Dialing in to the Finnish Presidency - Arcturus Group
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Dialing in to the Finnish Presidency
Table of contents Interview of Teija Tiilikainen 46 POLITICAL CALENDAR FOR THE NExT SIx MONTHS 78 PRIORITIES OF THE Finnish PRESIDENCY 89 wHAT ABOUT finland? 10
Interview with Teija TIILIKAINEN,
Director of the FIIA1
Topical issues
On November 14th, the European
Parliament adopted its position on the
Multinational Financial Framework (MFF2)
post 2020. At Council level, there are still
remaining sticking points. What are the
ambitions of the Finnish Presidency
regarding the adoption of the MFF2 post
2020? Would its adoption still be possible
before December 2019?
It is the goal of the Finnish presidency to
finalise the agreement on the MFF during
its Presidency
After months of negotiation, the UK and
EU have come up with a draft withdrawal
Teija TIILIKAINEN
agreement. The UK Parliament and EU
member states should ratify the
agreement before 31 October 2019, which avoided by limiting global warming to
will allow the parties to start negotiating 1.5ºC compared to 2ºC. Global human-
their new relationship after Brexit. How is caused emissions of CO2 would need to
Finland looking to advance the fall by about 45% from 2010 levels by
negotiations in the coming months? What 2030, reaching ‘net zero’ around 2050.
do you think about the possibility of a What should be the European political
second referendum on Brexit? answer to scientific data brought up by the
report?
It is a general goal of the Finnish EU
Presidency to ensure a smooth functioning The European Council reaffirms its
of the EU. Finland is thus prepared to commitment to the Paris Agreement and
advance the formulation of common calls for stronger global efforts to mitigate
positions in the council on Brexit-related climate change. The Council of the
issues irrespective of the more specific European Union must accelerate its
‘phase’ of the process. In case the UK leaves preparations concerning the EU's long-term
the EU in October, the first discussions on a climate strategy. The strategy is expected to
post-Brexit partnership arrangement might be completed by 2020.
take place during the Finnish presidency.
Finland is prepared to raise the ambitions of
Last October, the Intergovernmental Panel the EU's climate policy. Its aim is for the EU
on Climate Change released a very to complete its long-term strategy during
alarming report highlighting a number of Finland's Presidency of the Council of the
climate change impacts that could be EU.
1 FIIA : Finnish Institute of International Affairs
2 MFF: Multiannual Financial Framework
Priorities of the Finnish Presidency of the Council
Finland joined the EU in 1995, being one international environment, it is more
of the latest Member States. From your important than ever that the EU member
point of view, what are the main benefits states recognize their responsibility for the
you observed since the adhesion? survival of the common European project.
Finland’s EU membership has affected In December last year, the European
Finland’s international profile and identity in Parliament and the Council agreed on the
a comprehensive manner. As a small open revision of the Regulation on the European
economy it has benefitted from the single Citizens’ Initiative (ECI). The new
market as well as from the EU’s common legislative text, which aims at facilitating
trade policy. The EU’s common values have the use of this innovative tool, will officially
been consolidated in the Finnish legislation enter into force at the beginning of 2020.
up to the constitutional level. As a small and Do you think that the ECI, as well as other
geopolitically vulnerable state the Finnish instruments of participatory democracy
security has been reinforced by a like the petitions, would contribute to
membership in a deep political and reduce the existing gap between the
economic union. The Finnish identity as a European citizens and the EU? Does
part of the West has also been Finland plan to lower the age to support
strengthened after the politically difficult era an ICE to 16, as proposed in the new
of the Cold War. Regulation?
It is the THIRD time Finland is taking over Finland supports a strengthening of the EU’s
the presidency of the Council. What kind democratic accountability. It also supported
of vision could Finland bring to other the launching of the European Citizens’
Members States? Initiative as a part of the Lisbon treaty.
Consequently, Finland has established a
Finland wants to strengthen the common corresponding citizens’ initiative as a part of
value base of the EU in order to ensure the its own political system in 2012.
Union’s role as a promoter of the rules-
based international order. In the current Climate change seems to be an unmissable
priority in the next mandate. What can
European citizens expect from the Finnish
Presidency?
The European Council reaffirms its
commitment to the Paris Agreement and
calls for stronger global efforts to mitigate
climate change. The Council of the
European Union must accelerate its
preparations concerning the EU's long-term
climate strategy. The strategy is expected to
be completed by 2020.
Finland is prepared to raise the ambitions of
the EU's climate policy. Its aim is for the EU
to complete its long-term strategy during
Finland's Presidency of the Council of the
EU.
