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Confederation of Finnish Industries EK

EK

The Confederation of Finnish Industries is the leading business organization representing the private sector in Finland.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Maija Laurila (Head of Unit Justice and Consumers)

16 Dec 2025 · EK representatives present a report on Regulatory costs and simplification recently conducted by the Confederation of Finnish Industries

Meeting with Anna Athanasopoulou (Director Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs)

16 Dec 2025 · Presentation of report on regulatory costs and simplification

Meeting with Michael Wimmer (Director Secretariat-General)

15 Dec 2025 · Exchange of views on the Commission’s simplification agenda and the Confederation’s Study on Regulatory Costs.

Meeting with Sanna Laaksonen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen)

12 Dec 2025 · Presentation of topical issues of Commission agenda

Meeting with Fausto Matos (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen)

11 Dec 2025 · Digital Fairness Act and Directive for Empowering consumers for the green transition

Meeting with Egelyn Braun (Cabinet of Commissioner Michael McGrath)

11 Dec 2025 · Exchange of views on consumer protection

Meeting with Ville Niinistö (Member of the European Parliament)

9 Dec 2025 · Climate, energy, industry

Meeting with Elsi Katainen (Member of the European Parliament)

9 Dec 2025 · Dinner and discussion about topical energy and climate politics

Finnish business group urges more practical EU taxonomy rules

5 Dec 2025
Topic — Reviewing environmental technical screening criteria within the EU Taxonomy framework.
Message — They request the removal of disproportionate obligations and simpler criteria. Business input is needed to ensure the framework is implementable.12
Why — Streamlining these requirements would reduce administrative burdens and simplify investment compliance for businesses.3
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Meeting with Outi Slotboom (Director Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs)

4 Dec 2025 · Definition for startup and scaleups.

Meeting with Elsi Katainen (Member of the European Parliament)

4 Dec 2025 · SME issues

Meeting with Sirpa Pietikäinen (Member of the European Parliament)

3 Dec 2025 · Digital Policies

Meeting with Eero Heinäluoma (Member of the European Parliament)

19 Nov 2025 · Teknologia-asiat

Meeting with Maria Ohisalo (Member of the European Parliament)

18 Nov 2025 · Timely EU topics, digital omnibus

Meeting with Ann-Sofie Ronnlund (Cabinet of Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva)

13 Nov 2025 · Investments into innovation

Meeting with Maria Ohisalo (Member of the European Parliament)

12 Nov 2025 · Exchange of views

Meeting with Annukka Ojala (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu)

11 Nov 2025 · Quality Jobs Roadmap and other upcoming initiatives

Meeting with Gelu Calacean (Cabinet of President Ursula von der Leyen)

11 Nov 2025 · EU social affairs and competitiveness

Meeting with Pekka Toveri (Member of the European Parliament) and FinMobility ry

10 Nov 2025 · Current Topics in EU

Meeting with Adam Romanowski (Cabinet of Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič), Chiara Galiffa (Cabinet of Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič) and

6 Nov 2025 · EU–US Trade Relations and Competitiveness.

Meeting with Rytis Martikonis (Chair of the Regulatory Scrutiny Board Regulatory Scrutiny Board)

5 Nov 2025 · Overview of the functioning of the RSB and implementation of the Better Regulation agenda

Meeting with Yvo Volman (Director Communications Networks, Content and Technology) and Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and Confederation of Danish Industry

24 Oct 2025 · Data Union Strategy – Digital Omnibus

Finnish Business Group Urges EU to Enforce Existing Digital Rules, Not Add New Ones

23 Oct 2025
Topic — Proposal to strengthen consumer protection against dark patterns, influencer marketing, and addictive design online.
Message — The confederation requests the EU prioritize enforcement of existing digital rules over new legislation. They argue current laws already address dark patterns and personalisation, and oppose bans on payment details for free trials.123
Why — This would reduce regulatory compliance costs and administrative burdens for their 15,300 member companies.45
Impact — Consumers lose stronger protections against manipulative design and unfair digital practices through delayed action.6
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Meeting with Eric Mamer (Director-General Environment) and

22 Oct 2025 · Circular Economy Act and simplification

Meeting with Outi Slotboom (Director Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs)

22 Oct 2025 · Exchange of views on topical EU affairs, including competitiveness and internal market strategy

Meeting with Ville Niinistö (Member of the European Parliament)

15 Oct 2025 · industry, business

Nordic Business Groups Call for GDPR Streamlining in Digital Omnibus

14 Oct 2025
Topic — EU's Digital Omnibus simplifying data, cybersecurity, AI, and cookie tracking regulations.
Message — The organization requests that GDPR streamlining be included in the Digital Omnibus review alongside other data legislation. They emphasize this would be most effective if conducted in parallel with revisions to AI Act, cybersecurity reporting, and ePrivacy rules.1
Why — This would reduce regulatory complexity and compliance burdens for their 128,000 member companies.23
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Meeting with Anniina Iskanius (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen)

14 Oct 2025 · Support to Ukraine

Meeting with Kirsi Ekroth-Manssila (Head of Unit Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs)

14 Oct 2025 · Discussion on the work of the European Commission

Meeting with Hubert Gambs (Deputy Director-General Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs)

13 Oct 2025 · Exchange of views on entrepreneurship

Finnish Industry Urges Limits on EU State Aid Exemptions

6 Oct 2025
Topic — Reform of rules exempting certain state subsidies from EU approval requirements.
Message — The organization requests stricter limits on state aid exemptions, mandatory prior notification for large schemes, and shorter review periods of maximum three years. They oppose expanding exemptions to include CISAF-type support without impact assessment.123
Why — This would protect Finnish companies from competing against heavily subsidized rivals in other member states.45
Impact — Member states with larger budgets lose flexibility to subsidize domestic industries without EU scrutiny.6
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Meeting with Kirsi Haavisto (Head of Unit Research and Innovation)

2 Oct 2025 · The link between the SFIF needs and the European Commission’s proposals in the field of research and innovation

Meeting with Maria Zafra Saura (Cabinet of Commissioner Michael McGrath) and Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and

2 Oct 2025 · Data protection and privacy

Meeting with Eero Heinäluoma (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Sept 2025 · Ajankohtaiset EU-asiat, ml. sääntelyn parantaminen

Meeting with Eero Heinäluoma (Member of the European Parliament)

15 Sept 2025 · Ajankohtaisasiat

Finnish industry urges bold insurance reforms to drive economic growth

5 Sept 2025
Topic — The initiative revises technical prudential rules for the European insurance and reinsurance sector.
Message — The organization encourages a critical review of regulations to enable economic growth. They want insurers to provide more long-term capital to businesses and SMEs.12
Why — This would allow insurers to maximize their growth potential in securities markets.3
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Response to Revision of the 'New Legislative Framework'

2 Sept 2025

The Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) supports the European Commissions initiative to modernize the New Legislative Framework (NLF), which is essential for maintaining the free movement of goods and the integrity of the single market. The NLF has historically provided a coherent and effective system for harmonizing product requirements, but it must now evolve to meet the challenges of the green and digital transitions, complex supply chains, and emerging business models. EK calls for a recommitment to the NLFs core principles and proposes the development of an NLF 2.0 that streamlines existing legislation and ensures future regulatory coherence. This includes revising regulations 768/2008/EC and 765/2008/EC and implementing changes through an omnibus approach. The use of standards must remain voluntary and market-driven, with global standards promoted to enhance competitiveness. To support the green and digital transformation, EK recommends enabling digital compliance tools, harmonizing labelling systems, and aligning the NLF with other EU legislation such as REACH and ESPR. The Services Directive should be better enforced, and mutual recognition must be safeguarded to facilitate growth within the internal market. A major concern for EK is the rise of direct consumer imports from third countries via online platforms. The NLF is one of the key instruments to address this issue. EKs main message is clear: there must always be a responsible actor within the EU. If no other party assumes responsibility, then the platform itself must be held accountable. EK also emphasizes the importance of integrating the Digital Product Passport (DPP) into the revised NLF framework. The DPP offers significant potential to enhance transparency, support circular economy models, and create competitive advantages for Finnish companies. However, its implementation must be carefully designed to avoid excessive burdens, especially for SMEs. Each value chain actor should be responsible for their own compliant data, ensuring its accuracy and considering the protection of trade secrets. EKs recommendations for the DPP include: Mandating only essential data relevant to circular economy goals, while enabling voluntary data sharing to foster innovation. Aligning DPP data requirements with other regulatory frameworks to reduce duplication and administrative load. Clarifying lifecycle and data retention rules, including scenarios such as business closure. Ensuring technology neutrality, data compatibility, and clear responsibilities across value chain actors. Aligning packaging labels and DPP requirements with EU and international standards to avoid trade barriers. Providing sufficient preparation time for companies to adapt IT systems and packaging. Implementing sanctions for misuse and ensuring effective market surveillance to maintain fair competition. EK emphasizes that the benefits and costs of data sharing must be balanced, and that the business community must be actively involved in shaping product-specific regulations. The revised NLF must be future-proof, business-friendly, and aligned with the EUs sustainability ambitions.
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Finnish industry urges data rule simplification and no new laws

14 Jul 2025
Topic — The EU initiative aims to streamline data sharing rules and boost the digital economy.
Message — The organization requests the simplification of existing data rules and the withdrawal of planned proposals like the AI Liability Directive. They advocate for postponing implementation until standards are ready and increasing digital funding levels to 70%.123
Why — This would lower compliance costs and reduce administrative burdens for private companies.456
Impact — Employees lose potential legal protections from the cancelled AI in the Workplace initiative.7
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Meeting with Salla Saastamoinen (Deputy Director-General European Anti-Fraud Office)

30 Jun 2025 · Issues that are currently particularly important for OLAF. Promoting a level playing field in e-commerce, including the fight against customs fraud and counterfeit goods. The control of irregularities involving EU funds in general.

