In a decision dated June 4, 2007, the EU Commission proposes that Finland’s emissions quota be reduced significantly (5,2%) in the 2008-2012 emissions trading period. Reducing the quota would increase the forest industry’s costs and weaken its competitiveness. In global competition it is not possible to transfer the additional costs to product prices.
In its programme, the new Finnish government committed to taking into account the operating and competitive prerequisites of Finnish export industries, which compete on the global arena, when applying the emissions trading scheme on the national level. The forest-based industries are one of the most important employers in Finland. They also contribute significantly to the employment in Europe.

"The Finnish forest industry has already reduced its carbon dioxide emissions more than required in the Kyoto Protocol. Emissions are now below the levels of the 1990s, even though production volumes have increased by some 40%. The forest...