5
The focus on European
security cooperation is
growing. Which should be a
priority - the development
of a European army or an
enlargement of NATO
(notably with Finland and
Sweden)?
There is no political
consensus in Finland about
a possible application for
Nato membership. Finland
has, however, an enhanced
The trio Presidency (Romania, Finland and partnership with Nato. Throughout its EU
Croatia) has already announced its membership Finland has supported a
commitment to the enlargement, deepening of the EU’s security and defence
especially to the provision of a realistic policy which is seen to play an important
enlargement perspective for the Western role for Finnish and European security.
Balkans countries. Your trio partner Croatia
has also announced its intention to Finland’s role as a strong diplomatic actor
organise an EU-Western Balkans Summit on the international stage has been
during its Presidency. In this context, what highlighted numerous times, including,
actions has the Finnish government among others, the 2018 Russia-United
envisaged to put in place in terms of States Summit. How will Finland build on
enlargement policy? Will the Finnish this role during the Presidency?
Presidency support the opening of
Finland is well-known as a provider of good
accession negotiations with North
services in different diplomatic contexts; it
Macedonia and Albania?
has hosted important meetings (e.g. the
Finland supports an objective assessment of Helsinki conference 1975 that later on led to
the individual candidate states on the basis the establishment of OSCE, Organisation
of their compliance with the membership for Security and Cooperation in Europe),
criteria. The approach to North Macedonia bilateral meetings between the US and
or Albania thus depends on the status of Russia and its two earlier EU presidencies
their candidacy in this respect. have been praised for efficiency and good
preparations. As a small state it is important
The approach of Scandinavian countries on for Finland to ensure the functioning of the
the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is EU and its ability to reach the necessary
often opposed to the one of Southern decisions. Promoting the own Finnish
countries. Given that this file is related to agenda thus is not the priority. This is a role
the MFF, would you consider it a priority that provides a good starting point for the
for Finland during its Presidency? incoming EU presidency.
Finland is willing to modernize the EU’s
expenses but has, however, also shown
understanding towards the need to
safeguard the EU’s food supplies. The
Finnish farming needs the EU’s subsidies to
survive the Northern climate conditions.
Priorities of
the Finnish Presidency
For the 3rd time, Finland is taking the reins of the Council of the European Union in July, at a
time challenging for both Finnish and European politics:
• At the national level: Following the legislative elections in April, a centre-left party will
be, for the first time in 20 years, leading a coalition government which will have to prove
ready to assure the leadership of the Council;
• At the EU level: as a new Parliament and European Commission will be forming, it will
be essential for the Presidency to build and ensure smooth relationships between the
three EU bodies
Moreover, Finland will inherit crucial files such as the ongoing discussions on the long-term
EU budget for 2021-2027. The Presidency will have the difficult task of addressing some
unresolved matters such as the CAP reform negotiation and the impact that the UK
withdrawal from the EU will have on the other Member States’ financial contribution to the
European budget.
In addition, the Presidency will have to manage the finalisation of the Brexit negotiations if
the UK succeeds in defining its position on its EU exit strategy or will have to win Member
States’ approval for a new postponement of the exit deadline that will expire on the 31st of
October.
As of the world’s most advanced digital economies, Finland is
determined to focus its actions on the completion of the Digital Single
Market. It will provide its expertise at a watershed moment for the tech
sector, as the EU is entering a legislative cycle with tech-related policy
issues that are high on the agenda: ranging from encouraging the
deployment of “made in Europe” Artificial Intelligence technologies to
developing a “sustainable” regulatory framework for the platform
economy.
Furthermore, Finland has indicated its interest in engaging with 01
external stakeholders in several policy areas, including data policy, Tech
digital infrastructure and 5G.
Sector
7
While Finland has traditionally been a timid actor in EU climate politics,
the new Government is now striving to lead the way by aiming to be
the first fossil-free welfare society in the world. Finland will therefore
move its fight to Brussels and will try to convince its counterparts to
agree on an ambitious EU long-term decarbonisation strategy, aiming
to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Furthermore, the development of Arctic cooperation is a central issue
for the country, which will encourage the EU to make sustainable 02
investments in its northernmost region, for example by extending the Climate
Trans-European Transport Networks.
Policy
In order to increase economic growth and socioeconomic stability, the
Finnish Presidency will promote the development of a so called
“economy of wellbeing measure” to assure that EU public funds are
invested in improving people’s wellbeing. Reducing social inequalities
and improving employment opportunities for women will also be at
the heart of the Finnish strategy.
