Prime Minister Stubb to October European Council

Translation. Originally published in Finnish on 22 October 2014

Prime Minister Alexander Stubb will attend the European Council meeting to be held in Brussels on 23 and 24 October, and the Euro Summit to be held after it. The most important issue at the European Council is the 2030 Climate and Energy Package.

The European Council will set targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and for increasing renewable energy use and energy efficiency in the EU.

“The EU must be a global pioneer in climate policy. The zero-emission goal must not, however, unduly endanger our industry and jobs. We must strive for cost-effective solutions that promote competitiveness,” says Prime Minister Stubb.

For Finland, the key issue is the sharing of non-ETS sector emission reduction targets between Member States. Finland considers that burden-sharing should be based on cost-efficiency so that emission reduction measures to date are taken into account. The non-ETS sector includes, for example, transport, agricultural and household emissions. Finland considers it important that the reduction of transport emissions and the promotion of renewable fuels are taken into account in the 2030 package.

Energy security will also be discussed in connection with climate issues. In addition, the meeting will address key issues relating to the economy and external relations.

Prime Minister Stubb’s delegation will include Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade, Lenita Toivakka.

Inquiries: Lauri Tierala, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 40 841 7141 and Kare Halonen, State Secretary, EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 315, Prime Minister’s Office