Finnish Industry Calls for Faster Permitting and Flexible Cloud Rules

26 Jun 2025
Topic — This consultation addresses the EU’s gap in cloud and AI infrastructure capacity.
Message — EK urges the Commission to fast-track permitting and address power access challenges. They argue policy must recognize regional climate differences and include software in research funding.123
Why — Finland would attract investment by leveraging its cold climate and renewable energy resources.4
Impact — Businesses lose access to global innovation if the EU over-prioritizes digital sovereignty.5
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Meeting with Werner Stengg (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen)

12 Jun 2025 · EU Digital Policy

Meeting with Maija Laurila (Head of Unit Justice and Consumers)

12 Jun 2025 · Better regulation developments (simplification) and cooperation with other DGs in the field of better regulation

Meeting with Irene Roche Laguna (Head of Unit Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

11 Jun 2025 · Meeting to discuss the DSA and platforms policy

Meeting with Elsi Katainen (Member of the European Parliament)

11 Jun 2025 · MFF, EU's Ukraine support

Meeting with Nicolo Brignoli (Cabinet of Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis)

10 Jun 2025 · Simplification

Meeting with Eero Heinäluoma (Member of the European Parliament)

3 Jun 2025 · Ilmasto ja energiapolitiikka

Meeting with Jörgen Warborn (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and Confederation of Swedish Enterprise

14 May 2025 · Omnibus

Meeting with Alexandr Hobza (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné), Hanna Anttilainen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné)

13 May 2025 · Exchange of views on current and upcoming instruments of EU industrial policy

Meeting with Angelo Grieco (Acting Head of Unit Justice and Consumers)

13 May 2025 · Exchange of views in relation to consumer law enforcement and the Consumer Enforcement Initiative

Meeting with Olivier Micol (Head of Unit Justice and Consumers)

13 May 2025 · Simplification of the GDPR

Meeting with Annukka Ojala (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu)

8 May 2025 · EU priorities

Meeting with Arba Kokalari (Member of the European Parliament) and Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and Confederation of Danish Industry

28 Apr 2025 · Single market strategy

Meeting with Ville Niinistö (Member of the European Parliament)

28 Apr 2025 · EU affairs, Trade

Meeting with Yvon Slingenberg (Director Climate Action), Pierre Schellekens (Director Energy)

10 Apr 2025 · Exchange on the Commission’s upcoming initiatives and the direction of EU energy and climate policy

Meeting with Li Andersson (Member of the European Parliament)

9 Apr 2025 · Energy market regulation

Meeting with Sirpa Pietikäinen (Member of the European Parliament)

9 Apr 2025 · EU Omnibus

Meeting with Sanna Laaksonen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen)

8 Apr 2025 · Update on the work of Cabinet EVP Virkkunen

Response to Foreign Subsidies Guidelines

2 Apr 2025

Dear recipient, please find attached our response to the consultation on FSR-guidance. /Confederation of Finnish Enterprises EK
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Finnish Industries Demand Voluntary EU Taxonomy Reporting Templates

26 Mar 2025
Topic — Initiative to simplify EU sustainability reporting by reducing required data and increasing flexibility.
Message — The organization requests that new reporting templates and spending data remain voluntary for all companies. They also call for realistic timelines to ensure business implementation is practical.123
Why — Reducing mandatory disclosures would grant companies more flexibility and lower their administrative burden.4
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Meeting with Aura Salla (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Mar 2025 · EU energy policy, Clean Industrial Deal, Energy Intensive Industry INI

Meeting with Sirpa Pietikäinen (Member of the European Parliament)

25 Mar 2025 · Clean Industrial Deal

Meeting with Sanna Laaksonen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen)

19 Mar 2025 · Defense industry and infrastructure strategy in EU

Meeting with Caroline Vandierendonck (Head of Unit Budget)

19 Mar 2025 · The Finnish confederation presented their views on the next MFF

Meeting with Daniel Woehl (Head of Unit Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion)

18 Mar 2025 · Discussion on the social situation in Finland, exchange of views regarding the ongoing Commission agenda in social affairs

Meeting with Li Andersson (Member of the European Parliament, Committee chair)

18 Mar 2025 · Labour market politics

Response to EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy

17 Mar 2025

Tutkimuksen ja innovaatiotoiminnan tärkeä rooli Euroopan kilpailukyvylle ja tulevaisuudelle on tunnistettu hyvin erilaisissa EU:n strategiadokumenteissa. Kasvu ei kuitenkaan synny pelkästään startup ja kasvuyritysten strategioita laatimalla vaan innovaatiotoiminnan kautta syntyvä talouskasvu vaatii monipuolisen yritysrakenteen yhteistyötä Euroopalle tärkeissä sisällöissä. Tämä tapahtuu parhaiten yritysvetoisissa ekosysteemeissä, jotka tarjoavat kasvumahdollisuuksia myös strategiatyön kohteena oleville yritystyypeille nimenomaa Euroopassa. Kaikkia ml. alkavia ja kasvuyrityksiä koskee tarve sääntelyn keventämiselle ja innovaatioperiaatteen mukaan ottamiselle kautta linjan (siis myös sektorikohtaisessa lainsäädännössä). Työ on mittava ja vaatii isoa asennemuutosta, johon liittyen on nyt positiivista kehitystä onneksi tapahtumassa. Muutos on helpointa aloittaa tämänhetkisistä strategisen kilpailukyvyn sisällöistä (Clean industrial Deal, circular economy, defense). Seuraavaksi muutamia tarkempia kannanottoja liittyen alkaviin ja kasvaviin yrityksiin: erityisesti tieteestä kumpuavat alkavat yritykset ovat usein hyvin kapea-alaisia, jolloin kasvu ja markkinoille pääseminen edellyttää globaalin niche-markkinan haltuunottoa. Ensimmäinen este johon yritykset törmäävät on puutteellinen sisämarkkina Euroopassa. Jäsenvaltiot ovat kaventaneet markkinaa omalla sääntelyllään ja tästä seurauksena yritykset käytännössä pakotetaan hakemaan kasvua Euroopan ulkopuolelta, usein USA:sta tai Aasiasta. Näillä molemmilla mantereilla on hieman erilaiset mutta kuitenkin toimivat tapansa luoda globaaleille markkinoille kasvuyrityksiä. Toinen este on sääntely ja erityisesti sääntelyprosessin luonne, joka on todella jäykkä. Alkavalle yritykselle on käytännössä mahdotonta säilyä hengissä prosessin koko keston ajan varsinkin kun prosessi on harvoin millään tapaa interaktiivinen, eikä sen aikana saa minkäänlaista väliaikatietoa tulevasta, eikä sen aikana pysty muuttamaan omaa hakemustaan vaikka muuttunut tilanne markkinoilla sitä vaatisi. Niin alkaville kuin kasvaville yrityksille (osaavien) pääomien saatavuus on iso pullonkaula Euroopassa. Rahoituksen saaminen on tällä hetkellä erityisen hankalaa teollisille startupeille, joiden liiketoiminnan skaalaaminen edellyttää yrityksen kokoon nähden merkittäviä investointeja. Tilanne hankaloittaa erityisesti kiertotaloustyyppisten kaupallisten innovaatioiden syntymistä ja todellista markkinoille pääsyä. Lisäksi dynaaminen elinkeinotoiminta edellyttäisi kaikkien alojen potentiaalin tunnistamista ja haltuunottoa myös innovaatiotoiminnassa. Palveluiden osuus arvonlisän tuottamisessa on kasvava, samoin kaupan alan muuttuva rooli pitäisi tunnistaa paremmin. Yksi mahdollinen ratkaisu olisi sääntelyhiekkalaatikoiden vahvempi promovoiminen ja niihin osallistuneiden yritysten yksinkertaistettu rahoitusarviointi.
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Meeting with Annukka Ojala (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu), Sonia Vila Nunez (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu)

11 Mar 2025 · Preparedness Union Strategy

Finnish industries urge focus on competition in procurement

7 Mar 2025
Topic — The European Commission is evaluating the effectiveness of three public procurement directives.
Message — The organization advocates for prioritizing market competition and better implementation over creating new regulations. They propose extending the validity of past project references and digitizing procedures to assist smaller businesses.12
Why — These reforms would lower bidding costs and help companies qualify for contracts.34
Impact — Environmental and social advocacy groups lose if non-economic strategic goals are sidelined.5
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Meeting with Anne Funch Jensen (Cabinet of Commissioner Piotr Serafin)

6 Mar 2025 · Next MFF and current challenges

Meeting with Antti Timonen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen), Silvia Bartolini (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen)

5 Mar 2025 · Exchange of Views regarding European Industrial policy and current affairs

Meeting with Kilian Gross (Head of Unit Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

4 Mar 2025 · Discussion on general-purpose AI in the EU

Meeting with Anna-Maja Henriksson (Member of the European Parliament)

3 Mar 2025 · Industry

Meeting with Outi Slotboom (Director Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs)

26 Feb 2025 · Simplification, Small Midcaps, SME policy, Ukraine

Meeting with Marc Lemaitre (Director-General Research and Innovation)

21 Feb 2025 · To discuss the RDI Framework Programme, the remainder of the current one and the planning of the upcoming FP10.

Finnish industry urges national control over EU water strategy

17 Feb 2025
Topic — The EU is developing a strategy to manage water scarcity and improve resilience.
Message — Management and use of water resources must remain within the scope of national decision-making. Water price regulation must not be part of the EU's water strategy. Requirements should be proportionate to the situation in the Member States' environment.123
Why — Maintaining national pricing policies helps industry avoid costs associated with new EU regulations.45
Impact — Supporters of a centralized EU pricing policy lose the power to harmonize water costs.6
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Meeting with Pekka Toveri (Member of the European Parliament) and Finland Chamber of Commerce (Keskuskauppakamari)

6 Feb 2025 · Current Topics in EU politics

Meeting with Sanna Laaksonen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen)

6 Feb 2025 · EU Competitiveness Policy, White Paper on the Future of European Defence and the EU Preparedness Union Strategy

Meeting with Michael Wimmer (Director Secretariat-General)

6 Feb 2025 · To discuss the agenda of the new Commission when it comes to the new approach to regulation and the work to be undertaken in 2025.

Meeting with Terhi Lehtonen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera Rodríguez)

5 Feb 2025 · Exchange of views on Clean Industrial Deal, post 2030 climate policy.

Meeting with Aura Salla (Member of the European Parliament)

5 Feb 2025 · Views of the Finnish business community on the upcoming EU Apply AI strategy

Meeting with Terhi Lehtonen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera Rodríguez) and Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and Confederation of Danish Industry

4 Feb 2025 · Roundtable with Nordic Business : Industrial vision for a post?2030 Energy and Climate Framework.

Finnish industries urge Single Market focus on growth and simplification

31 Jan 2025
Topic — The European Commission seeks input on developing a more competitive Single Market strategy.
Message — The organization wants better regulation and fewer administrative burdens. They also call for ending customs exemptions on cheap non-EU imports.12
Why — This would eliminate the price advantage held by competitors based outside the EU.3
Impact — Non-EU online retailers lose their competitive edge from current duty-free exemptions.4
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Meeting with Ann-Sofie Ronnlund (Cabinet of Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva)

31 Jan 2025 · Exchange of views on the EU funding programme Horizon Europe and the Finnish ecosystem for research and innovation

Meeting with Annukka Ojala (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu), Vanessa Debiais-Sainton (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu)

30 Jan 2025 · Exchange on upcoming initiatives

Meeting with Maria Guzenina (Member of the European Parliament)

29 Jan 2025 · CULT priorities

Meeting with Hanna Anttilainen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné)

15 Jan 2025 · Meeting to discuss the competitiveness agenda of the new Commission

Meeting with Henning Ehrenstein (Head of Unit Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs) and Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and

14 Jan 2025 · Single Market Strategy

Meeting with Kirsi Haavisto (Head of Unit Research and Innovation)

8 Jan 2025 · The aim of the meeting was to discuss current RDI issues and experiences from industry-driven funding tools which are currently used in Finland.

