Improving energy relations

During its six-month presidency, Finland is to continue talks on the idea of a common EU energy policy which was launched by the Commission in March.

But whereas the Austrian presidency oversaw the adoption of an initial EU position in spring 2006, Finland will have the more low-key task of preparing for the publication of a strategy and an energy review under the German presidency in spring 2007. Helsinki says that it will focus on the main issues: external energy supplies, internal energy markets, renewable energy and energy efficiency. An energy efficiency strategy expected from the Commission after the summer break could speed things up.

Finland, which has a 1,300km border with Russia, is also keen to improve EU-Russia energy relations. A meeting of EU-Russia officials to discuss energy is likely during the presidency, according to a preliminary Finnish agenda, which also suggests such regular Troika energy meetings in the future.

With two Russian nuclear power plants close to Finland, nuclear safety issues are also likely to arise.

Energy-linked climate change questions and environmental concerns about the safety of gas transit pipes also remain high on the Finnish agenda.

During its six-month presidency, Finland is to continue talks on the idea of a common EU energy policy which was launched by the Commission in March.