The Helsinki Times reports that Finland's Minister of Finance suggested during a recent foreign policy speech that Finland and the EU could pursue self-sufficiency in computing, in particular to avoid over dependence on just a handful of companies. She pointed out that this overreliance on said companies has become so severe that company policy has already started to override existing relevant legislation. The topic had earlier been brought up by President Sauli Niinistö. So far, though, not even Russia has made progress in that direction despite over a decade passing since announcing plans.
"Cyber self-sufficiency, in practical terms, could mean having a European operating system and web browser. The EU could also function as a provider of certificates," she envisioned in a foreign and security policy speech in Helsinki on Wednesday, 26 February.
Previously:
Moscow Bans Sale of Gadgets Without Russian-Made Software
(Score: 2) by HiThere on Thursday February 27 2020, @11:00PM (2 children)
True, but Finland is less connected to the EU. (I think it's EEC, but not EU.) And this article *was* from the Helsinki Times.
Javascript is what you use to allow unknown third parties to run software you have no idea about on your computer.
(Score: 2) by tangomargarine on Friday February 28 2020, @04:18PM (1 child)
Huh. Finland was actually one of the earlier members of the EU, joining back in 1995.
Before I looked it up, I assumed it was one of those things that would never happen, because Russia would get pissy and give them the Ukraine treatment if they did. Throughout the Cold War Finland's entire national policy was basically try to keep Russia only semi-pissed at them so they wouldn't invade, by not having too close of ties with the West.
Finland is, however, not a member of NATO.
"Is that really true?" "I just spent the last hour telling you to think for yourself! Didn't you hear anything I said?"
(Score: 2) by HiThere on Friday February 28 2020, @05:01PM
You're right, and I'm surprised. I was certain that when reading about BrExit it was stated that Finland was only a member of the EEC and Schwengen Agreement. (And maybe it was, of course. I didn't validate what I thought to be a trustworthy source.)
Javascript is what you use to allow unknown third parties to run software you have no idea about on your computer.