Meeting with Maria Ohisalo (Member of the European Parliament)

11 Dec 2024 · Employment policy

Response to Digital Product Passport (DPP) service providers

10 Dec 2024

Digital Product passport rules for service providers The Confederation of Finnish Industries EK thanks for the possibility to comment on the call for evidence concerning the Digital Product Passport rules for service providers. This delegated act will set out the framework for DPP services. Coherent rules must be set up to guarantee the reliability and security of the DPP. EK's views on the rules for service providers are as follows: Freedom of contract and freedom of choice It is important that there is contractual freedom and freedom to choose either to store the DPP in ones own system or to use third party services. Contractual freedom ensures that the third-party service provider can be changed if needed. Contractual freedom would also make it easier to create additional digital services on top of the minimum DPP requirements if wanted. It should be made possible that companies could add voluntary data to their Digital Product Passports. Making the ability to update DPPs promptly and efficiently is a key requirement as the product specifications may change due to innovation or regulatory requirements. SMEs Especially SMEs IT expertise and financial situation may vary and therefore it must be noted that the DPP should not create a disproportionate burden on SME´s. In many cases SMEs rely on third party services as they do not have the possibility to produce the DPP in their own systems. Security Security and reliability must be ensured with Digital Product Passports. DPP data may contain business secrets and other delicate information and therefore should be properly secured. The backup data of DPP should only be available to authorities in cases of liquidation, insolvency, or cessation of operations to prevent data leakage and breaches of data access principles. It should be defined who owns the data and which parties have access to it. Technological neutrality The DPP should be implemented in a technology-neutral manner in accordance with the ESPR requirements. Additionally, common principles for data sharing and supporting infra-structure, as well as data compatibility, should be agreed upon, as the data must be usable by value chain operators throughout the product's lifecycle. Equal operating conditions The legal framework for providing DPP services must be the same in all EU member states to ensure legal certainty and equal operating conditions in the internal market. A standardised framework for data handling, compatible data exchange protocols, and harmonised technical specifications are essential to maintain consistency and avoid disruptions in operations. The rules for DPP service providers should be clear and coherent to get Digital Product Passports that are comparable and of uniform quality. Fair and competitive market It is important that the EU makes sure that a fair and competitive market is created. The European Commission must monitor the EU's external border and ensure that different operators, regardless of the sales channel, have equipped products sold in the EU with a DPP. The digital carbon footprint It should also be noted that all data increases the digital carbon footprint. Therefore, the DPP should only cover relevant data, because otherwise it will increase the digital carbon footprint.
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Meeting with Aura Salla (Member of the European Parliament)

4 Dec 2024 · Single Market Strategy, MFF, Finland's transportation strategy

Meeting with Sebastian Tynkkynen (Member of the European Parliament) and Technology Industries of Finland (Teknologiateollisuus ry) and

3 Dec 2024 · Ajankohtaiset aiheet

Meeting with Aura Salla (Member of the European Parliament)

13 Nov 2024 · Research, development and innovation (RDI) at the core of Europe's growth

Meeting with Suvi Leinonen (Cabinet of Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen)

23 Oct 2024 · clean industrial objectives

Meeting with Aura Salla (Member of the European Parliament)

4 Oct 2024 · SMEs and EUs competitiveness

Meeting with Mika Aaltola (Member of the European Parliament)

3 Oct 2024 · EU Affairs

Meeting with Eero Heinäluoma (Member of the European Parliament) and Medialiitto ry

3 Oct 2024 · Ajankohtaisaiheet

Meeting with Sebastian Tynkkynen (Member of the European Parliament)

3 Oct 2024 · Uuden EU-lainsäädäntökauden näkymät sekä Suomen talouden ja elinkeinoelämän avainkysymykset

Meeting with Sebastian Tynkkynen (Member of the European Parliament)

2 Oct 2024 · EU:n strateginen kilpailukyky

Meeting with Maria Guzenina (Member of the European Parliament)

1 Oct 2024 · Finnish industries

Meeting with Ville Niinistö (Member of the European Parliament)

25 Sept 2024 · Energy, climate

Meeting with Li Andersson (Member of the European Parliament, Committee chair) and Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and Tehy ry

24 Sept 2024 · Labour market politics

Meeting with Eero Heinäluoma (Member of the European Parliament) and Vantaan Energia and Tehy ry

24 Sept 2024 · Ajankohtaisaiheet

Meeting with Aura Salla (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Sept 2024 · The Draghi report, industry policy and Confederation of Finnish Industries EU goals

Meeting with Aura Salla (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Aug 2024 · EU competitiveness

Meeting with Aura Salla (Member of the European Parliament)

18 Jul 2024 · EU competitiveness

Meeting with Anna-Maja Henriksson (Member of the European Parliament) and Finnish Forest Industries Federation (Metsäteollisuus ry)

16 Jul 2024 · Upcoming mandate

Finnish industry calls for doubled digital R&D funding

25 Jun 2024
Topic — The consultation explores scenarios for mastering Europe's future digital infrastructure needs.
Message — The organization requests doubling Horizon Europe funding to €200 billion while avoiding new digital regulations. They also demand the immediate repeal of the Standard Essential Patents legislative proposal.123
Why — Substantial RDI funding would help Finnish companies maintain their global technological competitiveness.4
Impact — Non-European companies would lose the favorable royalty terms currently found in patent proposals.5
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Meeting with Eero Heinäluoma (Member of the European Parliament)

20 May 2024 · EK:n vaalipaneeli

Response to White Paper on Dual-Use Export Controls

30 Apr 2024

Please find here the contribution by the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK to the Have your say consultation on The White Paper on Export Controls, which is one of the Commissions new initiatives to strengthen economic security. Overall, EK considers it important to strengthen the EU's economic security, especially due to the remarkable changes in the geopolitical environment. It is, however, crucial that the possible activities for enhancing economic security promote strategic competitiveness and open trade and investments rather than restrict them. Additionally, they should strengthen the EU's partnerships with third countries and diversify value chains. It is vital for the EU to remain a desired trade and investment partner to third countries. Concerning the White Paper on Export Controls, EK welcomes the White Papers objectives to 1) increase discussion on export controls at the EU level and to 2) enhance coordination between the EU Member States. The importance of export controls has further increased because of Russias war in Ukraine. The Finnish business community would like to state that it considers it as important that sanctions against Russia are implemented in a uniform way in the EU and that actions for preventing their circumvention are increased. International export control arrangements, such as Wassenar, are important for uniform implementation of export controls. However, it has been difficult to add new products to their coverage. This has, unfortunately, led to an increase in unilateral, non-harmonized decisions also at the EU. Therefore, it is important to increase coordination and exchange of information between Member States on their national measures, national lists and risk analyses.
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Response to Recommendation to monitor outbound investments for further risk assessment

16 Apr 2024

Please find enclosed the contribution by the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK to the Have your say consultation on the outbound investments. EK considers it important to strengthen the EU's economic security, especially due to the remarkable changes in the geopolitical environment. It is crucial that the possible activities for enhancing economic security promote strategic competitiveness and open trade and investments rather than restrict them. Additionally, they should strengthen the EU's partnerships with third countries and diversify value chains. It is vital for the EU to remain a desired trade and investment partner to third countries. In general, any restrictions based on economic security should only be implemented in well-justified situations and on legitimate security grounds. Their impacts must be carefully assessed in advance, and the negative effects must be limited. Any policy action limiting the freedom of businesses must be precise, proportionate, and predictable. Regarding the White Paper on outbound investments, EK appreciates the open discussion and awareness-raising regarding the potential risks in outbound investments and the security risks caused by technology leakages. It must be noted that investments play a crucial role in the EU's economic growth and competitiveness, and it is important to avoid all unnecessary actions that create uncertainty in the international investment environment. Hence, EK maintains a cautious approach towards limitations on outbound investment. We believe that the approach outlined by the Commission in the White paper presents challenges in terms of the feasibility of a monitoring system. The feasibility of a monitoring system must be carefully examined, and if progress is made in this regard, it needs to be convincingly demonstrated that such a system is necessary to achieve the EU's economic security goals. Any monitoring should not result in additional corporate reporting obligations, of which the companies already have too many, and it should only be done on a strictly voluntary basis.
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Meeting with Pirkko Ruohonen-Lerner (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Mar 2024 · Laadukkaat harjoittelupaikat

Meeting with Henna Virkkunen (Member of the European Parliament)

21 Mar 2024 · Social policy

Meeting with Henna Virkkunen (Member of the European Parliament)

20 Mar 2024 · Transport policy

Meeting with Eero Heinäluoma (Member of the European Parliament)

20 Mar 2024 · Ajankohtaisaiheet

Meeting with Elsi Katainen (Member of the European Parliament)

20 Mar 2024 · General EU Transport policy

Meeting with Taneli Lahti (Cabinet of Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen) and Nokia and

11 Mar 2024 · Global Gateway

Meeting with Esther De Lange (Cabinet of Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra)

8 Mar 2024 · Exchanging views regarding the overall political landscape and priorities in the field of climate policy towards the next EU mandate

Meeting with Henna Virkkunen (Member of the European Parliament)

22 Feb 2024 · Mental health in EU context

Meeting with Sirpa Pietikäinen (Member of the European Parliament)

31 Jan 2024 · Mental Health

Meeting with Miapetra Kumpula-Natri (Member of the European Parliament)

8 Jan 2024 · Trade with Russia

Response to Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation (BEFIT)

