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5.3.2024 | On 4 March 2023, the EU Member States, European Parliament and Commission reached a provisional political agreement on a proposal for a regulation on packaging and packaging waste. Finland has taken an active part in the preparation of the regulation. The proposal that was agreed on can be evaluated in further detail only after its final content is available. The proposal is still pending formal adoption by the Member States and Parliament.

16.1.2024 | An adequate number of companies have made the committed to the Green Deal agreement on single-use plastic portion packs. This year, companies will define ambitious reduction targets for their own operations. In Finland further measures are needed to achieve the recycling targets set in the EU for plastic packaging waste.

18.3.2022 | Spain’s recovery and resilience plan focuses on the green and digital transitions, which are also Finland’s priorities. Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari, accompanied by a business delegation, will visit Madrid on 20–23 March to promote cooperation between Spain and Finland.

15.9.2023 | The European Commission’s Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, will visit Finland on 18–19 September 2023. During her visit, Simson will meet Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment Kai Mykkänen, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Anders Adlercreutz and members of Parliament’s Environment and Commerce Committees.

27.6.2022 | The EU ministers for the environment and climate issues meet in Luxembourg on 28 June, where they will discuss the EU’s Fit for 55 Package. Finland’s representative at the meeting will be Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Maria Ohisalo.

29.6.2022 | The EU target of carbon neutrality by 2050 at the latest was decided during Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2019. On 29 June 2022, the EU Environment Council in Luxembourg reached general approaches on the key legislative proposals of the 55% emission reduction target by 2030, i.e. the Fit for 55 package, after long negotiations. 

25.6.2026 | The clean energy transition continues to make good progress: the use of fossil energy sources keeps decreasing in industry, electricity production and heating. The trend in emissions takes us in the right direction, but more work will be needed in all sectors to reach the climate targets nationally and at the EU level.

22.12.2023 | The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has granted approximately EUR 30.9 million in energy investment aid under Finland’s Recovery and Resilience Plan to 12 projects related to energy infrastructure and the electrification and decarbonisation of industrial processes. Minister of Climate and the Environment Kai Mykkänen signed the aid decisions on 19 December 2023.

2.7.2025 | The Ministry of the Environment requests comments on the draft Medium-term Climate Plan. The plan sets out the emissions reduction measures to be implemented in the effort sharing sector. Comments may be submitted from 2 July until 20 August 2025.

22.8.2022 | A recent study by Helsinki Region Environmental Services HSY shows that many people still dispose of their medicines incorrectly. Particularly young people dispose of expired or unused medicines by simply binning them or flushing them down the drain. Older people, on the other hand, most often return such medicines to a pharmacy, which is the correct way. Expired and unused medicines should alw...

4.7.2025 | The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment requests comments on the draft Energy and Climate Strategy. Comments can be submitted between 4 July and 22 August 2025. The strategy set out the measures to boost the clean transition and promote climate targets.

13.6.2025 | In its meeting on Friday 13 June, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions on the Commission’s plans to phase out energy imports from Russia, the Commission’s communication on artificial intelligence and its proposal regarding the Asylum Procedure Regulation. The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also discussed the EU–Mercosur Association Agreement.

11.12.2024 | During May and November, Finland delivered 68 truckloads of civilian material assistance to Ukraine.

26.8.2021 | Finns have returned more unused medicines to pharmacies and collection points. Expired and unused medicines should be taken back to the pharmacy, as they burden the environment when flushed down the drain or thrown in trash or they may end up in the wrong hands. The two-week-long Lääkkeetön Itämeri campaign (drug-free Baltic Sea) starts today, on 26 August, when we celebrate the Baltic Sea Day.

27.6.2025 | The clean energy transition is progressing at a good pace, thanks in part to the emissions trading system. However, reaching Finland’s climate targets will require more action in the effort sharing sector, and especially in the land use sector where emissions increased compared to the previous year.

13.6.2024 | In its meeting on Thursday 13 June, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland's positions on the development of the EU capital markets union and on the matters to be discussed at the informal meeting of EU leaders on 17 June.

1.3.2022 | The food industry has renewed its commitment to materials efficiency to promote more sustainable food production, distribution and consumption in 2022–2026. The Finnish Food and Drink Industries’ Federation, the Finnish Grocery Trade Association and the Finnish Hospitality Association MaRa have signed the commitment together with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of the Environment.

22.4.2026 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government has agreed on the General Government Fiscal Plan for 2027–2030. Both the global economy and Finland’s finances are facing challenges. In its spending limits session, the Government focused on new targeted measures to strengthen people’s confidence in the future and improve the conditions for growth and employment.

