In early May, a group of welfare coordinator students found themselves on a study trip in Brussels. The aim was to get to know the EU policy from the health and well-being promotion perspective, without forgetting culture. This was also a great opportunity to meet other fellow students face to face after studying remotely. Brussels is home to an estimated 5,000 Finns, from EU workers to homeless people. Jump in to read what we learned and the insights we gained on our study trip!

At European Economic and Social Committee. Picture: Annina Kekki

Hard work and rivalry in the institutions of the EU

The values of the EU are human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights. One of the institutions guarding these values is the European Committee of the Regions (CoR). The main purpose of CoR is to ensure regional voices are heard in the EU and to bring decision-making closer to regional residents. We learned that 70 % of the EU Commission’s legislation proposal goes to CoR’s consultation before implementation in the EU Parliament and Council.

European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is an EU institution that represents an organized civil society. It allows organizations to influence EU legislative proposals. The European Parliament, the Council of the EU, and the European Commission may request opinions from the Committee, and the Committee may also issue opinions on its initiative. Organized civil society includes employers’ organizations, workers’ trade unions, and civil society organizations such as consumers and farmers.

There are also around 300 EU offices with 6 of them being Finnish. We visited Eastern and Northern Finland’s EU Office and learned that the key tasks of the EU office include monitoring and influencing EU issues relevant to the region it represents. Senior Specialist Eerikki Vainio introduced us the operations of the regional office and how it collaborates with other regional councils to enhance the competitiveness and operating conditions of Eastern and Northern Finland’s economy.

By Eastern and Northern Finland’s EU Office. Picture: Annina Kekki

Long hours and meaningful work

We were also welcomed to Jutta Urpilainen’s cabinet by a cabinet member Suvi Leinonen. Leinonen is a special assistant to Commissioner Urpilainen who is responsible for International Partnerships. This means developing a new comprehensive strategy on sustainable investment and jobs in Africa and the EU, negotiating the conclusion of the Cotonou Agreement with African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States, ensuring that the European Union’s external financial assistance contributes to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development and supports gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. We learned that the work of the cabinet’s members is found very meaningful and important. The workdays though are often long and hectic and the assistants tend to work six days a week.

In the Committee’s Medical Service, we heard more about the challenges for health and well-being among the committee’s employees. Mental health, combining social life with work demands, a rival work culture and cultural differences within employees in the workplace were the most significant issues. The Medical Service has a psychosocial sector to meet these demands with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and a budget counselor. HR and Medical Service has over 30, 000 clients from 27 nationalities and 20 different languages spoken. 57 % of the clients are female of which 12 % are between the ages 45–49. This leads to gynecological matters being an important area of the medical service.

The Brussels Finns

Brussels is home to an estimated 5,000 Finns and The Finnish House (Finnish Seamen’s Mission in Belgium) offers professional help and support from everyday challenges to crisis for Finns living and working abroad. The House features a Scandinavian-style cafe, a small shop selling Finnish products, and a library. The House also hosts group activities for all ages, and they have a genuine Finnish sauna. All this is financed by donations and grants. Through these activities, the well-being of Finns living in the Benelux area is enhanced in a diverse manner.

Celebrating culture and Europe

On Thursday, when Brussels was celebrating Europe Day 2024, we headed for cultural well-being. From Autoworld Brussels to Atomium and surrealist art exhibition to the beautiful city of Brugge, our group got see a different Brussels. The collection of over 1000 vehicles, views over the city of Brussels from a World Expo monument, or the artworks that tickled your mind were nothing compared to our dinner together at 65degrés restaurant. Besides the culinary enjoyment, the warm and genuine contact with the restaurant’s staff was something to remember. This practical example of implementing inclusion and diversity in business had us thinking could this restaurant concept be used in Finland as well?

At 65degrés restaurant. Picture: Annina Kekki

Don’t forget to Use Your Vote in European Elections from June 6th to 9th 2024!

Writers:

Mari Ellola, Ansu Falck, Annina Kekki, Eeva-Liisa Mali, Saija Manninen, Sanna Nerjanto & Laura Siitari, Students of Welfare and Health Coordinator Master’s Degree Programme at Savonia University of Applied Sciences (UAS)

Pirjo Turunen, the Principal Lecturer; Savonia UAS

Sources:

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Autoworld Brussels date of publication unknown. Online publication. https://www.autoworld.be/en/. Accessed 19.5.2024.

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