Prime minister Sanna Marin (sd.) says that Finland is ready to go further than the EU Commission’s proposals in order to curb the price of energy.
On Tuesday, the Commission proposed measures to regulate the price of gas, joint purchases of gas and improve mutual assistance.
– This week, the commission has given its own presentations on how to intervene in the price. I think they are still not enough, Marin said in an interview with in Brussels.
According to Marin, the EU summit, which starts today on Thursday, came to discuss in particular whether a price ceiling should be set for the price of gas.
According to Marin, this is also where there is the most disagreement between the member countries.
Finland has a positive attitude towards the gas price ceiling. Marin describes the situation as so out of the ordinary that you need the ability to make difficult decisions.
– Some countries are afraid and are worried that if we act like this, the gas supply to Europe would stop and thus the situation would become more difficult. Other countries, on the other hand, see that we need a strong intervention in the price, because it shakes Europe, European economies, raises inflation and affects our lives in many ways.
According to Marin, the pressure to make decisions is intense
Marin reassures the Finns and says that Europe will survive the winter.
According to Marin, surviving the coming winters must also be ensured. According to him, this happens in addition to intervention in the price of energy, for example by increasing the production of renewable energy.
The Prime Minister believes that the pressure to reach decisions at the summit is intense. He considers it possible that the meeting could stretch from two to three days.
– I would think that there will be a big fight on this issue anyway, he says, referring to the gas price ceiling.
Among the EU countries, Germany in particular has been concerned about the availability of gas if the EU starts regulating the price of gas.
Marin points out that the price ceiling must not be such that Europe does not receive any energy from the world market.
In Brussels, there is also more general discussion about the fact that the EU could take on more collective debt to balance the economic effects of the energy crisis. Concrete proposals for this have not yet been brought to the attention of the EU leaders.
– We are not like that [uutta elpymisvälinettä] would accept, says Marin.
– Finland’s point of view is that when we still have 200 billion in unused loans in the existing instrument, we will look at their purpose, direct these funds to the solution of the energy issue. Let’s use the tools we have. No new ones are created that create conflicts and different views between member countries.
Marin plans to raise the issue of tourist visas for Russians
At the summit, Marin also plans to raise the question of an EU-level solution to Russian tourist visas. Finland has already made its own decisions. Traveling to Finland or via Finland to other countries based solely on tourism is mostly no longer possible.
– The commission has given the member countries recommendations that are very much in line with the Finnish model. Now we have to make sure that all member states implement these recommendations. It cannot be that some countries take a very strict line and some countries allow Russians to travel to Europe on very easy terms.
According to Marin, this kind of “visa shopping phenomenon” must be tackled.
According to the Prime Minister, progress has been made regarding the common EU line since the summer.
– But some of the member countries may be looking at the situation of their own economy in this question as well. In particular, countries where tourism is a large part of income generation may not want to interfere with this as much as countries bordering Russia.
“The EU has been able to maintain unity”
The EU leadership has consistently emphasized that supporting Ukraine is a key priority for the EU, and that Ukraine must win the war against Russia. But are the EU’s actions for Ukraine in line with the tough talk?
– We have done a lot, Marin answers.
– The sanctions have been tough. They have been prepared together with the partner countries, which means that we have been on time and have been able to maintain unity.
Along with the sanctions, the EU has helped Ukraine humanitarianally, financially and militarily in the form of arms aid, Marin reminds.
– A lot has been done. But it must also be honestly acknowledged that Europe alone would not have succeeded in this. Yes, we have needed the support of partner countries, especially the United States, but also others.
New sanctions against Russia are also being discussed at the EU level. According to Marin, Finland is ready for stricter sanctions.
– Of course, there are also difficult questions for Finland among the sanctions. But our starting point is that when Ukraine needs our support, we must also give it.
As an example of a difficult question for Finland, Marin mentions the closure of Russian airspace from Finnair. However, national interests must be put aside for the benefit of Ukraine, Mari’s line.
– We have to do everything we can so that they win the war.
* You can discuss the topic until Friday, October 21, 2022 at 11 p.m.
More on the topic:
Where to get gas and electricity for the winter? – In the night of Brussels, solutions are being sought for the energy crisis gnawing at Europe
Minister of Finance Annika Saarikko: The EU should curb the price of natural gas, the new joint debt will not solve rising electricity bills
Europe letter: Next winter, there may be a fight at the EU tables about both energy and the collective debt