Finland Supports EU Commission’s Proposed 90% Net Emission Reduction Target, but with Reservations.

Finland has expressed its support for the EU Commission’s proposed 90 percent net emission reduction target for the Union’s 2040 climate goal, with certain reservations. This reduction target is calculated from the level of emissions in 1990 and will require both emission reductions and carbon removal to achieve. However, Finland is adamant that key instruments used to implement it must meet their minimum requirements. This includes proceeding technology-neutrally and accepting nuclear power, as well as creating effective incentives for technical carbon sequestration at the EU level.

The EU’s Environmental Council meeting in Brussels marked the first official discussion of the 2040 climate goal. While many EU member states have not yet formed their positions on this target, it was a starting point for a long process of negotiations. Finland emphasized the importance of cost-effective emission reductions and taking into account the uncertainties in the land use sector when implementing future legislation.

Finland recognizes that transitioning industries to green technologies is crucial for achieving emission reductions. This includes transitioning steel factories and refineries away from fossil fuels, which may depend on how pure hydrogen is defined. Additionally, recovery of carbon dioxide in forest industry units is a significant issue, as technical sinks play a vital role in achieving net reduction increases in carbon dioxide emissions. Finland views these technical sinks as essential, especially if they aim to increase net reduction by more than five million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.