European Union

Finnish environmental policy in the EU - setting high standards

An overall high level of environmental protection and the goal of sustainable development constitute Finland's overarching priorities when it comes to national, as well as international, environmental policy. This is underlined by the fact that Finland's level of environmental protection was already high before joining the European Union, with extensive environmental legislation already in place. 

Cooperation with the other EU member states plays a major role in Finland's environmental policy-making in the EU. Finland actively cooperates with its neighbours in the field of environmental policy, for example, within the framework of Baltic Sea negotiations.

Nordic cooperation in the field of environmental protection is especially close to Finland's heart. The Swedish, Danish and Finnish Ministers of the Environment meet regularly at the "Nordic breakfast" before each EU Environment Council to discuss the agenda and ponder over possible joint positions or possibilities for cooperation.

A high level of technical expertise and environmental know-how define Finnish environmental policy. This is also reflected in the high level of environmental knowledge and understanding of Finnish citizens. The consistent implementation of EU environmental law is also one of Finland's strengths within the EU. Finland often tops rankings in international environmental indexes, which shows that Finland must be doing something right.