5 Jan 2024

Ehdotus: NEUVOSTON DIREKTIIVI yritysten tuloverotusta Euroopassa koskevasta kehyksestä (BEFIT) EK kiittää mahdollisuudesta antaa palautetta otsikkoasiassa. EK suhtautuu erittäin varauksellisesti BEFIT-kehykseen siirtymiseen. BEFIT-kehyksen tavoitteet ovat sinänsä hyviä ja kannatettavia. Malliin sisältyy myös sinänsä positiivisia piirteitä, kuten mahdollisuus rajat ylittävän tappiontasaukseen ja lähdeverotuksesta luopumiseen. Valitettavasti esitetty kehys ja sen toteuttamiseen valitut keinot eivät käsityksemme mukaan mahdollista näitä tavoitteita. Päinvastoin esimerkiksi BEFIT-veroilmoitusten antaminen tulisi lisäämään hallinnollista taakkaa eikä vähentämään sitä. BEFIT-kehys ei myöskään ratkaise jäsenvaltioiden erilaisista kirjanpito- ja tilinpäätössääntelystä johtuvia ongelmia. Direktiiviehdotuksessa esitetty erittäin optimistinen arvio hallinnollisen taakan vähentymisestä on ylioptimistinen ja sille on vaikea löytää perusteita. Direktiiviehdotuksen ajoitus ja implementoinnin määräaika on erittäin haastava, kun otetaan huomioon OECD:n valmistelevat laajat yritysverotusta koskevat hankkeet. Yrityksille ja veroviranomaisille on jäätävä riittävästi aikaa varautua ehdotettuun sääntelyyn. Ehdotus ei saa missään tapauksessa lisätä hallinnollista taakkaa verovelvollisille tai veroviranomaisille. Ehdotus onkin tässä vaiheessa ennenaikainen. Ennen BEFIT-direktiiviehdotuksen jatkovalmistelua, jos sitä ylipäätään pidetään tarpeellisena, sen vaikutuksista tulisi laatia perusteellinen vaikuttavuusarvio sen jälkeen, kun globaalin minimiveron kokonaisvaikutukset ovat selvinneet. Lienee ylioptimistista ajatella, että BEFIT yhtenäistäisi 27 jäsenvaltion yritysverotusjärjestelmät. Lopputulos on pikemminkin kaksi rinnakkaista järjestelmää: 27 kansallista järjestelmää ja sen lisäksi vielä 27 erilaista tulkintaa BEFIT-järjestelmästä. Kehyksen pakollisuudesta 750 MEUR liikevaihdon ylittäville yrityksille tulisi myös luopua. Ylipäätään kehyksen suhdetta verotuksen toimivaltaan ja mahdollisuuteen käyttää yritysverotusta jatkossa talouspolitiikan välineenä tulisi arvioida kriittisesti. Ehdotuksen mukainen veropohjan yhdistäminen lisäisi epävarmuutta Suomen saamista verotuloista. Verotuottojen on tärkeää kohdistua myös jatkossa pääsääntöisesti sinne, missä on arvoa luovaa, innovatiivisuuteen sekä tutkimus- ja kehittämistoimintaan perustuvaa liiketoimintaa. Mahdollisessa jatkokäsittelyssä on tärkeää kiinnittää huomiota erityisesti ns. pysyvään allokointisääntöön ja sen yksityiskohtiin. On tärkeää, että komissiolle annettavat valtuudet antaa delegoituja säädöksiä ja täytäntöönpanosäädöksiä ovat oikeasuhtaisia, tarkoituksenmukaisia, selkeitä ja tarkasti rajattuja eivätkä aiheuta kohtuutonta hallinnollista taakkaa. Jatkovalmistelussa olisi samoin saatava tarkempi hallinnollinen ja taloudellinen vaikutusarvio.
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Response to Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation (BEFIT)

2 Jan 2024

Ehdotus neuvoston direktiiviksi siirtohinnoittelusta Direktiiviehdotuksen tavoitteet riidanratkaisun helpottamisesta ja siirtohinnoittelusääntöjen yksinkertaistamisesta ja yhdenmukaistamisesta ovat tärkeitä ja kannatettavia. EK suhtautuu kuitenkin varauksellisesti siihen, että niitä voitaisiin saavuttaa direktiiviehdotuksessa kuvatuin keinoin. EK katsoo, että markkinaehtoperiaatetta ei tule tulkita miltään osin eri tavalla EU-tason omassa sääntelyssä kuin mitä sitä nyt tulkintaan OECD:n siirtohinnoitteluohjeiden valossa. Sekä teoreettisesti että käytännössä on erikoista ajatella, että OECD:n markkinaehtoperiaatteen lisäksi käytössä olisi EU:n markkinaehtoperiaate, joka komission esittämällä tavalla yksinkertaistaisi periaatteen tulkintaa ja tekisi sen tulkinnasta yhdenmukaisempaa. Asia lienee pahimmillaan juuri päinvastoin. Huonoimmassa tapauksessa ehdotus rapauttaisi OECD:n ohjeistuksen vakiintunutta asemaa jäsenvaltioiden kansalliseen lainsäädäntöön säädetyn markkinaehtoperiaatteen tulkinnassa. Ehdotus johtaisi lisääntyneeseen hallinnolliseen taakkaan kansainvälisesti toimivien yritysten joutuessa mukauttamaan siirtohinnoitteluprosessejaan erikseen EU:n sisälle ja EU:n ulkopuolelle tehtäviin liiketoimiin, kun nyt yksi markkinaehtoperiaate soveltuu kaikkeen. Lisäksi on epätodennäköistä, että kolmannet valtiot hyväksyisivät EU-tason poikkeavia periaatteita. Myös 25 % määräysvaltakriteeri on ongelmallinen tästä näkökulmasta. EU-tason uusien käsitteiden luominen johtaa niiden tulkintaan liittyvään oikeudelliseen epävarmuuteen, joka kestää pahimmillaan vuosia ja voi johtaa vaikeasti ennakoitaviin oikeusprosesseihin. OECD:n markkinaehtoperiaatteen tulkinta on vakiintunut, vaikka siinä onkin omat kansalliset erityispiirteensä. Näitä erityispiirteitä ehdotus ei poistaisi, vaan loisi pahimmillaan näitä erityispiirteitä lisää 27 valtion ja vielä EU-tuomioistuimen tasolle. OECD:n siirtohinnoitteluohjeet ovat nimensä mukaisesti ohjeita, eikä niitä ole edes tarkoitettu lainsäädännöksi, koska niiden pitää olla ajallisesti ja menettelyllisempi joustavampi instrumentti kuin lailla säätäminen. Direktiiviehdotuksen jatkokäsittelyssä on tärkeää ottaa huomioon seuraavat näkökohdat: Direktiiviehdotuksen tulee seurata täysin OECD:n siirtohinnoitteluohjeita. Tulkintakäytännöt eivät saa eriytyä eikä hallinnollinen taakka esimerkiksi dokumentointiin liittyen saa lisääntyä. Vaikutusarvioita tulee tarkentaa. Jatkovalmistelussa on huolehdittava, että direktiivillä annettavat valtuudet ovat oikeasuhtaisia, tarkoituksenmukaisia, selkeitä ja tarkasti rajattuja.
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Meeting with Eero Heinäluoma (Member of the European Parliament)

21 Dec 2023 · Ajankohtaisasiat

Meeting with Miapetra Kumpula-Natri (Member of the European Parliament)

18 Dec 2023 · EU trade agenda

Meeting with Eero Heinäluoma (Member of the European Parliament)

8 Dec 2023 · Listing act

Finnish Industries urge better preparation to cut reporting burdens

1 Dec 2023
Topic — This consultation seeks to reduce EU reporting requirements for companies by 25%.
Message — They call for accurate impact assessments and consistent application of SME tests. Better guidance and alignment with national standards are needed for smaller businesses.12
Why — Better preparation would prevent unnecessary reporting burdens and reduce regulatory costs.3
Impact — Audit and consulting firms lose income derived from interpreting complex standards.4
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Meeting with Ville Niinistö (Member of the European Parliament)

15 Nov 2023 · Current EU policies

Meeting with Eero Heinäluoma (Member of the European Parliament)

15 Nov 2023 · Topical issues

Meeting with Alviina Alametsä (Member of the European Parliament)

15 Nov 2023 · The views of Finnish industries for the next legislative term

Meeting with Sirpa Pietikäinen (Member of the European Parliament)

14 Nov 2023 · Relevant EU policies

Meeting with David Mueller (Cabinet of Commissioner Johannes Hahn), Sofie Robbertsen (Cabinet of Commissioner Johannes Hahn)

14 Nov 2023 · Exchange of views on MFF Review

Meeting with Niels Fuglsang (Member of the European Parliament) and Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and

13 Nov 2023 · 2040 Climate Target: Why The EU Must Maintain Climate Leadership

Response to Revision of the Union Customs Code

7 Nov 2023

Elinkeinoelämän keskusliitto on Suomessa toimivien työnantajayritysten puolestapuhuja. Välitämme elinkeinoelämän yhteisiä viestejä ja ratkaisuehdotuksia yhteiskunnan päättäjille ja julkiseen keskusteluun. Edustamme kattavasti koko suomalaista elinkeinoelämää: meillä on yli 15 000 jäsenyritystä, joissa noin 900 000 työntekijää. Elinkeinoelämän keskusliitto EK kannattaa esitystä. Unionin tullireformi on elinkeinoelämän näkökulmasta toivottu ja esitettyä nopeampi voimaantulo olisi suotavaa. Tulliliitto on Euroopan unionin perusta ja turvaa sisämarkkinoiden häiriötöntä toimintaa. Tulliviranomaiset valvovat kaikkia tulliliittoon saapuvia ja sieltä poistuvia tavaroita. Tulliliiton toimivuus on keskeistä EU:n taloudelle, vauraudelle, kansainväliselle kilpailukyvylle ja myös sen häiriönsietokyvylle. Tullit muodostivat 11 prosenttia unionin budjetin tuloista vuonna 2022. Tullireformi on omiaan varmistamaan tulliliiton toimivuutta. Menettelyjen yksinkertaistaminen ja hallinnollisen taakan keventäminen on kannatettavaa. Näiden osalta on tärkeää varmistua siitä, että tämä tapahtuu myös yritysten näkökulmasta eikä vain viranomaisten näkökulmasta. Esityksessä on ehdotettu 150 euron tullittomuusrajan poistamista. Tämä on EK:n näkemyksen mukaan erityisen toivottavaa ja johtaa koti-maisten ja EU-toimijoiden kannalta neutraalimpaan kilpailutilanteeseen, koska nykyinen tullittomuus johtaa EU:n ulkopuolisten toimijoiden parempaan kilpailuasetelmaan. Tämä tullittomuusrajan poisto on myös linjassa vuonna 2021 tehtyyn vähäarvoisten maahantuontien verottomuusrajan poistoon. Käsittelyn jatkuessa erityistä huomiota tulisi kiinnittää myös oikeussuojakysymyksiin. EU:n uuden tulliviranomaisen roolia suhteessa kansallisiin tulliviranomaisiin olisi syytä edelleen selkeyttää esimerkiksi sen osalta, miten ja keneltä yritys voi hakea jatkossa sitovaa tullitariffitietoa ja miten päätöksestä on mahdollisuus hakea muutosta. EK kannattaa uuden tulliviranomaisen ja tullidatakeskuksen perustamista. Elinkeinoelämän keskusliitto EK kiinnittää huomiota ehdotuksen Trust and Check trader -kategoriaan, joka mahdollistaisi pitkälle meneviä helpotuksia tullimenettelyihin, kun toimija täyttää tiukat luotettavuuden ja läpinäkyvyyden ehdot. Viranomaisilla olisi ehdotuksen mukaan käytännössä suora yhteys yrityksen järjestelmään, josta viranomaiset saisivat koska vain tarvittavat tiedot. Elinkeinoelämän keskusliitto EK kannattaa luotettavan ja tarkastetun toimijan helpotuksia painottaen samalla, että järjestelmään liittymisen hyödyt ja kustannukset tulee olla balanssissa myös yrityksen näkökulmasta. Esimerkiksi Suomessa AEO-toimijoita, joihin tullireformissa viitataan, on ainoastaan 96 kpl. EK:n käsityksen mukaan AEO-toimijan statuksen saamiseen käytetty aika ja vaiva on monien toimijoiden näkökulmasta ylittänyt siitä saadut hyödyt. Asian jatkokäsittelyn aikana luotettavan ja tarkastetun toimijan kriteereitä on näin ollen syytä tarkastella kriittisesti, jottei sikäli perin kannatettava malli jää käytännön tasolla puhtaan teoreettiseksi vaihtoehdoksi, jota yritykset eivät tosiasiassa kykene hyödyntämään.
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Meeting with Andrus Ansip (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and Cosmetics Europe