20.10.2023 | On 20 October, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discussed the use of the EU Hybrid Toolbox, possible enlargement of the EU, and the Proposal for a Directive on Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation. The Ministerial Committee also outlined Finland's positions for the three forthcoming Council meetings.

25.6.2024 | Europe is facing strong economic headwinds. With vulnerable supply chains, high energy costs, and substantial investments needed to reach net-zero, the EU has reached a point where we cannot afford to ignore our competitiveness problems.

27.6.2024 | Emissions from energy production are decreasing substantially but further actions will be needed to reach the national targets and meet the obligations set at the EU level. In particular, further actions will be needed in the land use and effort sharing sectors.

20.12.2021 | On 17 December 2021, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment decided to grant investment aid to four major renewable energy demonstration projects. The total amount of aid granted was EUR 64.12 million.

2.9.2025 | The Government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has reached a decision on its budget proposal for 2026. The Government’s decisions aim to support economic growth, which is picking up. Supporting economic growth and continuing responsible fiscal management is necessary to ensure the security of people in Finland and safeguard their access to important services going forward.

20.10.2022 | A group of Finnish missions abroad has published a concise package of information about responsible business conduct (RCB) in their target countries. Each mission has prepared an RCB report to give companies an easy access to information about the business environment in their target country, covering topics such as rights in work life, protection of the environment and prevalence of child labour. All reports are available in the Team Finland online service Market Opportunities.

2.6.2022 | The Medium-term Climate Change Policy Plan presents the package of measures by which Finland will halve emissions from the effort-sharing sector by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. The Government approved and gave to Parliament the Report on the Medium-term Climate Change Policy Plan on 2 June 2022.

13.12.2021 | According the OECD’s review, the development of Finland’s environmental policy has been positive in recent years. The OECD considers the carbon neutrality target and targets related to promoting biodiversity and a circular economy as highly relevant. However, the current measures will not be enough to reach the targets that have been set and, according to the OECD, this will be a challenge for Finland in the coming decade.

4.8.2023 | Before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, approximately one third of the energy used in Finland was imported from Russia. That share was reduced almost to zero in a few months, and the energy war launched by Russia increased consumer prices remarkably. As the energy markets have changed, it is the time to look how Russian energy was replaced and what more permanent effects trade changes will have.

21.2.2022 | //The meeting has been rescheduled to 28 February.// The Climate Policy Roundtable will hold its 13th meeting on Tuesday 22 February. The meeting will focus on the assessment of the measures to be included in the Medium-term Climate Change Policy Plan (KAISU). The Roundtable is chaired by Prime Minister Sanna Marin.

23.4.2025 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government has agreed on the General Government Fiscal Plan for 2026–2029. The decisions focus on reinforcing the conditions for economic growth and enhancing the security of Finland and the Finnish people. At the same time, the Government will ensure that public finances are sustainable. The growth package will be financed responsibly through measures to increase general government revenue and reduce expenditure.

16.12.2022 | The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has granted a total of EUR 119,196,068 to 16 clean energy projects under Finland’s Recovery and Resilience Plan.

9.3.2022 | An action plan published by the European Commission on 8 March 2022 sets the objective of achieving independence from Russian energy by the end of the decade. We can immediately change suppliers of many fuels. However, a long-term transformation will require major investments in energy and industrial facilities as well as transmission lines. At the same time, we must accept that the change will have an effect on energy prices.

23.9.2021 | On 23 September 2021, the Government submitted a Union communication to Parliament on the EU’s proposal for a new directive on energy efficiency (EED). The European Commission issued its proposal in July as part of the broader package of measures called Fit for 55.

11.2.2022 | A number of research institutes have completed the assessments they were requested to make concerning the adequacy of the measures included in the daft Medium-term Climate Change Policy Plan. According to the assessments, stronger actions will be needed so that Finland can achieve its climate objectives with sufficient certainty. In its autumn budget session the Government decided that the adequ...

30.6.2022 | On 30 June 2022, the Government submitted its national climate and energy strategy to Parliament as a report. The strategy is a comprehensive action plan for the medium term, which Finland will use to meet the EU’s obligations for 2030 and to achieve the national climate target for 2035. The strategy covers all greenhouse gas emissions in the emissions trading, effort sharing and land use sectors as well as the carbon sinks of land use and other sectors.