The country will also put a specific focus on the development of the
EU/Africa relationship to develop fair cooperation for mutual benefit:
promoting education and employment for young people is 03
considered to be an effective way to address the root causes of economic
migration.
growth
The Presidency will encourage Member States to intensify their
cooperation in the field of security and defence in order to strengthen
the EU’s ability to respond to hybrid threats, as well as to counter
influence/disinformation campaigns conducted by third countries. It
also aims to advance the discussions concerning the use of digital
technologies and artificial intelligence in the defence sector.
Finally, illegal migration issues will also remain a priority for the country
which is committed to work for a reform of the Common Immigration 04
Policy that remains respectful of human rights and that is acceptable Security
to the European citizens.
& defence
Political calendar for the
next six months
07 | July 08 | August
• 2nd to 4th: First plenary session of the • 9th to 11th: Flow Festival in Helsinki,
newly elected European Parliament Finland. A well-known European
(MEPs will elect their President & Vice- festival that combines street art and a
Presidents and decide on the number great variety of music styles.
and composition of the Parliament’s
standing committees) • 14th to 18th: The BSF will be back in
Brussels with wide line-up of jazz, pop
• 7th: Greece to hold snap general and electronic music, a great occasion
elections after the ruling party SYRIZA to enjoy summer in the city.
suffered a heavy defeat in the
European elections
• 15th to 18th: The European Parliament
will hold its second plenary session,
10 | October
during which it is expected to approve • 6th: Legislative elections in Portugal.
the nomination of the new European Given the European election results,
Commission President. the centre-left party is expected to
uphold its leadership position
09 | September • 21st to 24th: the European Parliament is
expected to approve the nomination
of the new College of Commissioners
• The Council, in agreement with the
Commission President-elect, will adopt • 31st: Expiration of the six-month
a list of candidate Commissioners - extension to Article 50 for the
one per Member State. These withdrawal of the United Kingdom
candidates will be auditioned by the from the EU. If the UK and the EU are
Parliamentary Committees in their unable to find an agreement by that
respective fields of responsibility date, the UK may once again request
another extension
• 18th and 19th: High-level conference in
Helsinki focusing on one of the • End of October: EU Heads of State or
Presidency’s priorities- The Economy Government aim to find an agreement
of Well-Being on the Multiannual Financial
Framework 2021-2027
• 30th - 1st of October: The Finnish
Presidency will organise a conference
on gender equality in Helsinki titled
“Europe for Gender Equality? Taking
stock-taking action”
9
11 | November 12 | December
• 1st: The new European Commission is • 1st: The new President of the European
expected to take office, as well as the Council takes office
new High Representative of the Union
for Foreign Affairs and the new • Presidential elections will take place in
President of the European Central Croatia, in which government
Bank weakness has been one of the main
obstacles in implementing economic
• 3rd: Presidential elections will take and social reforms.
place in Romania; sitting President
Klaus IOHANNIS has announced his
candidacy in running for a new termWhat about Finland?
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
• Finland (or ‘Suomi’ in Finnish) is one of the five Nordic countries, and the only one to be
a member of the EU (since 1995), the Eurozone (since 1999) and the Schengen area
(since 2001).
• Its neighbouring countries are Norway (north), Sweden (west), Russia (east) and Estonia
(south)
• The Finnish flag is white with a blue cross, representing the colours of the snow and the
lakes. It has been the official flag of the country since 1918.
• “Jokamiehenoikeus” (or “everyman’s rights”) is typically Finnish and more generally of
Nordic countries. It allows everyone to roam freely in nature, whether by walking, skiing,
riding or cycling and even to fish in the countryside, as long as it does not cause any
damage to property or nature.
• Finland is known to be a highly egalitarian country and was the first European country to
give all women the right to vote in 1906. In 2003, it had both a female President and
Prime Minister.
11HISTORY
• From the Middle Ages until 1809, Finland was part of Sweden. That is why Swedish is the
second official language of the country.
• Due to its geographical characteristics, both Sweden and Russia fought over Finland for
centuries. In 1809, Russia won its war against Sweden and Finland was captured by
Russia. However, the country stayed autonomous as the Grand Duchy of Finland.
• Finland became fully independent in 1917, during the Russian Revolution. Nowadays, it
still celebrates its Independence Day on 6 December.
• After declaring its independence, Finland established a monarchy in 1918 which lasted
for… 2 months. Prince Frederick-Charles of Hesse never even had time to be crowned
during his reign.