18 Sept 2023 · Green Claims

Meeting with Alfred Sant (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and Banking Payments Federation Ireland

18 Jul 2023 · Listing Act

Meeting with Ville Niinistö (Member of the European Parliament)

28 Jun 2023 · Green Deal

Meeting with Mauri Pekkarinen (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur for opinion)

9 May 2023 · Discussion on Net-zero Industry Act

Finnish Industry Urges Voluntary Start for New Taxonomy Reporting

3 May 2023
Topic — This consultation establishes investment classifications for circular economy, water, pollution, and biodiversity objectives.
Message — The group proposes making the first year of reporting on new environmental objectives voluntary for companies. They also call for including non-hazardous waste incineration and bioenergy maintenance within the framework.123
Why — This would reduce compliance pressure while opening green finance to specific Finnish industrial sectors.45
Impact — Financial investors lose immediate access to standardized data regarding corporate circular economy performance.6
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Response to VAT in the Digital Age

4 Apr 2023

Attached please find the reply by the Confederation of Finnish Industries. For any questions, please contact: Tiina Ruohola, Head of VAT, Confederation of Finnish Industries at tiina.ruohola@ek.fi or at +358 40 5198868. Best regards, Tiina Ruohola
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Meeting with Sirpa Pietikäinen (Member of the European Parliament)

4 Apr 2023 · Occupational safety legislation

Meeting with Ville Niinistö (Member of the European Parliament)

15 Mar 2023 · EU policy

Meeting with Ville Niinistö (Member of the European Parliament)

15 Feb 2023 · Climate and environmental policy, Green deal

Meeting with Emma Wiesner (Member of the European Parliament) and Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and Confederation of Danish Industry

14 Feb 2023 · Regler för företagens ansvar i värdekedjan (due diligence)

Meeting with Ilan De Basso (Member of the European Parliament) and Confederation of Danish Industry and Volvo Car Corporation AB

14 Feb 2023 · Seminarie

Meeting with Axel Voss (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and Confederation of Danish Industry

14 Feb 2023 · Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence

Finnish industry opposes mandatory asbestos screening for property transactions

6 Feb 2023
Topic — Legislative initiative targeting health risks by improving asbestos screening and transparency in buildings.
Message — The organization proposes limiting mandatory screening to older buildings and allowing national flexibility. They argue against triggering screening obligations solely for selling or leasing property.123
Why — This approach prevents unnecessary administrative burdens and reduces costs for building owners.4
Impact — Buyers and tenants lose health-related transparency regarding the presence of asbestos.5
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Meeting with Kadri Simson (Commissioner) and

31 Jan 2023 · EU response to the energy crisis caused by Russian war in Ukraine and the ways the Commission is addressing the challenge.

Meeting with Taneli Lahti (Cabinet of Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen)

12 Jan 2023 · EU and international affairs

Meeting with Elsi Katainen (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Nov 2022 · the Green Deal, responsibility

Meeting with Agnes Jongerius (Member of the European Parliament)

10 Nov 2022 · General exchange of views EU social policy

Meeting with Katherine Power (Cabinet of Commissioner Mairead Mcguinness)

26 Oct 2022 · ESG, sanctions, banking package

Meeting with Suvi Leinonen (Cabinet of Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen), Taneli Lahti (Cabinet of Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen)

25 Oct 2022 · current EU affairs

Meeting with Nicolas Schmit (Commissioner) and

7 Oct 2022 · The Economy of well-being, Social Economy, the Future of work, Platform economy and the platform work directive, Telework and the Right to disconnect, Energy package, minimum wages directive.

Meeting with Alviina Alametsä (Member of the European Parliament)

7 Oct 2022 · Energy crisis

Meeting with Heidi Hautala (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

6 Sept 2022 · Nordic corporate governance & EU CSDD proposal

Meeting with Silvia Modig (Member of the European Parliament)

6 Sept 2022 · EU taxonomy of sustainable activities

Meeting with Ville Niinistö (Member of the European Parliament)

11 Jul 2022 · Current EU affairs

Meeting with Mauri Pekkarinen (Member of the European Parliament)

30 Jun 2022 · Discussion on Fir for 55 and REPower EU

Confederation of Finnish Industries EK urges technology-neutral hydrogen production

17 Jun 2022
Topic — Proposed EU rules defining a methodology for calculating greenhouse gas emissions from renewable fuels.
Message — The group advocates for technology neutrality by allowing fossil-free electricity, including nuclear, to produce hydrogen. They also suggest lowering the renewable grid threshold to 70% and easing strict matching rules.12
Why — Using low-carbon grid electricity would lower investment costs and increase domestic fuel production.3
Impact — Small hydrogen producers risk being pushed out of the market by complex regulatory requirements.4
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Meeting with Ville Niinistö (Member of the European Parliament)

18 May 2022 · EU affairs

Meeting with Mauri Pekkarinen (Member of the European Parliament)

18 May 2022 · Current EU affairs

Meeting with Valdis Dombrovskis (Executive Vice-President) and

17 May 2022 · Finland's NATO membership, economic outlook EU and Finland, economic governance, EU Trade

Finnish Industry Urges Data Act to Limit Sharing to Raw Data

12 May 2022
Topic — This consultation gathers feedback on a new legislative framework for fair data access and use.
Message — The organization demands that data sharing obligations strictly target raw data and provide robust protection for trade secrets. They also argue that the proposed article on international safeguards is unnecessary and should be removed.12
Why — This approach protects corporate investments and prevents competitors from exploiting proprietary business intelligence.34
Impact — Public authorities and third-party firms would be restricted from accessing highly valuable processed data.5
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Meeting with Sirpa Pietikäinen (Member of the European Parliament)

4 May 2022 · EU Taxonomy, CSDDD, LULUCF

Meeting with Christel Schaldemose (Member of the European Parliament) and Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and

2 May 2022 · industri- og konkurrencepolitik

Meeting with Mauri Pekkarinen (Member of the European Parliament) and Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and

2 May 2022 · Current EU industry affairs

Meeting with Mauri Pekkarinen (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur for opinion) and Technology Industries of Finland (Teknologiateollisuus ry)

29 Apr 2022 · Discussion on EU Chips Act

Meeting with Petri Sarvamaa (Member of the European Parliament)

27 Apr 2022 · Biodiversity

Meeting with Mauri Pekkarinen (Member of the European Parliament) and The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions SAK and Akava ry

17 Mar 2022 · Current EU affairs

Meeting with Nicolas Schmit (Commissioner) and

16 Mar 2022 · Minimum wages, platform work, labor market, social issues, Recovery & Resilience Facility

Meeting with Taneli Lahti (Cabinet of Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen)

10 Feb 2022 · Global Gateway

Meeting with Mairead McGuinness (Commissioner) and

10 Nov 2021 · EU Taxonomy for sustainable finance

Response to Collective bargaining agreements for self-employed – scope of application EU competition rules

3 Feb 2021

Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) is the leading business organization in Finland. EK represents the entire private sector and companies of all sizes: 24 member associations, 15,300 member companies across all business sectors (96% SMEs) and our member companies employ 900,000 employees (2/3 posts in the entire private sector). The Confederation of Finnish Industries sees no need to change existing EU competition rules to allow self-employed persons, including those working on platforms, to engage in collective bargaining or agreements concerning wages or other working conditions. For justified and valid social reasons, collective agreements establish a type of price cartel for employees, by setting wages. However, this is a completely different situation to self-employed, who are undertakings/economic operators, for which the same social reasons cannot conclude collective agreements. It would also be very difficult to define the term “solo-self-employed” or specific categories of self-employed or determine who would have the right to conclude collective agreements. There is also a question of who would be the parties in such negotiations and what would be the coverage of these agreements? Would this right apply in a situation when solo-self-employed has contracts with several companies or only in a situation when there is a contract relationship with one company? Also, if for example, solo-self-employed would have the right to conclude collective agreements, what would be the effect if the solo-self-employed would use subcontractors or hire an employee to perform the work where the collective agreement is applied? The commission’s plan to change existing EU competition rules to allow self-employed persons, including those working on platforms, to engage in collective bargaining or agreements concerning wages or other working conditions would impact to our labour market system. Finnish Industries sees no need for EU-level actions concerning legal status of platform workers or self-employed or their right to conclude collective agreements. We believe that the Commission should respect the competences of national social partners, especially when it comes to questions related to right to conclude collective agreements. The commission should not create new forms of collective representation which are not compatible with our labour market and collective bargaining systems. Decisions on right to collective bargaining and representation and content of the / related to the industrial relations system can only be made on national level. According to the Finnish legislation, collective bargaining is possible only on the terms concerning the conditions to be complied with in employment contract or in employment generally. It is not possible to make collective agreements between companies or other economic operators. We don’t see it appropriate to make any EU-level legislative actions related to national collective bargaining and collective representation systems and these should be kept clearly in the competence of the member states and out of the scope of any EU-level legislative actions. The labour markets and social security systems across the EU are equipped differently in each Member State when it comes to new forms of work. Therefore, platform work and legal status of the self-employed must be dealt with within the context of national legislation. The aim should be to create better functioning labour markets (e.g. through the European Semester process), and to avoid making it more difficult to be self-employed, not to weaken the possibilities to earn a living as self-employed or reduce the labour markets flexibility. The EU has already established legal instruments to ensure that those people working on platforms and others in new forms of work can be protected. It is now a matter of proper implementation and enforcement.
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Response to Enhancing the convergence of insolvency laws

