Summary:
The European Union is vital, particularly to smaller countries, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö stated in a press conference with Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid in Helsinki on 7 March. Ms Kaljulaid, who was on a two-day state visit in Finland, agreed with Niinistö and said that people forget how much the EU has given us. The two presidents also reassured those concerned about US President Donald Trump or the future of NATO. Mr Niinistö said he is concerned about the global security situation where tensions have risen after Russia’s annexation of Crimea three years ago. During the visit, the two presidents discussed, among others, economic collaboration between the two countries, security in the Baltic Sea region, current EU affairs and relations with Russia and the United States.
Catégorie : Presse Finlandaise
Finland’s economic growth among the weakest in the EU
Summary:
All EU countries will see economic growth this year and next year, forecasts the European Commission. In Finland, growth will be subdued compared to many other countries, with a growth of 1.2 per cent this year. Economic growth in Finland has for a long time been slower than in many other EU countries. Next year, Finland’s economy is forecast to grow by 1.5 per cent.
Media: 
Maaseudun Tulevaisuus (E-edition, PDF) 
Date: 15.2.2017
Journalist: Aimo Vainio
Main source: –
Finnish minister meets with Aung Sang Suu Kyi in Myanmar – « Tough lady »
Summary:
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Kai Mykkänen met with State Counsellor of Myanmar Aung Sang Suu Kyi in Naypyitaw on 9 February. In the meeting, Mr. Mykkänen raised the issue of violence in the Rakhine state and the distress of the Rohingya people and stated that Finland does not accept it and that it affects the credibility of the civil administration. Mr. Mykkänen referred to Finland’s development cooperation projects in Myanmar and said he made it clear that Finland is in the country to support work for democracy and the peace process. Mr. Mykkänen travelled to Myanmar with a trade delegation and he estimates that Myanmar has the potential of becoming a growth area that will also benefit Finnish trade.
Soini does not believe other member states will leave the EU in near future: « It is pretty easy to just say we are leaving »
Summary:
Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini estimates that negotiations between Britain and the EU will be difficult but hopes that a mutually satisfactory solution will be found. He does not believe other member states will follow Britain’s lead in the near future. Mr Soini points out that it is pretty easy for a member state to announce that they are leaving but actually leaving is not a quick process.
Media: YLE Uutiset
Date: 13.2.2017
Journalist: Jussi Virkkunen
Main source: Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini
Kai Mykkänen about the Canada deal: Support for free trade very good news
Summary:
According to Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Kai Mykkänen, the decision by the European Parliament to vote for approving the CETA free trade deal between EU and Canada is very good news for Finland as it will make it easier for Finnish businesses to get into the Canadian market. He says that more leadership is expected from the EU in the current situation. The EU must be more active in order to create free trade deals which benefit companies and consumers.
Media: Verkkouutiset / Nykypäivä
Date: 15.2.2017
Journalist: Heikki Jantunen
Main source: Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Kai Mykkänen
Minister for Foreign Affairs Soini on Arctic Council chairmanship: « We do not know if we are headed for smooth sailing or pack ice »
Summary:
Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini estimates that the vagueness of the Trump administration in climate issues will be a challenge during Finland’s term as chair of the Arctic Council. Mr Soini defends utilising the Arctic for commercial purposes as long as it is done in a sustainable way and sensitive areas are not opened up for business without thorough investigation. Mr Soini says it is difficult to estimate if the Arctic Council is headed for smooth sailing or pack ice during Finland’s chairmanship and points out that cooperation does not be in demand right now.
Over 220 million euros for Finnish SMEs from European Investment Fund
Summary:
The European Investment Fund has signed its first SME initiative guarantee transactions in Finland with the banks Ålandsbanken, Osuuspankki and Oma Säästöpankki. This will bring 220 million euros to Finnish SMEs and help over 800 Finnish SMEs in getting finance. European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Crețu says SMEs are a driving force in growth and job creation in Finland and the SME initiative gives them a better opportunity for getting finance.
Media: Verkkouutiset / Nykypäivä
Date: 24.1.2017
Journalist: Ilkka Ahtokivi
Main source: Corina Crețu, European Commissioner for Regional Policy
Minister Mykkänen at aid conference for Syria: Image of refugees distorted in Finland
Summary:
UN organisations and NGOs appealed for more aid to Syrian refugees and the neighbouring countries that assist them in a conference held in Helsinki today, 24 January. The Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Kai Mykkänen, who hosted the conference, said that in Finland and Europe the word ‘refugee’ is currently associated with young men even though 70% of the refugees in Syria’s neighbouring countries are women and children. Finland is supporting victims of the Syrian conflict both through humanitarian aid and development co-operation which has been used to e.g. enable children to go to school and support the livelihood and rights of refugee women.