Assessment of transboundary environmental impacts

The purpose of the environmental impact assessment procedure EIA is to reduce or prevent adverse environmental impacts of a project that are likely to be significant.

The strategic environmental assessment SEA applies to the assessment of the environmental impacts of plans and programmes drawn up by the authorities. The environmental impacts of plans and programmes must be assessed during the preparation if the impacts may be significant.

The assessment of transboundary environmental impacts is governed by the Espoo Convention and the amendment to it (Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context).

The Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment to the Espoo Convention (SEA Protocol) applies to the assessment of transboundary environmental impacts of plans or programmes.

The parties to the conventions are entitled to participate in an EIA or SEA in another state if the environmental impacts of the project, plan or programme to be assessed extend to that state.

Besides this, there is a bilateral agreement between Finland and Estonia on environmental impact assessment that lays down further provisions supplementing the provisions of the Espoo Convention.

Since 2023, the Finnish Environment Institute has been the competent authority of Finland in international consultations related to EIA and SEA.

Read more about EIA and SEA 

•    Online service of environmental administration | environment.fi