9 Dec 2020

Confederation of Finnish industries EK supports goals of initiative "Insolvency laws: increasing convergence of national laws to encourage cross-border investment". EK finds that it is important goal to increase the predictability of insolvency law framework in EU. Still EK finds that possible new actions should be still carefully considered before legislative proposals. EK stresses that it should be priority to follow implementation of latest insolvency directive and finish on-going insolvency legislation proposals. When on-going legislative amendments have been implemented it is possible to see, what actions should be done next. We find important to have some knowledge of the impact of these on-going-changes first before any new legislative proposals. EK finds there is need to develop insolvency regulation as part of the European capital markets union-agenda. EK wants to stress that competitiveness of state's insolvency regime is important factor in investment decisions of investors. EK finds important to evaluate first what could be achieved with non-legislative instrument. We find that legislative instrument should not be used until on-going directive implementation processes has been finished. Still, EK wants to stress that when assessing legislative proposals that go to the core of Member States' civil justice systems, the review of the initiative must be carried out very carefully and the basis of jurisdiction carefully assessed.
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Confederation of Finnish Industries opposes EU corporate governance overhaul

25 Nov 2020
Topic — The EU is exploring how company law can incentivize long-term, sustainable value creation.
Message — EK urges the Commission to discard the study's findings as a basis for legislation. They believe existing governance models already support long-term interests and must be preserved.12
Why — Maintaining the status quo allows companies to avoid restrictive regulations harming global competitiveness.3
Impact — Advocates for mandatory sustainability rules lose a mechanism to force board-level environmental changes.4
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Response to Updating the EU Emissions Trading System

25 Nov 2020

Maritime Transport as Part of Ambitious Climate Policy Confederation of Finnish Businesses EK supports 1,5 degree climate policy and Paris agreement. Reducing emission in shipping is tightly linked with the competitiveness of industrial sectors that trade in global markets. The regulation should take place at global level in IMO to provide level playing field in maritime markets. EU should enforce its efforts in the IMO to ensure efficient emission reduction measures on short and long term. Finland's foreign trade depends heavily on maritime transport due to our geographic situation. Our maritime operators are challenged by arctic winter conditions adding cost burden. We need to ensure that the maritime transport stays competitive in Finland. Regarding applicability of the EU ETS to maritime or road transport we believe that extensive impact assessments are required before any decisions are taken. Need for extensive impact assessments covers various aspects such as: - Competitiveness of the European companies especially in global markets - Risk of carbon leakage in industry and between transport modes - Elements in the ETS structure such as a part of EU ETS or separate ETS, coverage of the vessel types and routes, the setting the cap, free allocation etc. - Comparison to other market-based measures as levies and charges - Consistency with the actions taken by the IMO - Meeting country-based characteristics - Long investment cycle in shipping industry - Early phases in developing non-fossil energy sources The industries in Finland underline the characteristics on our country. Finland’s foreign trade depends heavily on maritime transport due to our geographic situation. About 80% of foreign trade is transport by seas. Our maritime operators are challenged by arctic winter conditions adding cost burden all year round. The characteristics of Finland lead to average 10% cost rise to maritime transport (estimation on 22€/tCO2 price) and risks would follow: 1) Carbon leakage in industrial sectors to third countries 2) Carbon leakage in transport routes and modes (Transito via Russia) 3) Increase of emissions due to transition to land transport (Baltia, Scandinavia) and 4) Loss of competitiveness compared to other EU countries. We hope that these characteristics are taken into account already in the impact assessments phase. We also hope that the results of the assessments are published and discussed well ahead of the forthcoming proposals on EU ETS. Kind regards, Tiina Haapasalo Chief Policy Advisor, Transport and Infrastructure Confederation of Finnish Industries EK
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Meeting with Henrik Hololei (Director-General Mobility and Transport)

18 Nov 2020 · Climate neutrality; shipping

Meeting with Ville Itala (Director-General European Anti-Fraud Office)

20 Oct 2020 · Presentation on OLAF

Response to Review of Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency

21 Sept 2020

A response of Confederation of Finnish Industries to a roadmap consultation on the Energy Efficiency Directive Confederation of Finnish Industries EK represents the entire private sector and has 24 member associations and 16,000 member companies. We speak for employers of all sizes, from public limited companies to SMEs. Our member companies create jobs and welfare in Finland, and are responsible for 70% of exports, 70% of R&D expenditure, 2/3 of the GDP created by companies and 2/3 of the private sector jobs. Climate change is a huge global challenge on every level in societies. Confederation of Finnish Industries strongly supports the Paris agreement and 1.5-degree policies: EU2050 climate neutrality and EU2030 target of 50-55%. We are fully committed to the implementation of necessary measures to mitigate climate change. Enterprises are in the core of this long-lasting combat by innovating, investing and offering solutions globally. We appreciate the possibility to deliver the views of Finnish Industries regarding the roadmap of EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive revision. Energy efficiency has taken its important role on the climate agenda of the EU. The Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) has formed a major part of the implementation of the EU energy efficiency target 2020, and this continues during the next phase 2021 - 2030. Finnish Industries supports energy efficiency as such, and the same time we recognize a principle weakness of the EU energy efficiency target: it is expressed as absolute primary and/or final energy consumption, which doesn't measure energy efficiency or its improvement. Energy efficiency means the comparison of "energy input" to the "product output". For industry, it is essential to allow economic growth with low carbon energy, which might mean growth of absolute energy consumption in these sectors. Therefore, energy consumption should not be capped by energy efficiency target. We have severe concerns regarding the re-opening of all relevant EU2030 energy and climate legislation including the Energy Efficiency Directive. Member States have already created energy efficiency schemes to fulfil the requirements of mandatory savings under article 7, for instance. A full revision will slow down the proper implementation of the present legislation significantly. It would be better to focus on the smooth implementation of the regulation, and revise the EED only very minimum way. Finally, Finland has a long history to use long-term voluntary agreements to improve energy efficiency in different sectors of society. In addition to this, these agreements have been used to fulfil requirements of the EU-legislation. The present Agreements 2017-2025 form a key element in implementing EED in Finland. It covers over 60 % of Finland’s total energy use. Voluntary energy efficiency agreements in Finland: https://energiatehokkuussopimukset2017-2025.fi/en/
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Response to Revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2018/2001

21 Sept 2020

Feedback to Roadmap on Renewable Energy Rules – Review Confederation of Finnish Industries EK represents the entire private sector and has 24 member associations and 16,000 member companies. We speak for employers of all sizes, from public limited companies to SMEs. Our member companies create jobs and welfare in Finland, and are responsible for 70% of exports, 70% of R&D expenditure, 2/3 of the GDP created by companies and 2/3 of the private sector jobs. Climate change poses a systemic risk and opportunity to our societies. Finnish companies want to be at the forefront of ambitious climate action. Confederation of Finnish Industries EK is fully committed to the 1,5 C objective of the Paris agreement and the net-zero target for the EU by 2050. The aim of the Commission has been to assess how the the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions could responsibly be reduced by to 55% by 2030. This assessment was released on 17th September. Already before the actual release EK stated that we will also take on the new challenge for 2030 and support the EU to raise the 2030 target to 50-55 %. It is an important milestone towards a carbon-neutral Europe in 2050 and would provide investment certainty for the coming decades. Companies are in the core of the climate challenge by innovating, investing, and offering solutions globally. Achieving a more ambitious EU 2030 target will require companies to make unprecedented investments in less than a decade. In many cases the national implementation of the previously agreed 2030 target is still ongoing. At the same time, many novel solutions for reducing emissions in different sectors (electrification, sector integration, hydrogen economy) are rising rapidly and need to be considered as a part of these changes. All these trends highlight the need to carefully plan next steps in good cooperation with businesses. Companies need predictability and new incentives in balanced manner. Cost-efficiency and technology neutrality are key in implementation. An example of excellent cooperation between the public and private sector is the preparation of low-carbon roadmaps for different business sectors in Finland. One of the key findings from these roadmaps are the rapid decarbonization and electrification of the Finnish economy and the integrated nature of this transformation. National work on sector integration is ongoing together with the Finnish Government and we will be able to provide more detailed analysis of needed changes in due course. On a general level we support the objective to explore how the review of the RES directive could help the EU to meet a more ambitious 2030 target and at the same time accelerate the transition to a more integrated energy system as outlined in the energy system integration & hydrogen strategies. On a more concrete level we find the need to foster electrification of the end-use sectors, better use of waste streams, increasing the penetration of renewable and low carbon fuels in different end-use sectors and while ensuring that all renewables are produced sustainably. We look forward to contributing to this work in the coming months and years.
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Response to Commission Delegated Regulation on taxonomy-alignment of undertakings reporting non-financial information

8 Sept 2020

Please, find attached the EK's position paper regarding the obligation for certain companies under Taxonomy to publish non-financial information.
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Response to Climate change mitigation and adaptation taxonomy

20 Apr 2020

Roadmap on Delegated Act for climate change mitigation and adaptation taxonomy The Confederation of Finnish Industries EK welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the Commission’s inception impact assessment on the Delegated Regulation on a climate change mitigation and adaptation taxonomy. We value highly that stakeholders will be consulted separately on the Draft Delegated Act once it will be published ahead of its expected adoption in Q4 or next year. Due the unprecedented current socioeconomic crisis we encourage the Commission to conduct the appropriate evaluations and to consider these aspects in the future policy tools, to create a predictable and secure climate for investing in a wide range of industrial activities to reach the EU climate goals. EK remains a supporter of the EU Taxonomy. EK is thoroughly committed to an ambitious climate policy and supports a firm implementation of the global Paris agreement 1,5 C target. The path towards a carbon-neutral economy in the Nordic region illustrates that high climate ambitions, based on market-based instruments and the right regulatory framework, are crucial components of a modern business policy and economic growth. Carbon-pricing instruments, such as the EU ETS, must remain a key part of EU’s objective of a climate-neutral economy by 2050. A practicable Taxonomy framework would allow all sectors and industries to form part of the transition into carbon-neutral economy and not be misused as a “punitive” instrument that would hamper firms’ access to finance. Investments into all solutions that are commercially available today and at least halve the GHG emissions, for example, in transport, such as sustainable biofuels, should be incentivised by the taxonomy, not discouraged. All activities that contribute to or enable the transition, demonstrate a credible path towards long-term sustainability goals or lead to notable emission reductions should be eligible under the Taxonomy. Technical screening criteria should be consistent with existing EU policies and legislation, technology neutral and properly impact assessed in line with the better regulation principles. The transition towards carbon-neutral economy can only be maneuvered successfully if – and only if – the transitional period exists de facto. Overly sharp thresholds and too narrow scope of the Taxonomy will significantly and severely undermine the transitional period in practise. Ultimately, it may jeopardize the transition into carbon-neutral economy and hence, risk the Paris climate goals. The European economy cannot afford that. Timely reaching carbon neutrality in a cost-effective manner while ensuring adequate level of security of supply requires the contribution of a large range of solutions from RES, carbon-neutral to carbon negative technologies. There are many economic activities central to the transition into carbon neutral economy where the current form of the Taxonomy’s technical screening criteria does not meet the above-mentioned principles according to which the EK is ready to support the preparation of the Taxonomy. These fields vary from gas infrastructure, biofuels and bio energy to nuclear energy.
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Response to 2030 Climate Target Plan

