Summary:
The first EU Arctic Stakeholder Forum was held in Oulu. EU Commissioner responsible for Arctic policies, Karmenu Vella, stated that warming in the Arctic is twice as fast as in the rest of the globe. According to Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini, who hosted the forum, the Arctic needs growth, but in a sustainable way. Both Mr Vella and Mr Soini said that US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement was a great disappointment. Soini stated that he would like to appeal to Mr Trump with the fact that protecting the Arctic is « good business ».

Summary:
Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini strongly condemns the terror attacks in London on 3 June which he describes as an attack on the European way of life. He emphasises that terrorists will never win. There have been several terror attacks in Britain in recent times. Mr Soini estimates that Britain might have become a target for terrorists because it is a strong democracy and an active player on an international level.

Media:  YLE Uutiset
Date: 4.6.2017
Journalist: Pekka Pantsu
Main source: Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini

Summary:
Worries about the US breaking away from the Paris Agreement have raised concerns in the Finnish Parliament. Prime Minister Juha Sipilä said that it is very unfortunate if the US were to withdraw, but in that case the EU must take the lead, Nordic countries must do their part and China must be a partner. Sipilä believes that the EU and China can show leadership and perhaps even turn the US around. Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini said that implementing the Paris Agreement will be one of Finland’s most important goals when it chairs the Arctic Council. He noted that the US might still change its mind if President Donald Trump realised the business opportunities related to environmental cooperation in the Arctic.

Summary:
Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini commented on the US foreign and security policy on Wednesday. According to him, the language is harsh, even too harsh from diplomacy’s point of view. Minister Soini estimates that there will be changes in the UN and development funding and it will be a notable challenge. He also emphasises the collaboration between Finland and Sweden.

Media:  Helsingin Sanomat
Date: 31.5.2017
Journalist: Eeva Palojärvi
Main source: Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini

Summary:
President Sauli Niinistö and the Icelandic President Gudni Johannesson discussed Arctic areas and Russia, among other topics, on Wednesday. Finland just started as the chair of the Arctic Council and Iceland will follow in 2019. President Niinistö states that it is a challenge to find the balance between the economic interests and environmental protection when it comes to the region. He also mentions tensions around the Baltic Sea and adds that NATO will bring stability to the area.

Media: Ilkka
Date: 31.5.2017
Journalist: STT
Main source: President Sauli Niinistö

Summary:
According to environmental organizations, Finland is trying to dilute the European Commission’s proposal for forestry is to be taken account in climate policy, Hufvudstadsbladet writes. The Finnish government plans to increase the harvesting of wood significantly, with most of the increase going to short-lived products that release carbon quickly. Minister of Environment and Energy Kimmo Tiilikainen says that increasing harvesting is good, as forest growth also increases. However, European scientist believe that short-term emissions will increase while long-term effects are unclear. According to Brussels-based environmental organization Fem, Sweden, France and Austria support Finland in trying to dilute the Commission’s proposal. Countries that profile themselves as pioneers in climate policy are quietly working in the opposite direction than the LULUCF.

Summary:
Turun Sanomat writes in an editorial about the importance of co-operation between European countries to fight terrorism. The EU is planning to increase co-operation in the field of security. Britain has long experience with decades of terrorist attacks by the Irish IRA.

Media:  Turun Sanomat
Date: 24.5.2017
Journalist: not available
Main source: n/a

Summary:
Minister for Foreign Affair Timo Soini hurried up decision about defence cooperation at the meeting of EU foreign ministers on 15 May. Mr Soini says he did this because taking care of security also requires structures. According to Mr Soini, Finland has made it very clear that it wants to advance in defence cooperation.

Media:  Demokraatti.fi
Date: 15.5.2017
Journalist: STT
Main source: Minister for Foreign Affair Timo Soini