Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discusses nuclear energy and forest monitoring

At its meeting on 9 February, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discussed the promotion of technology-neutral energy policy and the proposal on a more efficient monitoring of forest data. In addition, the Ministerial Committee outlined Finland’s positions for two upcoming informal ministerial meetings.

The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs decided that Finland's energy policy positions would be utilised in exerting advance influence. Finland wants to increase the use of technology-neutral energy, such as nuclear energy, in the EU. Finland's objective is to have its views taken into account in the European Commission's forthcoming work programme and future legislative proposals. Finland emphasises that nuclear energy should be considered equal to other clean forms of energy production and means to reduce emissions. Finland considers that a technology-neutral energy policy contributes to achieving the climate objectives in a cost-effective manner and improves the security of supply and the management of Europe's dependence on fossil fuels and minerals.

The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs also discussed the proposal for a Regulation on a monitoring framework for resilient European forests. The proposal is based on the EU Forest Strategy. According to the Commission, threats to forests could be better addressed if there was more harmonised data available. Finland considers that the proposal’s objectives to support evidence-based decision-making and promote open access to information on forest resources are important. Finland also supports the collection of consistent and high-quality forest data. 

The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs also outlined Finland’s positions for the following informal meetings of ministers: 

• informal meeting of development ministers on 11–12 February
• informal meeting of competitiveness ministers (research and innovation) on 14–15 February.

The informal meeting of development ministers will focus on the mid-term review of the EU's international cooperation and development policy. 

The informal meeting of competitiveness ministers responsible for research and innovation will discuss the reform of the European framework for research and innovation and how the technological development will accelerate the decarbonisation of industry and strengthen the EU's competitiveness. In addition, promoting a significant increase in clean electricity production is on the meeting’s agenda.

Inquiries: Tuomas Tikkanen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 40 523 5768, Jari Luoto, Director General, EU Affairs Department, tel. +358 50 468 5949, and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office

Agendas for the meetings of the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs and public documents discussed at the meetings are available on the Prime Minister’s Office website (in Finnish and Swedish).