Summary:

According to Minister for Foreign Trade Kai Mykkänen, the EU continues to negotiate the TTIP deal with the US despite the fact that France and Austria demanded the discontinuation of the negotiations on Friday. A clear majority of member states think the Commission’s mandate is still valid, he said. Mr Mykkänen expects the EU-Canada deal CETA to enter partially into force next year. A massive popular movement opposing both trade deals has been born in Europe, and the approaching elections in Germany, France, and Austria have caused politicians to reconsider their positions, too.

Media:  Helsingin Sanomat (E-edition) 

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.