The restoration regulation has been a contentious issue in Finland, with their position on the EU restoration regulation fluctuating. Initially, they voted “no,” then abstained from voting, and now their position is “no” again. Member of Parliament Eveliina Heinäluoma questions the Finnish government’s handling of this issue, especially as they are now planning to tighten their position on the regulation.
Despite Finland’s initial opposition to the proposal last summer, the regulation narrowly passed the Council of Member States. Subsequently, a political agreement was reached in November, adding flexibilities to the regulation to lower costs and give member countries more control over restoration efforts. However, Hungary changed its vote from a yes to a no in the second round of voting on the regulation.
Currently, the EU presidency is trying to secure enough votes to pass the regulation, but Finland has decided to maintain its position against it. Minister of the Environment Kai Mykkänen views the situation as “unsatisfactory” and emphasizes the need for consistency in EU decision-making. He believes that Finland should have supported the amended version of the regulation, given the flexibilities included in the trilogy negotiations.
Drawing parallels to past directives, Heinäluoma stresses
