Month: April 2022

Stalling in the drafting of law hurts companies and consumers

The Finnish Commerce Federation is reminding the Ministry of Justice and Parliament to bear their responsibility with regard to the delayed implementation of EU consumer law. The Consumer Protection Act is being amended for the second time within a year in a way that requires commerce sector businesses to make considerable efforts. Nonetheless, companies are expected to adjust to the new obligations practically overnight. Mari Kiviniemi, Managing Director of the Finnish Commerce Federation, is dismayed by the fact that companies and consumers are being forced to take a hit from the delayed drafting of law.

Mask recommendation for shops lifted

The Finnish Commerce Federation and the Finnish Grocery Trade Association recommend that the national mask recommendation be lifted in shops. On 14 April, THL notified about the lifting of the general mask recommendation. These official instructions only apply to the mask use of customers. The employers shall continue to give their own recommendations based on their own risk assessment.  

Commerce sector pleased with the government’s RDI investments – structural reform and measures to strengthen employment still lacking 

In the view of the Finnish Commerce Federation, the decisions taken in the government’s budget framework session are mostly a step in the right direction, but insufficient in terms of reform. The commerce sector is satisfied with the government’s RDI decisions, as they will strengthen growth over the long term. It is also necessary to invest in the aftermath of the war in Ukraine and in ensuring Finland’s security. However, the session provided no new solutions to improve employment or dismantle incentive traps.    

The commerce sector’s messages for the budget framework session: Purchasing power and restructuring must be taken into account

The long-running coronavirus pandemic and the military action launched by Russia will have significant negative economic effects, which will be felt in the daily lives of citizens. The commerce sector expects the government's budget framework session to provide solutions that support purchasing power, to promote growth-enhancing regulatory reform, and to take into account all potential and cost-effective energy production methods in response to the prevailing energy security and climate challenges.