Current affairs

After the parliamentary elections on 14 April, it is time to look at the challenges for the next government. The formulation of energy and climate policies has to be based on long-term goals. The tasks of Finland’s future government have by and large been laid out by EU obligations. Finland’s Presidency of the EU Council, to start at the beginning of July, will provide us a unique opportunity to influence the EU priorities as we move towards a carbon neutral Europe. In Finland, special attention must be paid to improving the efficiency of emissions reduction measures in the sectors outside the Emissions Trading System.

After the parliamentary elections on 14 April, it is time to look at the challenges for the next government. The formulation of energy and climate policies has to be based on long-term goals. The tasks of Finland’s future government have by and large been laid out by EU obligations. Finland’s Presidency of the EU Council, to start at the beginning of July, will provide us a unique opportunity to influence the EU priorities as we move towards a carbon neutral Europe. In Finland, special attention must be paid to improving the efficiency of emissions reduction measures in the sectors outside the Emissions Trading System.

Parliamentary elections were held in Finland on 14 April 2019. The process of forming a new government begins after the organising of the new Parliament and the State Opening of Parliament.

– Europe's ability to compete with China and the United States in the global economy is of crucial importance. Reforming our industry for tomorrow's world is key to this competitiveness, said Mika Lintilä, Minister of Economic Affairs, in his speech at the EU Industry Day on 6 February, 2016.

Finland ranked first in the Good Country Index published on 23 January. The results of the Index indicate that, relative to its size, Finland contributes more to humanity and burdens the planet less than any other country.

Jari Vilén, Senior Advisor in Arctic policy matters, spells out the challenges that we face today in the Arctic region. Climate change is a major issue, but there's more to it than that.

The EU High Level Working Group on Competitiveness and Growth met in Brussels on 24 January 2019. The working group approved a new working programme for the coming 18-month period, during which the group’s work will be steered by a Finnish chair.

The EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) will meet in Brussels on 10 December. Finland's representative at the meeting will be Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini. Ukraine's Minister for Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin will attend an informal lunch during the meeting.

Restricting global warming is crucial to humanity’s future. There will be no easy transition to a low-emission world, or eventually to a carbon neutral world, and we must make changes in all spheres of life. The European Union has an important role as one who takes the lead and offers solutions. To do this, it needs an ambitious and comprehensive climate and energy policy that is based on knowledge.

Climate policy aims to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In the European Union, these emissions are reduced by emissions trading scheme, the obligations of effort sharing sectors and the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency.