War preparedness, digital literacy and unequal austerity measures: Finland in the world press

Here is a selection of what the international press has published about Finland in the last week:

Stockpile diapers, medication, baby food: NATO members Sweden and Finland advise citizens on how to survive war

The updated wartime preparedness guidelines by Sweden and Finland for their citizens were covered in an article by CNN on November 18.

The article elaborates on the efforts by these Nordic nations to ensure civilian readiness for potential crises, including military conflicts, natural disasters, and disruptions to essential services.

International media have seen the move as reflecting heightened security concerns in the wake of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. However, the move is part of broader regional efforts to bolster resilience amid increasing geopolitical and environmental instability.

In Finland, the Ministry of the Interior released new guidance designed to prepare citizens for various crises, including long-term power outages, water shortages, and communication disruptions. The advice also covers coping with extreme weather events and potential military conflicts. The updated guidance reflects Finland’s growing emphasis on civilian preparedness as a cornerstone of national security, particularly in light of the country’s proximity to Russia and the evolving security landscape in Europe.

Similarly, Sweden has begun distributing a revised version of its wartime preparedness booklet, Om krisen eller kriget kommer (If Crisis or War Comes), to all five million households. The fifth edition of this booklet, which was first introduced during World War II, places a stronger focus on readiness for war and extreme crises. It provides citizens with practical advice on stockpiling essential items such as water, diapers, medication, and baby food, as well as growing food at home. New sections include tips on managing evacuations, administering first aid, caring for pets, and supporting vulnerable populations. The guide also offers advice on how to talk to children about crises and cope with anxiety during emergencies.

Original story was published by CNN on 18.11.2024 and can be found here.

Educating young people about social media would be far more effective than a ban – Finland can show us how

The debate around Australia’s proposed social media ban for under-16s was covered in an article by The Conversation on November 22. The article compares the move with Finland, as the Nordic country has been seen as a model for addressing digital literacy and online safety.

While the ban in Australia aims to protect children, critics argue it is a reactive policy rather than a long-term solution. Concerns include the potential for social media platforms to become less regulated spaces where harmful content proliferates, and the risk of young people being unprepared to navigate digital risks once they turn 16.

Finland integrates digital literacy into its national curriculum, teaching responsible online behaviour from a young age and embedding these lessons across all grade levels. Beyond schools, public libraries and community centers offer programs for adults, fostering lifelong digital skills. Finland’s anti-fake news initiative, launched in 2014, has also equipped citizens to counter misinformation.

The article highlights how the Finnish education system emphasizes critical thinking, teaching students to identify bots, recognize manipulated images and videos, and detect half-truths or false profiles. This practical approach has consistently positioned Finland as a global leader in digital media literacy, ranking first out of 35 countries in resilience six times in a row.

Original story was published by The Conversation on 22.11.2024 and can be found here.

Finland withdraws from the Barents Euro-Arctic Council

Finland’s decision to withdraw from the Barents Euro-Arctic Council (BEAC) after 2025 was covered in an article by High North News on November 21. The article explores the rationale behind the decision, citing changes in the European security landscape and the international environment, particularly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Barents cooperation, established in 1993, was once an effective forum for regional collaboration, especially between Finland, Russia, and neighbouring Nordic countries. However, after Russia’s withdrawal from BEAC in 2023, Finland, along with Norway and Sweden, is reconsidering the utility of this format. Finland’s Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, emphasized that the Barents cooperation no longer meets contemporary needs and has led to overlapping structures.

“Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Barents cooperation was an effective channel for Finland to interact with others in the northern regions. However, this form of cooperation no longer meets today’s needs, and it creates overlapping structures. Finland’s goal is a stable and prosperous Nordic region, and we will continue to invest in it through various forms of cooperation,” Elina Valtonen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said.

Moving forward, Finland plans to invest in strengthening cooperation with Norway and Sweden through other platforms, particularly through the Nordic Council of Ministers. A key initiative will involve developing a joint strategic agenda for the northern regions of Finland, Norway, and Sweden, focusing on security and regional stability. Finland’s exit from the BEAC will also include a departure from the agreement that established the International Barents Secretariat.

Original story was published by High North News on 21.11.2024 and can be found here.

Finland’s government is Robin Hood in reverse

The austerity measures and tax reforms implemented by the Finland’s current government were covered in an article by Jacobin on November 21. The article observes how the Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s coalition government has embraced "authoritarian neoliberalism," characterized by a combination of austerity measures, social spending cuts, and tax reforms favouring the wealthy, all while undermining trade unions and civil liberties.

The government, including the conservative National Coalition Party and far-right Finns Party, has drastically reduced spending on social services such as healthcare and social security, while introducing tax cuts for high earners. These cuts are expected to push tens of thousands of Finns into poverty and exacerbate inequality.

This approach has been justified by the government as necessary to stimulate economic growth and reduce unemployment, but critics argue that it will only harm the most vulnerable sectors of society.

The government has also targeted labour unions, weakening their power through new legislation designed to limit strikes and protests, which is seen as a way to curb workers’ rights and suppress collective action. The government’s anti-immigrant stance is also highlighted, particularly through legislation that gives authorities the power to block asylum seekers and tighten the requirements for migrant workers.

Another concern highlighted in the article is the funding cuts to NGOs and public media, seen as serving the interests of private businesses and limiting dissenting voices. The article reflects how these austerity measures and far-right policies are becoming normalized in Finland, undermining the country’s social democratic foundations.

Original story was published by Jacobin on 21.11.2024 and can be found here.

Finland suspends foreign aid to Somalia over refusal to take back refugees

Finland’s decision to temporarily suspend its foreign aid to Somalia due to the country’s refusal to take back refugees was covered in an article by The European Conservative on November 21. The article highlights the reason for this action as Somalia’s refusal to cooperate with Finland on the repatriation of Somali nationals who are living illegally in Finland.

The decision was announced by Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Ville Tavio, on November 20, 2024. This suspension applies specifically to the development cooperation aid program, which typically allocates €8-9 million annually. However, it does not affect humanitarian aid, and certain funding programs may still be exempt from the suspension.

The Finnish government has emphasized that the aid could be resumed if Somalia makes progress in cooperating with Finland on “re-admissions cooperation,” which involves the return of illegal migrants.

“Return cooperation has not reached a sufficient level,” Ville Tavio said. “States must naturally strive to ensure that all those illegally in their country are returned when that can be done safely,” Tavio added.

Original story was published by The European Conservative on 21.11.2024 and can be found here.

HT