The article features an interview with Stubb as he advocates for a more equitable and responsive U.N. structure that reflects current geopolitical realities.
Stubb highlighted the need for expanding the number of permanent members from five to ten and eliminating the veto power held by individual states. “No single state should have veto power in the U.N. Security Council,” Stubb told Reuters.
Stubb's proposals include adding representation from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, reflecting a desire to enhance the influence of countries from the Global South in global governance.
“My basic message is that if countries from the global South, from Latin America, from Africa, from Asia, do not get agency in the system, they will turn their backs against the United Nations. And that we do not want,” he said.
Stubb specifically called for the suspension of any member state engaged in an “illegal war,” referencing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a primary example. He aims to present these proposals at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly, underscoring the deadlock the current structure faces in addressing geopolitical conflicts, including the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
He expressed support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and urged Western nations to lift restrictions on military aid to Ukraine, arguing that these limitations hinder Ukraine’s ability to defend itself effectively.
Original story was published by Reuters on 18.09.2024 and can be found here.
Finland to return pandas to China early due to cost
Finland’s Ähtäri zoo’s announcement to return of two giant pandas to China, eight years earlier their scheduled departure, was covered in an article by BBC on September 25. The article reflects on the decision, stemming from the zoo's inability to bear the rising costs associated with their care, primarily due to inflation and financial strains from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Initially brought to Finland in 2018 under a 15-year agreement, the pandas, Lumi and Pyry, have required substantial annual expenditures, amounting to €1.5 million for their upkeep alone, alongside an investment of over €8 million in their specialized enclosure. The zoo’s curator, Marko Haapakoski, noted that the maintenance costs for the pandas exceeded those for all other animals at the zoo combined.
“It’s a good thing for the zoo because they were so expensive,” but the pandas had been “doing really well, so it’s a pity”, Haapakoski said.
The Finnish government declined the zoo’s requests for additional funding last year, leading to the realization that the pandas were not generating the expected visitor numbers or revenue. The return process will include a month-long quarantine for Lumi and Pyry before their repatriation in November.
Despite the financial decision, Finnish and Chinese officials indicated that this would not negatively affect bilateral relations. The Chinese embassy acknowledged efforts to support the zoo, but ultimately accepted the zoo’s decision. Panda diplomacy remains a significant aspect of China’s international relations, using the loan of pandas to enhance diplomatic ties.
Original story was published by BBC on 25.09.2024 and can be found here.
Karelian closer to finding green diamond source in Finland
The attempts by Karelian Diamond Resources, an Irish exploration company, to locate the source of a rare green diamond discovered in Finland’s Kuhmo region in 2022, was covered in an article by Mining.com on September 25. The article highlights Karelian’s activities as a promising development in Finland’s diamond exploration and mining sector.
Following a series of excavations, the company collected 21 glacial till samples for analysis and is preparing for a winter drilling program, contingent upon the analysis results. This drilling aims to investigate identified kimberlitic targets in the area.
Karelian has strategically positioned many of its excavation pits down-ice from potential kimberlite sources, following the trail of indicator minerals linked to the green diamond’s discovery. Notably, six potential kimberlite locations have been identified using geophysical methods.
In addition to this diamond exploration, Karelian is advancing its Lahtojoki deposit project, which could become the EU’s first diamond mine. The company recently resolved legal disputes with local landowners and is awaiting approval from Finland’s National Land Survey to finalize the project’s boundaries. The Lahtojoki deposit is expected to contain high-quality diamonds, including pink varieties that can sell for significantly higher prices than colorless diamonds.
Original story was published by Mining.com on 25.09.2024 and can be found here.
Amid China-EU tensions, former Finnish prime minister warns of societal harm from tariffs
Former Finnish Prime Minister Mari Kiviniemi’s concern regarding escalating tensions between China and the European Union (EU), was covered in an article by South China Morning Post on September 26. The article highlights Kiviniemi’s warning against the EU’s protectionist measures, including tariffs, can significantly harm the global economy and society as a whole.
Her remarks come amid deteriorating economic relations between Beijing and Brussels, particularly following the EU’s decision to impose additional import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, which range from 17.4% to 37.6%. This action has heightened fears of a potential trade war, prompting retaliatory responses from China.
Speaking at the recent annual conference of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Kiviniemi emphasized the importance of open dialogue to address EU apprehensions about China’s overseas projects and technology. I’m very worried about these tensions – and geopolitical tensions,” Kiviniemi told South China Morning Post.
“Because, from my background, I know so well how much protectionism and tariffs harm the world economy, and by that, it harms all of society,” she added.
Kiviniemi, who served as Finland’s prime minister from 2010 to 2011 and later held a prominent role at the OECD, stressed that managing geopolitical tensions is crucial for maintaining healthy economic relationships.
Original story was published by South China Morning Post on 26.09.2024 and can be found here.
Estonia, Finland establishing plans to defend Gulf of Finland
The increasing military collaboration between Estonia and Finland, particularly in maritime defense concerning the Gulf of Finland, was covered in an article by ERR news on September 23. The article gives details of the initiative, aimed to potentially block Russian ships from accessing this strategic area in response to threats.
Estonia’s Defense Forces (EDF) Commander Major General Andrus Merilo noted that this initiative is contingent on the security landscape, emphasizing their readiness to act defensively if necessary. Although he did not confirm the existence of specific plans, he reiterated the importance of cooperation to ensure maritime security in the Baltic Sea.
Estonia has been actively expanding its naval capabilities since 2022, investing in sea mines and long-range anti-ship missiles to enhance its defense posture against potential maritime threats, particularly from Russia. The overall strategy among Baltic Sea nations appears focused on collective investments to neutralize threats and ensure regional security.
Original story was published by ERR news on 23.09.2024 and can be found here.
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