• Finland has been a Republic for exactly 101 years. Happy anniversary!
tourist tips : food, drinks & places
REINDEER MEAT LOHIKEITTO
Reindeer are found in Lapland This traditional Finnish soup
and their meat is famous for made with salmon, potatoes,
being particularly healthy. In carrots and leeks will warm you
combination with mashed up in the cold days. You can
Sweetness potatoes, the reindeer meat is
eaten everywhere in the
find it on the menu of most
restaurants in Finland.
country during the whole year.
MUNKKIS KOSKENKORVA
These fired Finnish donuts with One of the most common
cardamom are very popular spirits in Finland (38%),
So huge ! and eaten all the time of the
year, especially around the 1st
Koskenkorva should be drunk
ice-cold or mixed with
May during Vappu, a traditional carbonated water, orange juice
holiday to chase away the evil or an energy drink.
spirits of winter.
The Helsinki Cathedral or the most photographed building in Finland
Situated in the city centre, this Evangelical Lutheran Church was constructed between
1830 and 1852 and is considered as a major landmark of Helsinki.SUOMENLINNA TORI QUARTERS
Kippis!
Literally translated as “Castle Did you know that the Finns
of Finland “(in Finnish) and are the world’s biggest coffee
“Castle of Sweden” (in drinkers and consume around
Swedish), this maritime 12 kilos of coffee per year? Do
fortress is located on a group not hesitate to go for a coffee
of six different islands. A in the Tori Quarters (between
UNESCO World Heritage Site the Senate and the Market
since 1991, this castle is Squares in Helsinki) where a
particularly famous not only big number of cafés and
among tourists but also restaurants are concentrated
as well as some jewellery and
among locals.
books shops.
FUN FACTS
Even though Finland seems to be part of Scandinavia, it is not: Finland is a Nordic country
but, from a geographic point of view, it is not in Scandinavia which is only constituted by
Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
Relax, don't go fast
Did you know that there are more saunas than
cars in Finland?: Finnish people have a
deeply-rooted sauna tradition. The proof of
that: there are more than 2 million saunas in
Finland. Even the National Parliament as well
as one of the Burger King restaurants in Helsinki
have saunas. Renting the Burger King sauna for
three hours will cost you around 250 euros.
Heavy Metal!!! Ph.D. Recipients wear doctoral hats and
swords: The doctoral hat is an essential part
Heavy metal is very of the Ph.D. recipients’ dress code in Finland.
popular in Finland: Symbol of the freedom of research, they are
There are more heavy generally black, silken and should fit well on
metal bands per capita the head. For this purpose, they are most of
in Finland than anywhere the time tailor-made.
else in the world. In 2006, The sword is a civilian
the Finnish heavy-metal one and is traditionally
group Lordi even won the carried on the left side
Eurovision song contest. during the ceremony.Not so fast!
Speeding fines are not fixed but
defined according to people’s
income: The basis for the calculation
is the offender’s daily net income
divided by two. The number of
children under his/her responsibility
is also taken into account.
The wife-carrying contest
In Finland you find some special
sports such as mosquito
hunting, mobile phone
throwing, air guitar or the wife-
carrying championship. The
winner of the wife-carrying
contest receives his wife’s
weight in beer.
HE / SHE Ho Ho Ho! Santa Claus lives in Finland: His
Finnish is a genderless house is situated in the town of
language: Yes, you Rovaniemi in the province of
got it right, the Lapland. Apart from meeting
and taking memorable photos
Finnish language has with Joulupukki (Santa Claus
no grammatical in Finnish), you could also
have the opportunity to visit
gender. For instance, the traditional Christmas
the word hän means exhibition and to send a
letter from the Santa Claus
both “he” and “she”
Post Office to your friends
at the same time. all over the world.SPORTS
Athletics played an important
in Finnish history and the
creation of the national
identity. The country was
literally put onto the world
map thanks to the success of
Hannes KOLEHMAINEN and
Paavo NURMI in road
running.
Basketball, following the qualification to the
World Cup in 2014 and the draft of Lauri
MARKANNEN by the Chicago Bulls, and
football, following the good
performance of players like Jari
LITMANEN and Sami HYYPIÄ, have also
been gaining in popularity in recent years.
Pesäpao: the national sport Pesäpallo is the national sport of
Finland. The basic idea of
pesäpallo is similar to that of
baseball: the offense tries to score
by successfully hitting the ball and
running through the bases, while
the defense tries to put the batter
and runners out. One of the most
important difference between
pesäpallo and baseball is that the
ball is pitched underhand.
