Statement of the MEAE on the EIA programme for the future of the Loviisa nuclear power plants
On 13 August 2020, Fortum submitted an environmental impact assessment (EIA) programme to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. It started a procedure, which will assess the environmental impact of continuing, or alternatively closing, the operation of the Loviisa nuclear power plant as well as the impact of the options for the final disposal facility of low and intermediate-level waste. As the coordinating authority, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment issued a statement on the programme on 26 November 2020.
EU Competitiveness Council to discuss Member States’ investments in research and development
The EU ministers responsible for competitiveness will discuss the future of the European Research Area (ERA) at their meeting on research and innovation on 27 November 2020. Finland’s representative at the informal video meeting of competitiveness ministers (research, innovation) will be Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä.
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency to visit Finland
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi will visit Finland on 25–26 November 2020. On Wednesday, he will meet President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö and Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä and discuss with Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto and Minister for Development and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari. On Thursday, Mr Grossi will visit Eurajoki.
Reduced administrative burden for small food service businesses in preparing financial statements
The Government proposes a legislative amendment concerning the support and compensation paid to food and beverage service sector businesses. The amendment will reduce the administrative burden and costs of small companies by simplifying the accounting obligations regarding compensation. The amendment is based on the European Commission’s decision to relax the State aid rules.
Building of Finland’s first quantum computer begins – VTT partners with quantum startup IQM
VTT and IQM have entered into an agreement to establish a co-innovation partnership and begin building Finland’s first quantum computer. The cooperation will bring together top expertise in quantum technologies and enable a leap in Finland’s quantum capabilities. The government of Finland has granted the project EUR 20.7 million funding.
Talent Boost
The objective of the Government’s joint Talent Boost programme is to make Finland more attractive to international talents and to channel the expertise of international talents already in Finland to support growth, internationalisation and innovation in Finnish companies.
Government report on the future of the retail sector
The future report addresses the ongoing transformation of the retail sector in Finland, and the structural revolution in retail worldwide. The coronavirus pandemic also has a dramatic impact on retail.
Low-carbon roadmaps 2035
The Government will work to ensure that Finland is carbon neutral by 2035 and carbon negative soon after that. In accordance with the Government Programme, sectoral low-carbon roadmaps will be drawn up in cooperation with companies and organisations in the relevant sectors.
Tuula Haatainen
Minister of Employment