28.1.2021 | The resilience of critical entities in EU countries will be improved by reforming the old European Critical Infrastructure Protection Directive. The proposed new directive is significantly more extensive, and it aims to improve the resilience of critical entities providing essential services in the EU. The Government informs Parliament on 28 January of the new proposal for a directive. 

18.3.2022 | The Government has agreed on measures by which Finland will halve its emissions in the effort sharing sector by 2030 and set the course towards carbon neutrality by 2035. The measures decided in the autumn will be strengthened to ensure that the necessary emission reductions of 5.7 Mt in total will be reached. This is how Finland can achieve the emissions reduction target proposed by the European Commission for 2030 in the effort sharing sector, i.e.

5.7.2021 | The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has adopted a global short-term emission reduction measure. The decision is insufficient for any clear reduction of emissions in line with IMO targets. Finland joined the other EU Member States in opposing the inadequate level of carbon intensity cuts at a session that concluded on 17 June.

8.6.2021 | The Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is due to meet between 10 and 17 June 2021. The aim of this remote meeting is to decide on a short-term measure to cut the greenhouse gas emissions of international shipping. Finland supports effective global rules to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

8.6.2021 | The Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is due to meet between 10 and 17 June 2021. The aim of this remote meeting is to decide on a short-term measure to cut the greenhouse gas emissions of international shipping. Finland supports effective global rules to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

17.6.2021 | The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has adopted a global short-term emission reduction measure. The decision is insufficient for any clear reduction of emissions in line with IMO targets. Finland joined the other EU Member States in opposing the inadequate level of carbon intensity cuts at a session that concluded on 17 June.

23.8.2021 | Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues, It really feels good to be Finnish right now. Our team may not have brought home gold from the Olympics in Tokyo, but our efforts to tackle the Covid crisis are surely worth a few medals. This is a good opportunity for me to extend my thanks to you for your hard work. This is also a chance to for us to take a look ahead together.

9.9.2021 | The budget proposal of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government for 2022 builds sustainable growth for the future in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. The budget proposal aims to support post-pandemic recovery, accelerate investments, enable environmentally sustainable growth and increase the availability of skilled labour. The goal is to safeguard people’s wellbeing and to ensure favourable conditions for sustainable economic growth in the long term.

9.9.2021 | The budget proposal of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government for 2022 builds sustainable growth for the future in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. The budget proposal aims to support post-pandemic recovery, accelerate investments, enable environmentally sustainable growth and increase the availability of skilled labour. The goal is to safeguard people’s wellbeing and to ensure favourable conditions for sustainable economic growth in the long term.

1.9.2022 | The budget proposal for 2023 of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government builds sustainable growth for the future, secures purchasing power and assists people with the hike in electricity prices. The budget proposal responds to the effects of Russia’s war of aggression and inflation, improves safety and security, security of supply, and energy self-sufficiency, and provides further investment in research and development and in the green transition.

1.9.2022 | The budget proposal for 2023 of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government builds sustainable growth for the future, secures purchasing power and assists people with the hike in electricity prices. The budget proposal responds to the effects of Russia’s war of aggression and inflation, improves safety and security, security of supply, and energy self-sufficiency, and provides further investment in research and development and in the green transition.

15.4.2025 | Tuoreen selvityksen mukaan muovinkierrätyksen läpimurto Suomessa vaatii vielä runsaasti toimenpiteitä ja niitä tukevaa julkisen vallan ohjausta, eivätkä esimerkiksi suunnitteilla olevat laitosinvestoinnit yksin riitä muovinkierrätysasteen merkittävään kohentumiseen. Nykyisin noin 80 % Suomessa syntyneestä kaikesta muovijätteestä päätyy energiahyödyntämiseen.

15.4.2025 | Enligt en färsk utredning kräver genombrottet i plaståtervinning i Finland många åtgärder och styrning av den offentliga makten som stöder dessa, och till exempel de anläggningsinvesteringar som planeras räcker inte till för att öka återvinningsgraden av plast i betydande utsträckning. Nuförtiden hamnar cirka 80 procent av all plastavfall i Finland i energiåtervinning.

18.12.2023 | EU:n jäsenmaat saavuttivat pakkauksia ja pakkausjätettä koskevasta asetusehdotuksesta neuvoston yleisnäkemyksen tänään 18. joulukuuta Brysselissä. Suomea edusti Brysselissä ympäristö- ja ilmastoministeri Kai Mykkänen. Seuraavaksi asetusehdotusta tullaan käsittelemään komission, parlamentin ja neuvoston ns. kolmikantaneuvotteluissa, joissa pyritään löytämään kompromissi parlamentin ja neuvoston kantojen välillä.