Prime Ministers of Finland and Sweden highlight forest sector concerns in letter to European Commission President

Prime Ministers of Finland and Sweden highlight forest sector concerns in letter to European Commission President

Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo and Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson have sent a joint letter to President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. In the letter, the prime ministers highlight their countries' shared concerns about the EU's Regulation on land use, land use change, and forestry (LULUCF).

The letter notes that the EU's current land use legislation is proving difficult for Finland and Sweden. Without allowing full use of flexibilities in the regulation, and without taking into account the uncertainties related to forest sinks in climate policy, both countries would face challenges in practising sustainable Nordic forestry.

"Significantly decreasing felling volumes is not a viable option, as this would have dire consequences for our economies. Furthermore, it would severely affect the supply of timber and forest biomass throughout the EU," said Prime Minister Orpo.

The forest sector employs more than 200,000 people in Finland and Sweden. It also accounts for almost a fifth of Finland's total exports.

"In these uncertain times, the EU must be able to allow for flexibility. From a European security standpoint, it is better for timber to be exported from the Nordic countries than from Russia," Prime Minister Orpo said.

The letter emphasises that Finland and Sweden support the EU's climate targets for 2040.

"Finnish and Swedish forests and forestry play a crucial role in achieving these targets. Climate action and competitiveness are not opposing goals - they are complementary," said Prime Minister Orpo.

"The role of the forest sector in enabling a sustainable bioeconomy and substituting fossil-based products is crucial for a successful clean transition throughout Europe. Moreover, the sector offers concrete solutions for reducing harmful dependencies," Prime Minister Orpo said.

Inquiries: Tuomas Tikkanen, Senior Adviser to the Prime Minister in European Affairs, tel. +358 40 523 5768 and Tuuli-Maaria Aalto, Director of Unit, tel. +358 295 160 670, Prime Minister's Office