Forestry has become a key topic of debate following a parliamentary committee's decision that Finland should not support the European Commission's proposal for a climate classification system establishing a list of sustainable economic activities, according to tabloid Iltalehti (IL).
The Finnish government may therefore vote against the EU's Climate Delegated Act, as it would harm Finland's financing prospects, IL reports.
"Even though we advocate for ambitious climate policy, and Finland is known for that, there are some country-specific details affecting both Finland and Sweden which are particularly problematic for us, and therefore Finland and Sweden will choose to vote against the proposal," European Affairs Minister Tytti Tuppurainen (SDP) told the tabloid.
The Europe Minister said that Finland would have preferred that EU member states were more involved during the preparation of the proposal, adding that the current form of the Act leaves excess room for interpretation.
"We do not want forestry to drift into a gray area, where there are ambiguities as to whether certain types of forest management are sustainable or not," Tuppurainen added.
Green Party MEP Ville Niinistö said he was disappointed with the government's line, adding that some of the argumentation behind the decision was "false," according to IL.
The paper adds that according to Niinistö, Finland would like to classify all existing industries as sustainable, because it is an important industry for the country's finances.
"If all activities are classified as green, then those who really invest in clean technology and solutions will lose, and those that do not will win. It is not in the interest of the future of the industry itself," Niinistö said.
Niinistö insisted that the European Commission aims to curb greenwashing and make it easier for companies to identify the most environmentally friendly practices, the tabloid reports.
Anna Berner steps down as director of Vallila Interior
Former Minister of Transport and Communications, Anne Berner, has "unexpectedly" announced she will no longer be employed by Vallila Interior, Ilta-Sanomat (IS) reports.
The move comes after the ownership of the popular design company was handed over to new design group Manna & Co. along with Finlayson and Makia Clothing last May.
Manna & Co chief executive Mikko Koponen said Anne Berner stepped aside of her own will, adding that Berner will continue to co-own the company, according to the tabloid.
"The solution to move on with my career was mine and the transition was agreed in good spirits with Mikko Koponen," Berner told IS, explaining her decision to step down via email.
Finnish football "doing well"
The Finnish football scene is "doing well," according to Tampere-based daily Aaamulehti (AL), despite the national team's defeat to France on Tuesday evening.
Although the men's football team's loss of 2-0 signalled the end of Huuhkajat's (Eagle Owls') efforts to reach the World Cup finals for the first time ever, Aamulehti writes that this has still been a great year for the team, citing the team's synergistic qualities.
"As individuals, the majority of players are of average level. Huuhkajat are however, above all, a team that functions well as a whole, in which each player gives their all in each match," the daily writes.
Aaamulehti further reports that Tuesday's game attracted a grand total of 30,000 paying spectators, who no longer come only to see international stars play, but also the likes of Teemu Pukki, Lukas Hrádecký and Glen Kamara.
This is a very promising sign for Finnish football and the support culture, according to AL.