15 Apr 2020

Confederation of Finnish Industries EK represents the entire private sector and has 24 member associations and 16,000 member companies. We speak for employers of all sizes, from public limited companies to SMEs. Our member companies create jobs and welfare in Finland, and are responsible for 70% of exports, 70% of R&D expenditure, 2/3 of the GDP created by companies and 2/3 of the private sector jobs. Climate change is a huge global challenge on every level in societies. Confederation of Finnish Industries strongly supports the Paris agreement and 1.5-degree policies and is fully committed to the implementation of necessary measures to mitigate climate change. Enterprises are in the core of this long-lasting combat by innovating, investing and offering solutions globally. In the on-going energy transition, they change their processes away from using fossil fuels, and in the same time they face daily tough international competition. We appreciate the possibility to deliver the views of Finnish Industries regarding the EU’s 2030 Climate Target Plan. Finnish Industries support the climate neutrality target of 2050 of the EU, and we see that ambitious climate policy is essential and offers also opportunities to European companies in the area of clean technology. We have also supported the 2030 energy and climate framework and agreed legislation. When considering the increase of the 2030 target and revision (if appropriate) of all relevant legislation, there are severe concerns regarding the matter. Most of all, the re-opening of the legislation will slow down the full implementation of the present legislation significantly. Member States, enterprises and investors will wait for the new regulation, which won’t be implemented nationally until about 2025. There is then only five years left for new measures to function before 2030. It would be better to focus now on the 2040 target, and the smooth implementation of the regulation. Finnish Industries sees that the 2030 Climate Target Plan needs to be based on a proper and thorough impact assessment, which clearly indicates what the consequences with different options are, how to share the increased ambition between EU ETS and non-ETS sectors and what the economic influences are as well as the climate ones. In addition to these, the realistic timeline and content of the coming 2030 proposal needs to be assessed against the present enormous global COVID-19 economic and human crisis. When assessing the present target and the target of the 50-55%, it needs to be kept in mind, that the linear trajectory from now to 2050 is certainly not the only and most probably not the most cost-efficient path because the major emission reduction technologies and behavioural changes will develop in leaps, like the “invasion” of e-cars and hybrid steel production. Therefore, there are many other paths in addition to linearity to go to 2050 climate neutrality. However, if the 2030 target is increased, the EU should consider using offsets (international mechanisms) to achieve cost-efficient emission reductions and to fulfil partly its ambitious climate target. There are already three Member States which are using offsets to reach their high national climate targets. Finally, if the 2030 target is increased, the new emission reductions should be shared fairly and cost-effectively between ETS and non-ETS sectors. The competitiveness of European industry needs to be taken care of enforcing the carbon leakage prevention measures, like free allocation and indirect compensation within ETS. In the near future, coverage of ETS will change when the main part of transport is electrified in Europe. Also, according to the Green deal communication road traffic, maritime and heating of buildings will perhaps be moved as whole new sectors to ETS. These changes will significantly influence the present structure of the EU energy and climate policy and they need to be consider in the 2030 Climate Target Plan.
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Response to Revision of the Energy Tax Directive

1 Apr 2020

Confederation of Finnish Industries EK represents the entire private sector and has 24 member associations and 16,000 member companies. We speak for employers of all sizes, from public limited companies to SMEs. Our member companies create jobs and welfare in Finland, and are responsible for 70% of exports, 70% of R&D expenditure, 2/3 of the GDP created by companies and 2/3 of the private sector jobs. The climate change is a huge global challenge in every level of societies. Confederation of Finnish Industries strongly supports the Paris agreement and 1.5-degree policies and is fully committed to the implementation of necessary measures to mitigate climate change. Enterprises are in the core of this long-lasting combat by innovating, investing and offering solutions globally. In the on-going energy transition, they change their processes away from using fossil fuels, and in the same time they face daily tough international competition. We appreciate a possibility to deliver views of Finnish businesses regarding the revision of the Energy Taxation Directive and align its content with the Green Deal. Finnish businesses see the importance of the Energy Taxation Directive (ETD): it improves the function of the EU’s internal market having minimum energy tax rates and exemptions determined. However, the ETD’s effect has been limited: there is quite a variety of tax levels used in Europe. The content of the 2003 implemented Energy Taxation Directive is clearly outdated, and there is an obvious need for a revision. The ETD should be at least in line with other updated energy, climate and environmental legislation, especially with the EU ETS Directive. The ETD should also take care of the competitiveness issues inside and outside Europe. The evaluation of the legislation and minimum rates within the EU is not enough because the companies face global competition. Most of the countries have no energy taxation in place globally. Many Member States use carbon taxation in addition to energy content taxes, but carbon taxation is missing totally from the present Directive. The minimum level of carbon tax should be determined to increase the level of harmonization in the EU. It should be set so that it does not negatively affect the competitiveness of the companies operating globally. To avoid double carbon taxation, the energy use in ETS-sector should clearly be exempted by the Directive. This is a question of competitiveness of the European companies in the global market. Use of indirect heating in some industrial processes is in many cases necessary because of the nature of the product and process or simply for safety reasons. However, this kind of indirect heating cannot be exempted like direct process heating. This disadvantage needs to be removed, when revising the ETD. For biofuels, there is no possibility to go under the minimum rate of similar fossil products, which makes for instance the promotion of the 100 % bio-based fuel by energy taxation difficult. The problem is the same with all new low-carbon or carbon-free energy products, which discourages to develop and use them instead of fossil fuels. In general, all the accepted exemptions in the Directive should be taken into use without extra state aid processes, which are usually long-lasting and create unnecessary uncertainty among businesses. Finally, in the inception impact assessment, the Commission has stated that it is possible to use Article 192 of the Treaty (environmental measures including measures of fiscal nature) that allows European Parliament and the Council to adopt proposals in this area through the ordinary legislative procedure by Qualified Majority Voting rather than by unanimity in the Council. In the view of the Confederation of Finnish Industries, the legal basis of the present Directive should continue to be Article 113 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the EU that provides for a special legislative procedure whereby the Council acts unanimously.
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Response to Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

31 Mar 2020

EK appreciates a possibility to deliver views of Finnish businesses regarding a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. The introduction of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs) requires very serious consideration of their costs and benefits. They are politically very risky, complicated and costly to implement and should be considered only in the most extreme cases where other options for finding a common solution have been exhausted. The primary tools against a risk of carbon leakage are current measures in EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), like free allocation and indirect compensation, and they should be in place also in future. Finnish businesses support the climate neutrality target of 2050 for the EU, and we see, that the EU ETS is an effective tool to reduce GHG emissions in energy production and industry and it must remain as a main instrument to these sectors. Carbon pricing continues to grow globally as a cost-efficient tool for emissions reductions. Currently around 20 % of global emissions are under a carbon price mechanism. But when comparing the measures among industry in different countries, progress is very slow among Europe’s main trading partners. The EU must ensure the global competitiveness of European companies and a level playing field in key export markets. It is good, that Commission studies different options to minimize a risk of carbon leakage, which is due to uneven level of climate ambitious in Europe and globally. In the same time, the present and mostly well-functioning measures like free allocation and indirect compensation in the EU ETS need to be continued in a sufficient way as long as there are no equal carbon pricing schemes among major trading partners outside Europe. The uncertainty about the level of these ETS carbon leakage measures in future is poison to investment decisions among ETS companies. As said above, Finnish businesses are favour of a proper impact assessment of CBAMs, so we all can learn more on these measures, as they are not in use in large scale anywhere. A detailed analysis should be made of the practical feasibility, legal aspects, impacts on the sectors involved as well downstream sectors, and risks of retaliation. The functionality and compatibility with EU ETS need to be study carefully to avoid any distraction, especially in the options, where ETS allowances would be used as a CBAM for import goods. Designing of a CBAM will be politically challenging and subject to many uncertainties. It is extremely difficult to determine the carbon footprint of different products and charging additional tariffs or taxes will also entail additional costs that could hamper the competitiveness of the EU export industry. What is more, the carbon border adjustment would not benefit EU companies when operating in third markets. The unilateral introduction of a new CBAM tool would most likely lead to retaliatory measures especially from EU’s biggest trade partners. It is also uncertain whether it is possible to find a CBAM, which would be compatible with WTO rules. The primary solution from a business point of view is to promote regulation globally that guarantees fair and equitable competition for businesses. Here are some examples: o more regular dialogue between WTO and UNFCCC forums o using new and existing regional trade agreements (RTAs) to find common ground and compromise on integration of climate and trade issues o talks with like-minded WTO Members, for instance the EU and China could revive negotiations on the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) o under WTO, include climate-related issues in the WTO Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) on a voluntary basis Also, revised EU trade defence instruments have been strengthened, and if there is evidence of unfair competition, the first action should be to find ways to help EU´s trade partners to improve their policies, for example by implementing carbon pricing and promoting trade in climate-friendly goods and services.
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Meeting with Nicolas Schmit (Commissioner) and

5 Mar 2020 · Minimum wage and platform workers

Meeting with Jutta Urpilainen (Commissioner)

4 Mar 2020 · Industrial Strategy and Arfrica Strategy

Meeting with Salla Saastamoinen (Director-General Justice and Consumers)

4 Mar 2020 · Meeting the board of EK to discuss EU priorities in the coming years

Response to Revision of Non-Financial Reporting Directive

26 Feb 2020

The NFRD has been in force just a short time. The first reports based on the directive were published in 2018. Amending existing legislation especially in this case, when it has been in force for just couple of years, seems too bureaucratic and heavy and going against the principles of better regulation. According to the Commission Better regulation guidelines: “Inception impact assessments are used for initiatives subject to an impact assessment. These set out in greater detail the description of the problem, issues related to subsidiarity, the policy objectives and options as well as the likely impacts of each option.” We think that there is not enough data and description of such problems in the inception impact assessment document, that would require opening up the directive. In fact, the inception impact assessment is very vague and short on the problems and arguments behind the problems, and it focuses mostly on describing the policy options and their impacts. We think that the problems the initiative aims to tackle (1 a-d) are not real problems and are emanating mostly because of the short period the obligations have been in force. Companies are setting and modifying their reporting methods and details based on the responses they receive and also through using the voluntary guidelines available. Reporting practices and further development in reporting, whether it is the relevance of the information or the comparability of the information can be improved also through other means than go through the whole legislative cycle. As regards the aim of comparability – it is not stated in detail in the inception impact assessment what is meant with the comparability of the non-financial information, but this type of other than numerical information cannot be fully comparable. Branch of business, group structure and functions, e.g. the amount of own production or purchase of raw materials, etc. all affect the information to be reported and that is why the comparability will require case by case analysis, notwithstanding the legal basis of the reporting obligations. Our opinion on the described policy options is that options 1 (“continue the current approach of non-binding guidelines to assist companies…”) and 2 (“explore the use of standards…”) should be promoted. This would serve as a flexible way to help companies to develop their reporting on non-financial matters and also give the market and stakeholders the possibility to steer and develop the reporting practices. There is no such demand from the stakeholders’ side that would require opening up the directive itself. These options (1 and 2) should also be chosen to strike a balance between numerous different upcoming proposals in the field of reporting, sustainability, company law and corporate governance. There are many proposals containing more or less intertwining and/or parallel matters or obligations and therefore it is important to maintain clarity and balance between them all.
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Response to Climate Law

