime Minister Sipilä has been fairly silent, and Finland’s line in foreign and security policy remains unclear. Domestic policy has taken precedence, although Foreign Minister Timo Soini has done a good job.
Media: Ilta-Sanomat
Date: 29.5.2017
Journalist: Outi Kokko
Main source: n/a
Minister Mykkänen: Russia’s acute bankruptcy cancelled
Summary:
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Development Kai Mykkänen participated in St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2017 and commented on the Russian President’s speech. According to Minister Mykkänen, the country’s acute bankruptcy has been cancelled. He says that Russia might focus more on the economy in the next couple of years and this could mean calmer times when it comes to foreign policy. Minister Mykkänen estimates that the country will probably not reach its goal to exceed the average of global economic growth.
Media: Helsingin Sanomat
Date: 2.6.2017
Journalist: Pekka Hakala
Main source: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Development Kai Mykkänen
Soini: Language of the US ‘too harsh’, but foreign policy branded by continuity
Summary:
Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini commented on the US foreign and security policy on Wednesday. According to him, the language is harsh, even too harsh from diplomacy’s point of view. Minister Soini estimates that there will be changes in the UN and development funding and it will be a notable challenge. He also emphasises the collaboration between Finland and Sweden.
Media: Helsingin Sanomat
Date: 31.5.2017
Journalist: Eeva Palojärvi
Main source: Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini
Niinistö and Icelandic President praised relations of the two countries – ’We brought you Icelandic weather as sign of collaboration’
Summary:
President Sauli Niinistö and the Icelandic President Gudni Johannesson discussed Arctic areas and Russia, among other topics, on Wednesday. Finland just started as the chair of the Arctic Council and Iceland will follow in 2019. President Niinistö states that it is a challenge to find the balance between the economic interests and environmental protection when it comes to the region. He also mentions tensions around the Baltic Sea and adds that NATO will bring stability to the area.
Media: Ilkka
Date: 31.5.2017
Journalist: STT
Main source: President Sauli Niinistö
« Finland tries to water down parts of EU’s climate policy »
Summary:
According to environmental organizations, Finland is trying to dilute the European Commission’s proposal for forestry is to be taken account in climate policy, Hufvudstadsbladet writes. The Finnish government plans to increase the harvesting of wood significantly, with most of the increase going to short-lived products that release carbon quickly. Minister of Environment and Energy Kimmo Tiilikainen says that increasing harvesting is good, as forest growth also increases. However, European scientist believe that short-term emissions will increase while long-term effects are unclear. According to Brussels-based environmental organization Fem, Sweden, France and Austria support Finland in trying to dilute the Commission’s proposal. Countries that profile themselves as pioneers in climate policy are quietly working in the opposite direction than the LULUCF.
Running for a second term, Niinistö on Merkel’s statement: “If it is correctly cited, it is a strong statement”
Summary:
Demokraatti reports that President Sauli Niinistö announced today he will run for a second term. He noted in his statement that his cooperation with the Government has worked well in European policy. He outlined recent developments in foreign policy and remarked that European thinking has been shaken last week. The EU got a serious wake-up call on how much the Union or the member states must take responsibility for protecting Europe. Security is a primary concern for all unions, states, and alliances. The EU is now clearly headed towards strengthening common foreign, security, and defence policy, Mr Niinistö noted.