Summary:
Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini says he is glad that the foreign ministers of the Arctic Council member states reached an agreement on a declaration that acknowledges the existence of the effects of climate change. In his opening speech, Mr Soini emphasised the importance of work against climate change and of the Paris climate agreement. The chairmanship of the council transferred from the United States to Finland at the meeting. Finland has emphasised that, during its chairmanship, the work of the council will focus on fighting climate change, while the United States’ stance on climate change remains unclear.

Summary:
President Sauli Niinistö estimates that the relations between superpowers Russia and the United States are not as icy as believed. He does not expect any major changes in the relations in the near future because the objectives of the Minsk agreement have not been met. Mr Niinistö discussed relations with Russia on Thursday when he met President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and noted that it would be good to start a certain kind of chain of détente. The presidents also discussed the future of the EU, and Mr Niinistö estimated that the biggest threat has been avoided with the win of Emmanuel Macron in the French presidential election.

Summary:
President Sauli Niinistö says it may be difficult to keep the fight against climate change on the agenda of the Arctic Council as both US and Russian leaders have expressed doubts about the man-made nature of the problem. Finland is about to begin its term as chair of the council. Mr Niinistö believes common ground could be found if the issue was approached from the angle of black coal which is accelerating glacier melt. Rejecting emission sources for black coal, such as outdated energy plants and flaring, would not interfere with the interests of council members seeking economic profit in the area, Mr Niinistö notes.

Summary:
Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipilä says the result of the French presidential election is good news for the EU and also for Finland. According to Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini, the election results leaves no room for second guessing. He does not expect the result to bring changes to the already good relations between Finland and France but believes that the continuation of co-operation between France and Germany in Europe could increase stability and predictability and thus be positive for Finnish economic growth. Also President Sauli Niinistö sees Emmanuel Macron’s election as good news for Europe and states that Mr Macron’s election also means increasing integration which benefits Finland.