Current issues

2.2.12

Kari Mokko appointed as Director of Government Communications

On Thursday 2 February, the Government appointed Mr Kari Mokko, Master of Arts, as Director of Government Communications. He will take up the office on 1 March 2012. The appointment is for the current electoral period.

Mr Mokko is currently working as Press Secretary (media relations and public image) at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C. Before that, he held a long-term position at the YLE Current Affairs department where he served as a television journalist, producer and programme host.

 
Olli-Pekka Heinonen (picture:Yle)

2.2.12

Olli-Pekka Heinonen appointed as State Secretary to the Prime Minister

On Thursday 2 February, the Government appointed Mr Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Master of Laws, as State Secretary to the Prime Minister. He will take up the office on 1 March 2012. The appointment is for the duration of Prime Minister Katainen's term of office. Mr Heinonen will move to the Prime Minister's Office from the Finnish Broadcasting Company, YLE, where he is employed as Director of TV Operations. Earlier, Heinonen has served as Minister of Education, Minister of Transport and Communications and Member of Parliament.

 
Heidi Hautala, the Finnish Minister responsible for state ownership steering

1.2.12

Minister Hautala: Transaction between Outokumpu and ThyssenKrupp important to Finland

Heidi Hautala, the Finnish Minister responsible for state ownership steering, welcomes the agreement reached between ThyssenKrupp and Outokumpu. "With the transaction, a traditional Finnish steel company will become a new global leader in stainless steel. It will also improve the company's potential for steel production in Tornio, Finland. This is precisely the kind of development that the State and its holding company, Solidium, should promote."

 
Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen (picture: Council of the European Union)

31.1.12

EU Heads of State or Government agreed on economic treaties

The informal meeting of members of the European Council focused on measures to enhance economic growth and competitiveness including steps to improve the position of small and medium-sized enterprises, stimulate youth employment and develop the single market. The meeting also finalised the Treaty on stability, coordination and governance in the Economic and Monetary Union and the Treaty establishing the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).

The President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy had invited the Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen to give Finland's views on the measures with which to promote growth and employment.