15Formula One is currently the most
popular form of motorsport in the
country thanks to the success of
Mika HÄKKINEN and Kimi
RÄIKKÖNEN, and of up-and-
coming driver Valtteri BOTTAS.
Motorsports are very popular in
Finland, the country being one of the
most successful nation in rallying
competitions. Juha KANKKUNEN and
Tommi MÄKINEN both won the
World Championship four times
during their respective careers,
while Marcus GRÖNHOLM won
the title twice.
Ice hockey is the most popular sport in the country. As
WINNER!
Want to show off a
a member of the so-called “Big 6”, the 6 best bit during a
countries in the world, Finland has won World conversation?
Championship 3 times, in 1995, 2011 and… in 2019 Here you go:
against Canada. Congratulations champions! Notable Finland has won a
Finnish players include Teemu SELÄNNE, Jari Kurri,
medal in every
Jere Lehtinen, Teppo Numminen, Tuukka Rask and
brothers Saku and Mikko Koivu.
Olympic Games
(winter and
summer) since its
independence.Some useful words
Hello! Hei / Moi - pronounced moy
Goodbye! Näkemiin / Moi moi - pronounced nah-kay-mean / moy moy
Good morning Hyvää huomenta - pronounced who-vah who-oh-men-tah
Thank you Kiitos - pronounced key-toss
Excuse me Anteeksi - pronounced Anne-take-see
How are you? Mitä kuuluu? - pronounced me-tay cool-ooh
One beer, please! Yksi olut, kiitos - pronounced ook-see ol-oot, key-toss
Cheers! Kippis! - pronounced keep-peace
Where is the nearest sauna? Missä on lähin sauna? - pronounced miss-sah on
la-hin sow-nah
The tree is on fire/the tree is returning/the number six is on fire/the number six is
returning/the moon is on fire Kuusi palaa - pronounced coo-see pa-laa
I wonder if I should run around aimlessly? Juoksentelisinkohan? - pronounced you-ock-
sent-telly-sin-cow-han
Warmer Lämpimämpi - pronounced lempy-mempy
(Longest word in the Finnish language!) Airplane jet turbine engine auxiliary mechanic
non-commissioned officer student
Lentokonesuihkuturbiinimoottoriapumekaanikkoaliupseerioppilas
- pronounced lento-con-ess-sue-ee-h-coo-toor-bee-knee-motor-ee-ah-poo-mechanic-oh-
ah-lee-oops-say-ree-opp-ee-lass
17Dialing in to the
Finnish Presidency
Everyone remembers the Nokia 3310. And what could be more stereotypically
Finnish? The hardworking little phone, with its simple style, long-lasting battery life
and nearly unbreakable exterior exemplifies the Finnish spirit of being tough, but also
innovative, forward thinking, and pragmatic.
Indeed, Finland was the first country to make Internet access a human right in 2010
and leads as one of the most technologically connected and advanced countries in
the world. Intricately related to this is the growth and importance of the
telecommunications sector in the mid- and late nineties, spearheaded by companies
like Nokia.
Finland had suffered one of its worse economic crises in the early 1990s but
rebounded with surprising panache a few years later. Nokia, which had begun as a
pulp mill in the town of the same name, pragmatically sold off its weaker divisions
(including its original cable and rubber divisions) to pivot towards the
telecommunications sector. It quickly became one of the fastest-growing companies in
the world, and ranked as one of the top-five best brands in the early 2000s.
By the year 2000, Nokia accounted for 4% of the country’s GDP, 21% of exports, and a
whopping 70% of the Helsinki Stock Market. With rising foreign competition, Nokia
sought to find international partners before once again pragmatically selling off its
weakening mobile division, and instead turned to international partnerships.
In the spirit of innovation and international cooperation, Finland once again takes the
Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Much like how Finland established
the first 2G mobile network in the world, it will now guide Europe into the era of 5G
telephony.Brussels office
Rue de Trèves 55-57 - B / 1040 Brussels
Tel. : +32 (0)2 289 67 20
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17, rue de Miromesnil - F / 75008 Paris
Tel. : +33 (0)1 56 88 52 10
Berlin office
Mauerstrasse 83/84 - D / 10117 Berlin
Tel. : +49 (0)30 201 438 213
Varsaw office
Al. Jana Pawla II 23 - P / 00-854 Varsaw
Tel. : +48 22 653 86 41
Marseille office
9, Quai Rive Neuve, Vieux Port - F / 13001 Marseille
Tel. : +33 (0)4 91 90 14 52
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