Finnish ministers absent from EU meetings
|
|
Finland's upcoming Parliamentary Elections, as well as the country's recent term as the President of the European Union, have prevented some Finnish ministers from participating in the meetings with their colleagues from the European Union in Brussels.
Beause of a tight schedule, the Finnish ministers have been obliged to consider whether or not a specific meeting is important enough. Hence, several ministers have chosen to be absent from EU ministerial meetings this week, and the same is expected to continue also next week.
However, both Minister of Social Affairs and Health Tuula Haatainen and Minister of the Environment Stefan Wallin intend to attend this week's ministerial sessions.
Particularly the meeting of EU Ministers of the Environment on Tuesday is important, as the member-states are to discuss the proposed EU emissions cuts. In fact, the large number of Finnish delegates alone - totalling 20 - reflects the significance of the issue hereabouts.
Furthermore, Foreign Affairs Minister Erkki Tuomioja plans to attend the meeting of European Foreign Ministers in March, just before the Finnish Parliamentary Elections.
When a minister is unable to attend, it does not mean an empty seat behind the "Suomi-Finland" label: he or she is substituted either by Finland's EU Ambassador or his deputy, or by the minister's Political State Secretary, or both. Where necessary, the deputies, who are briefed in advance on the Finnish line, can be in direct contact with the minister concerned by phone.
Helsingin Sanomat
|
| 20.2.2007 - TODAY |
 Finnish ministers absent from EU meetings |
|
