The article, covered by Agence France-Presse in Helsinki, talks about the 2022 reform in Finland’s parental leave system, which has led to Finnish fathers now taking nearly twice as much time off compared to before the change.

The reform granted both parents equal paid leave of 160 days each, with 63 days transferable between them, to be used before the child turns two. This aims to promote family flexibility and gender equality in the workplace.

Before the reform, fathers averaged 44 days of leave. For children born after the reform, the average has risen to 78 days. The change has visibly encouraged fathers to spend more time at home, building stronger bonds with their children. Social benefits agency Kela highlighted this as a positive societal shift toward equal distribution of parental responsibilities.

“I feel like you now see more fathers coming here than before,” said Leo Vainio, father to one-year-old Unto. “It is a good system of enhancing equality to offer both parents the same amount of days of parental allowance,” he added.

Kela’s lead specialist, Johanna Aholainen, said: “The new rules emphasise values in society by aiming to even out the days of parental leave between the parents and, according to the statistics, we are moving towards this aim.”

Original story was published by The Guardian on 07.11.2024 and can be found here.

Finland’s commissioner hearing: MEPs turn up heat as Henna Virkkunen bids for tech portfolio

The confirmation hearing of Henna Virkkunen, Finland’s nominee for the European Commission’s Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, before the European Parliament, was covered in an article by Politico on November 11. The article gives a detailed account of the hearing, examining her key policy positions, and the broader political context influencing the hearing.

Virkkunen emphasized the need for Europe to achieve greater technological independence, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and cloud services. She discussed the EU’s regulatory frameworks, including the Digital Services Act (DSA), and promised stricter enforcement and enhanced resources for regulatory teams. “80 percent of our technology comes from outside the EU,” Virkkunen said.

Lawmakers pressed her on her ability to implement these rules effectively, particularly amid concerns about the influence of tech leaders like Elon Musk, who has close ties to the Trump administration. Despite repeated questions, Virkkunen maintained that all companies operating in the European market must adhere to EU laws, offering measured but unspectacular responses.

Security and defense were also central to the hearing. Virkkunen stressed the importance of strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities, urging member states to meet NATO spending targets and prioritize investments in cybersecurity and defense research.

While her responses demonstrated thorough preparation, her approach was seen as risk-averse, avoiding controversial statements but also missing opportunities to energize the discussion, and sticking closely to her prepared notes. The lawmakers questioned her approach and her ability to lead with vision. Despite repeated questions, Virkkunen maintained that all companies operating in the European market must adhere to EU laws, offering measured but unspectacular responses.

Original story was published by Politico on 11.11.2024 and can be found here.

How to Build the World’s Largest Cruise Ship (or One of Them, Anyway)

The construction of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in the world, at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, was covered in an article by The New York Times on November 8. The article offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the complex shipbuilding process and the challenges involved in creating such a massive vessel.

The Star of the Seas Is the sister ship to Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, and is set to launch in August 2025. Like its predecessor, it boasts impressive dimensions—1,196 feet long, 20 decks high, and the capacity to accommodate nearly 8,000 passengers. The ship includes innovative features such as themed neighborhoods, water parks, multiple dining options, aquadome, among others. One of the standout features, “The Pearl” is both a kinetic art installation and a structural element.

The shipyard faced unique challenges during the construction process, particularly due to Finland’s harsh winters. With temperatures dropping to -7.6°F and strong winds, workers had to carefully time outdoor installations, like the aquadome, when wind speeds were below 10 mph. Coordinating the efforts of multiple contractors—typically 10 to 15 for each ship section—added further complexity to the project.

The Meyer Turku shipyard also integrates sustainability practices through its NEcOleap program, focusing on energy efficiency, responsibly sourced materials, and optimized ship design to reduce fuel consumption.

Original story was published by The New York Times on 08.11.2024 and can be found here.

UNHCR raises concerns over Finnish family reunification proposal

United Nations Refugee Agency’s (UNHCR) concerns regarding Finland’s proposed amendments to its Aliens Act, which introduce stricter rules for family reunification, was covered in an article by Scandasia on November 15. The article gives details of the amendment, as UNHCR highlights how these restrictions disproportionately burden practical nurses and other workers from abroad, as well as refugees seeking safety and stability.

These changes, effective from November 1, 2024, significantly affect foreign workers and refugees, particularly those from nations like the Philippines and Vietnam. Key provisions include new income thresholds, a required minimum residence period, and age limitations for sponsoring spouses, along with financial demands on families of underage sponsors.

Foreign workers and refugees  face greater challenges in reuniting with family members, which undermines their integration into Finnish society. The agency warns that the measures could harm refugees’ overall wellbeing and create obstacles for their successful adjustment to life in Finland.

In particular, the income requirement makes it increasingly difficult for workers, especially those in lower-paying sectors, to meet the criteria for bringing their families. For refugees, the tightened rules exacerbate their vulnerability, isolating them from vital family support networks.

Original story was published by Scandasia on 15.11.2024 and can be found here.

HT