Current affairs

The global challenges we face demand an ever-increasing number of technological innovations, and corresponding expertise in the natural sciences, mathematics and technology. Young people have the key role in resolving these challenges in the future.

Two years ago, in the summer of 2008, I was making preparations for my move back to Brussels. I made a whistle-stop tour of Helsinki to find out what expectations people would have of me as Permanent Representative of Finland to the European Union. A great deal of useful input was forthcoming, but some advice that has stayed with me more than most was that given by Teija Tiilikainen: always remember the community method.

On 1st July 2010, the Finnish Parliament voted on the two decisions-in-principle approved by the Government in May for the construction of additional nuclear power plants. Parliament voted 120–72 in favour of the decision-in-principle approving the construction of a new power plant unit, Olkiluoto 4, by Teollisuuden Voima Oyj. The favourable decision-in-principle regarding Fennovoima Oy's application to construct a new nuclear power plant in Simo or Pyhäjoki was also approved, by 121–71 votes.

As from 5 April 2010, Schengen visas will be applied electronically. The new form is linked with the entry into force of the Community Code on Visas and with the harmonisation of processing of applications.

The Baltic Sea Action Summit to be held in Helsinki on 10 February is no ordinary summit. This gathering is made unique by its participants: leaders representing governments, the business community, NGOs and philanthropy. “This promises to be a fine and productive summit,” Jari Luoto, Ambassador for Baltic Sea Issues at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, said on Thursday at the press conference organised to provide background information about the summit.

“Spain takes on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 January 2010, a strategic moment for Europe.” The wording of the opening sentence of the Spanish presidency programme is much the same as the opening sentence of other member states’ presidency programmes. It is customary to start that way, with slight variations on the theme. The importance of the moment is always underscored.

President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso has named Doctor Olli Rehn as the next EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs.

On 5 November 2009, the Government granted consent for Nord Stream AG’s plan to construct an offshore natural gas pipeline system that would traverse the Baltic Sea. Nord Stream will act as the operator of the natural gas pipeline system, which involves two parallel pipelines.

On 27 July, EU Foreign Ministers agreed on submitting Iceland's application to the Commission. Sweden which currently holds the EU Presidency believes in rapid negotiations. According to Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, “the first Foreign Ministers’ meeting arranged by Sweden went very well. If a country was chosen to hold the EU presidency permanently, if it wasn’t Finland, it would be Sweden.”