Helsingin Sanomat writes that Minister of Finance Alexander Stubb received a personal letter on Wednesday urging the government to take action to improve the country’s economic situation. The letter has been signed by the European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis and Commissioner for Finance Pierre Moscovici. This is the first time the Commission is urging member states with personal letters. In addition to Minister Stubb, a letter was sent to his colleagues in Belgium, Croatia, Italy and Romania. Marketta Henriksson of the Ministry of Finance explains that there is nothing dramatic about the letter, it is just a new idea from the Commission. If Finland breaches the rules, they can say that we have been warned, she adds. In April, Finland will send its public economy plan to the Commission. In practice, the Commission’s letter probably does not affect Finland’s financial policy much.
Defence Minister Niinistö: New “deterrence effect” – available for Finland too
Summary:
Minister of Defence Jussi Niinistö says the mutual assistance clause of the Lisbon Treaty has become clearer after the Paris terrorist attacks. According to Mr Niinistö, the clause serves as a deterrence effect, which can be used to counter hybrid threats. The EU is not a defence alliance, and Finland is not relying on the EU in its defence planning. However, the clause has enabled a new kind of interpretation of the EU’s unity and abilities. The overall effect on Finland’s security is positive.
Media: Uusi Suomi
Date: 8.3.2016
Journalist: –
Main source: Jussi Niinistö, Minister of Defence
Supercell grows faster than network giants
Supercell’s first years are unique in business history. Some 1.5% of all people play its games every day, and in Finland people use more money on Supercell’s games than on music and books. According to Supercell, EUR 2.1 billion was used on its mobile games last year. This is very exceptional for a company that has not turned six years yet. Supercell is growing even faster than Google, Facebook and Twitter in their first years. Still, it does not mean that it is the new Google or Facebook. Competition in the gaming industry is tough and games do not necessarily last long. CEO Ilkka Paananen says, however, that their vision is to make games that people play for years or even decades.
Minister Soini on Russia’s military power: « If if decides to do something, it will »
The American Foreign Policy discussed Finland’s special relationship with Russia in its latest issue. Foreign Affairs Minister Timo Soini says in the newspaper’s interview that Finland must know where it stands. « As a small country we know that when big countries fight it is better to be in the audience than in the ring, » he says. It is extremely important to maintain good relations with Russia, he continues. According to Minister Soini, he can never underestimate Russia’s military power and decision making skills. « If it decides to do something, it will, » he points out. No western country can compete with Russia’s determination, and we must remember this at all times. In Foreign Policy, Minister Soini calls Russia a country full of chess players. « Whether we like it or not, they will make moves that are best for them. »
Soini comments on EU-Turkey summit results
Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini thinks the result of the EU-Turkey summit is a definition of policy rather than a breakthrough. « A small step ahead but we still have a long way to go, » Soini said in the Huomenta Suomi morning TV show. The biggest problem in EU’s refugee policy has been the implementation of decisions. Minister Soini thinks that the relocation of 160,000 refugees has been a complete failure. A total of 500 – 600 refugees have been relocated. Finland wants to stop the flow of refugees. Minister Soini thinks that the original causes of the problem should be affected, such as human trafficking. He adds that EU countries must see to that Turkey implements the agreed measures.
Analysis: Competition must increase
The worst seems to be over in Finland’s economy. Based on the European Commission’s report, the profitability of work and industry competitiveness have improved, but there is still much to improve in cost competitiveness. The Commission reminds that industrial companies the majority of their services from Finnish service providers. The report is a direct message to the Finnish government to increase competition. According to the Commission, companies should also contribute to improving competition by cutting their margins. In Finland, the Commission’s report pays attention to the centralisation of retail and construction business, among others. A lot has been done in the public sector but a lot still needs to be done. Furthermore, the Commission directly warns Finland about cuts made in education.
Sipilä: Government has approved social contract
The Finnish government has given its approval to the social contract negotiated between SAK, EK, Akava and STTK. According to PM Juha Sipilä, the agreement is historical. The PM believes that the contract helps in changing Finland’s direction. There is also a chance that the government gives up the further savings measures mentioned in the government programme. If the contract takes effect, Finland could catch Sweden and improve its position in relation to Germany. The contract could bring work for 35,000 people.
Media: YLE Uutiset
Date: 2.3.2016
Journalist: Anne-Pauliina Rytkönen
Main source: PM Juha Sipilä
Soini: Australia could be a giant market for Finland
Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini recently visited Australia and New Zealand. He thinks Australia could be a giant market for Finland. The country offers business opportunities particularly in the cleantech sector, in mining industry and treatment of dangerous waste. There is also interest in Finnish start-ups. According to Minister Soini, Australia is a very attractive country to Finnish companies because of good authority collaboration, few hindrances to business and the fact that Australians have money. He adds that people in Australia are technology-oriented. Australia is a big economy but a small trade partner for Finland. Minister Soini estimates this is due to lack of contacts and long distance.