Finland’s Agriculture Minister Supports EU’s Regulatory Simplification Initiative Amidst Growing Protests

The Finnish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Sari Essayah, has expressed support for the regulatory simplification measures proposed by the EU Commission to address the challenges faced by the agricultural sector. This initiative received support from a total of 16 member countries.

During a meeting held in Luxembourg, the agriculture ministers of EU member states discussed the widespread protests seen across Europe this spring. In response to these protests, the EU Commission announced a relief package for the agricultural sector that aims to simplify regulations related to the common agricultural policy and enhance transparency in the food chain.

Essayah emphasized the need for stronger measures to improve producers’ position in the food chain. She stated that new regulations are expected to be released by the Commission in summer. Finland has also introduced its own draft legislation at a national level to address these issues.

The For Forest group, chaired by Finland, has advocated for recognition of sustainable bioeconomy and importance of forests in future EU Commission work program. Sixteen member states supported this initiative highlighting growing importance of bioeconomy within European Union.

In addition to addressing agricultural issues, Essayah also addressed need for implementing instructions for EU’s deforestation regulation and stressed opportunities that bioeconomy presents particularly in transitioning away from fossil fuels and strengthening strategic autonomy of EU.

During meeting Essayah was asked about recent shooting incident involving MP Timo Vornanen and she expressed shock at situation while emphasizing seriousness of incident and need for swift action by parliamentary group basic Finns and party.