6 Feb 2020

Confederation of Finnish Industries EK appreciates a possibility to deliver views of Finnish businesses for preparation of the new EU climate law. The climate change is a huge global challenge in every level of societies. Finnish businesses strongly support the Paris agreement and 1,5 degree policies, and are fully committed to the implementation of necessary measures to mitigate climate change. Enterprises are in the core of this long-lasting combat by innovating, investing and offering solutions globally. We support the climate neutrality target of 2050 for the EU, which means balancing the GHG emissions and the sinks/removals by 2050. Having the EU’s very ambitious climate-neutrality target in the new Climate law, it will give a solid signal and direction for the European societies as well as outside Europe. Because of a long timeframe, a needed flexibility will be achieved by determination of the 2050 target as climate-neutrality instead of exact figures for GHG emission reductions and sinks/removals. The use of international off-sets (meaning GHG-reductions outside Europe realized by European actors) should be accepted to fulfill the target cost-efficiently and still keeping the level of ambitious. The new EU climate law should contain guiding principles telling how to achieve ambitious climate target of 2050 and in the same time preserve growth and welfare of European societies. Europe is mitigating and adapting to climate change in the same time, and measures of the rest of the world seems to lag behind. The competitiveness of businesses is a key to manage this huge challenge successfully. Predictable and enabling legislation is utmost important to speed-up investment-decisions. Significant R&D&I incentives are needed to create new technologies, products, and develop the present ones to emit less GHG emissions. There are plenty of promising technologies "on the drawing table", and the full potential of sector-coupling is still partly unknown concerning both emission reductions and sinks/removals
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Meeting with Risto Artjoki (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

2 May 2019 · Decision making in the EU

Meeting with Kaius Kristian Hedberg (Cabinet of Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska)

11 Apr 2019 · single market

Finnish industry group opposes more majority voting in social policy

23 Jan 2019
Topic — The Commission explores using more majority voting for social policy legislation.
Message — The organization strongly opposes shifting social policy areas to majority voting. They demand that the current balance between unanimity and majority voting remain.12
Why — Preserving unanimity protects the unique competitiveness of the Finnish business environment.34
Impact — The European Commission loses its ability to bypass national vetos for legislation.5
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Meeting with Joost Korte (Director-General Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion)

15 Nov 2018 · Exchange of views about the remaining legislative work of the current parliamentary period as well as the next Commission’s work programme

Meeting with Nathalie De Basaldua Lemarchand (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

28 Sept 2018 · General discussion on the views of Finnish industry towards EU.

Meeting with Jyrki Katainen (Vice-President)

10 Jul 2018 · Trade, investments and reforms

Response to EU Company law upgraded Package:digital solutions and providing efficient rules for cross border operations of companies

5 Jul 2018

Please find attached the comments from the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK on the EU Company law upgraded Package:digital solutions and providing efficient rules for cross border operations of companies. Best regards Hannu Ylänen Senior Adviser
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Meeting with Risto Artjoki (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

20 Mar 2018 · Ensuring the competitiveness of European industry

Meeting with Jyrki Katainen (Vice-President)

12 Mar 2018 · Trade, circular economy, better regulation, rule of law, CMU, sharing economy, energy union

Meeting with Florentine Hopmeier (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

28 Feb 2018 · Digital Taxation

Meeting with Gints Freimanis (Cabinet of Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

27 Feb 2018 · Exchange of views on taxation of profit in digital economy and CCTB/CCCTB proposal

Meeting with Xavier Coget (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

25 Oct 2017 · Exchange on EU trade policy

Meeting with Nele Eichhorn (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

25 Oct 2017 · Policies of Russia

Meeting with Ruth Paserman (Cabinet of Commissioner Marianne Thyssen)

17 Oct 2017 · Nordic employers’ seminar on the Social Pillar

Meeting with Jon Nyman (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström), Maria Asenius (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

27 Sept 2017 · EU topical issues

Meeting with Filomena Chirico (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen) and Akava ry

9 Jun 2017 · Future of FP9

Meeting with Jyrki Katainen (Vice-President) and Fortum Oyj and

11 May 2017 · Future outlook of the Energy Union package

Meeting with Tiina Astola (Director-General Justice and Consumers)

24 Mar 2017 · several topics

Meeting with Pedro Velasco Martins (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

20 Feb 2017 · Trade matters with Russia

Meeting with Tiina Astola (Director-General Justice and Consumers)

7 Feb 2017 · WLB

Meeting with Kaius Kristian Hedberg (Cabinet of Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska), Tomasz Husak (Cabinet of Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska)

10 Jan 2017 · industrial policy

Meeting with Ruth Paserman (Cabinet of Commissioner Marianne Thyssen)

1 Dec 2016 · Exchange views on the social dimension of the EMU and especially the Commission’s initiative for a European Pillar of Social Rights

Meeting with Juho Romakkaniemi (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

19 Oct 2016 · General EU policy agenda

Meeting with Peteris Ustubs (Cabinet of High Representative / Vice-President Federica Mogherini)

19 Oct 2016 · EU digital single market policy

Meeting with Juho Romakkaniemi (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

29 Jun 2016 · Business environment

Meeting with Grzegorz Radziejewski (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

26 Apr 2016 · Energy and Climate

Meeting with Dominique Ristori (Director-General Energy)

26 Apr 2016 · energy policy

Meeting with Tiina Astola (Director-General Justice and Consumers)

15 Apr 2016 · Introductory visit

Meeting with Grzegorz Radziejewski (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen), Grzegorz Radziejewski (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

3 Mar 2016 · Circular economy and Energy Union

Meeting with Sebastian Kuck (Cabinet of Commissioner Jonathan Hill)

17 Feb 2016 · CBCR and TAX

Meeting with Jon Nyman (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

28 Jan 2016 · Overall Trade Agenda and possible visit of Commissioner to Finland

Meeting with Edward Bannerman (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

27 Jan 2016 · Trade and investment outlook

Meeting with Grzegorz Radziejewski (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

16 Nov 2015 · EU company law

Meeting with Raquel Lucas (Cabinet of Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

28 Oct 2015 · Social Dialogue in Finland; Mobility Package

Meeting with Edward Bannerman (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

15 Oct 2015 · Trade strategy and Economic diplomacy

Meeting with Eduard Hulicius (Cabinet of Commissioner Věra Jourová)

1 Oct 2015 · Consumer protection package and DSM agenda

Meeting with Jan Ceyssens (Cabinet of Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

29 Sept 2015 · EU tax policy

Meeting with Lucie Mattera (Cabinet of Commissioner Pierre Moscovici)

28 Sept 2015 · current trends of European tax policy and corporate taxation

Meeting with Maria Da Graca Carvalho (Cabinet of Commissioner Carlos Moedas)

24 Sept 2015 · Innovation in Industry

Meeting with Luc Tholoniat (Cabinet of President Jean-Claude Juncker)

23 Sept 2015 · EU’s current policies on restoring economic growth and competitiveness in light of the recommendations in the “Towards new growth” report

Meeting with Juho Romakkaniemi (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

2 Jul 2015 · European Fund for Strategic Investment and Country specific recommendations

Meeting with Juhan Lepassaar (Cabinet of Vice-President Andrus Ansip)

2 Jul 2015 · DSM

Meeting with Miguel Arias Cañete (Commissioner) and

2 Jul 2015 · Internal Energy Market and Energy Union

Meeting with Marianne Thyssen (Commissioner)

2 Jul 2015 · Employment and social priorities

Meeting with Heidi Jern (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

2 Jun 2015 · Circular Economy

Meeting with Peter Van Kemseke (Cabinet of Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič)

13 May 2015 · Energy Union in Finland

Meeting with Aare Järvan (Cabinet of Vice-President Andrus Ansip), Juhan Lepassaar (Cabinet of Vice-President Andrus Ansip)

5 May 2015 · Digital Single Market

Meeting with Maroš Šefčovič (Vice-President) and Blic Oy

5 May 2015 · Energy Union and industry

Meeting with Heidi Jern (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

27 Apr 2015 · Transport

Meeting with Jocelyn Fajardo (Cabinet of Commissioner Violeta Bulc)

24 Apr 2015 · Meeting with Confederation of Finnish Industries

Meeting with Heidi Jern (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

17 Apr 2015 · Circular Economy

Meeting with Edward Bannerman (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

6 Mar 2015 · TTIP and Investment protection

Meeting with Christian Burgsmueller (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

6 Mar 2015 · Investment protection; ISDS

Meeting with Jan Ceyssens (Cabinet of Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

3 Mar 2015 · Taxation

Meeting with Maria Elena Scoppio (Cabinet of Commissioner Pierre Moscovici)

6 Feb 2015 · Fight against tax evasion and tax fraud + CCCTB

Meeting with Grzegorz Radziejewski (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

5 Feb 2015 · Tax Policy

Meeting with Kaius Kristian Hedberg (Cabinet of Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska)

15 Jan 2015 · Internal market, including energy union and green growth

Meeting with Jon Nyman (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

15 Dec 2014 · General discussion on Trade Policy

Meeting with Jyrki Katainen (Vice-President) and

11 Dec 2014 · Industrial Policy

Meeting with Tuure Taneli Lahti (Cabinet of Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

11 Dec 2014 · Topical EU matters

Meeting with Tuure Taneli Lahti (Cabinet of Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

11 Dec 2014 · Topical EU matters

Meeting with Maria Cristina Lobillo Borrero (Cabinet of Vice-President Miguel Arias Cañete), Pierre Schellekens (Cabinet of Vice-President Miguel Arias Cañete), Yvon Slingenberg (Cabinet of Vice-President Miguel Arias Cañete)

11 Dec 2014 · EU’s energy and climate policy, including ETS

Meeting with Hilde Hardeman (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

9 Dec 2014 · Better regulation

Meeting with Aura Salla (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

8 Dec 2014 · Industrial Policy