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.
Soini: Finland could set a daily limit for asylum seekers
Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini believes that if the EU cannot agree on issues, member states will start limiting the number of asylum seekers, and Finland is no exception to this. Minister Soini told news agency STT that also Finland could set a daily limit to the number of asylum seekers arriving in the country in the future. According to him, Europe cannot withstand the current situation for long. So far, at least Austria, Slovenia and Croatia have set daily limits to asylum seekers.
Media: Keskisuomalainen
Date: 2.3.2016
Journalist: STT
Main source: Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini
Niinistö takes over from government in foreign policy
HS writes that in this government term, foreign and security policy has become as important as financial policy in Finland. The EU is crumbling: first the euro crisis, then the asylum seekers and soon the UK votes on EU membership. Russia has become an unpredictable neighbour and the international situation has become more complicated. So far, the Sipilä government and President Sauli Niinistö have collaborated well in foreign and security policy. The government has let the President take the role of the leader in the sector. The policy will be in focus later this year as the government showcases its foreign and security policy report to the Parliament. Also in the EU, financial issues have become less important as foreign and security policy concerns have been on top of the agenda.
Soini comments on the military drill with US
Foreign Affairs Minister Timo Soini commented on the military drill to be held this spring, in which US army vehicles will also participate. According to Minister Soini, Finland does not aim to show off. However, he pointed out that Finland has always been very keen to defend itself. When asked what kind of message the US army vehicles’ visit would send to Russia, Minister Soini said that the message is that Finland takes care of its own defence and looks after its competence. According to Minister Soini, Finland’s collaboration with the United States has increased but Finland is still in charge of its own defence.
Negotiations between Areva and TVO progress
According to the French newspaper Les Echos, the negotiations between Areva and Teollisuuden Voima concerning Olkiluoto 3 are advancing in good spirit. The paper writes that it is unclear whether there will be any results before Areva publishes its financial statements on Thursday. TVO did not want to comment on the information. The French EDF is buying Areva’s reactor business but it does not want OL3. TVO is concerned what will happen to the Olkiluoto project if it is separated from the plan. According to Les Echos, Areva is seeking an overall solution to the situation with TVO. The OL3 project is ten years late and it has caused nearly EUR 5 billion losses to Areva.