Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlines Finland’s positions on EU climate targets and military mobility

At its meeting on 15 March, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions on the European Commission’s vision for the post-2030 transition towards climate neutrality by 2050. In addition, the Ministerial Committee outlined Finland’s positions on the development of the EU’s Action Plan on Military Mobility and the national action plan.

In February 2024, the Commission issued a 2040 Communication, which includes the Commission’s vision for the post-2030 transition towards climate neutrality by 2050 and its recommendation for the EU’s climate target for 2040. The recommendation is based on the Commission’s assessment of three different emission reduction scenarios for 2030–2050.

Exerting advance influence on the Communication on Europe’s 2040 climate target was one of the three Government-level priorities this year. Finland supports the Commission’s proposal to set a net emission reduction target of 90 per cent for the EU for 2040, covering both emissions and removals. At the same time, Finland emphasises that the main focus in the implementation of the target should be on cost-effective emission reductions and that the current situation and uncertainties in the land use, land use change and forestry sector should be considered in legislation implementing the target. 

A Communication on industrial carbon management in the EU was published in connection with the EU 2040 Communication. The strategy covers the storage and utilisation of carbon dioxide as well as technological sinks. These technologies will play an important role in the Commission’s scenarios for achieving the climate objectives after 2030.

In accordance with the Government Programme, Finland will actively promote the extensive introduction of technological sinks in Europe and Finland. Moreover, efforts will be made to facilitate the recognition of the capture and utilisation of carbon dioxide from burning wood in EU regulation, as outlined in the Government Programme. Finland shares the Commission’s view that, in order to meet its climate targets, the EU needs an industrial carbon management strategy as part of its policy measures to combat climate change.

The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs also specified Finland’s positions on the development of military mobility. Finland considers that the promotion of military mobility strengthens Finland’s defence capability, European security and defence. It also strengthens NATO’s collective deterrence and defence and supports both participation in international defence cooperation and the system of providing and receiving international assistance.

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

• Foreign Affairs Council (18 March 2024)
• General Affairs Council (19 March 2024)

The Foreign Affairs Council will discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and Belarus. Armenia-Azerbaijan and Niger will be the topical issues of the Council.

The General Affairs Council will discuss preparations for the March European Council and the Presidency’s summary of the Council’s activities related to the European Semester 2024. In addition, the General Affairs Council will continue to discuss the future of the EU, especially from the perspective of its enlargement.

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 Lauri Heikkinen, Communications Specialist, tel. +358 46 923 50 90, Prime Minister’s Office