Finland’s Environment Minister Kai Mykkänen has expressed dissatisfaction with the recent surprises that have emerged in the final stages of the legislative process, particularly regarding the Nature Restoration Regulation in the European Union. The regulation aimed to introduce binding obligations to improve the state of nature in various habitats, covering a significant portion of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. This would include marshes, wetlands, meadows, waterways, forests, agricultural environments, and cities.
Finland initially opposed the proposal last summer but it narrowly passed the Council of Member States. Following tripartite negotiations, where various flexibilities were added to the regulation, Finland abstained from voting in November. However, recent developments have seen Hungary change its stance on the regulation, jeopardizing its approval.
Despite the flexibilities included in the regulation, Finland has raised concerns about the interpretation of the impairment ban, particularly regarding forestry limitations as well as the level of obligations to restore widely occurring habitat types. Minister Mykkänen emphasized that trust in EU decision-making processes should be upheld especially after reaching a trilogy agreement.
The uncertainty surrounding the fate of the restoration regulation has prompted discussions among EU environment ministers and Finland is maintaining its consistent stance on this matter. Mykkänen highlighted the need for transparency and operational reliability in EU decision-making processes expressing disappointment in current situation where last-minute surprises are arising during legislative process
