Summary:

The Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Kai Mykkänen discusses the TTIP agreement in KL. He believes that it will continue proceeding after the presidential election in the US even though both of the candidates are negative about it. Minister Mykkänen says that the situation is challenging but not hopeless. However, he thinks that the agreement will not proceed quickly as it is a long process and there is still a lot to negotiate. According to Minister Mykkänen, the TTIP has raised false ideas and monsters. However, he highlights the European Union’s negotiation mandate which takes all these worries well into account. Minister also mentions that free trade would create new jobs.

Summary:

Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Kai Mykkänen says Finland should concentrate its efforts in development assistance on improving the status of women and girls and on education. Finnish development aid funds will also be directed to risk sharing finance and private sector investment finance because a strong private sector is necessary for development to be sustainable. According to Mr Mykkänen, more important than the precise amount spent on development co-operation is that the money is directed to projects that give the best results. He emphasises that it is a basic human principle to help those in need.

Summary:

Minister for Foreign Trade Kai Mykkänen has delivered to Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström Finland’s three conditions for Britain’s EU exit. Minister Mykkänen would like to see clear conditions so that Britain will not be able to do any cherry-picking. Finland maintains that the exit must be handled quickly, it should be fair with regard to divisions of money and power, and Britain should stay in the internal market so that trade can continue as before. Minister Mykkänen says that countries that are on the EU’s “outer circle” cannot have the same benefits as actual members. This could lead to other countries rethinking their position in the Union.