Foreign policy on the circular economy

This is how we implement the Circular Economy Programme

Finland’s position as a trailblazer in the circular economy requires actions nationally and within the EU, and a consistent and goal-oriented foreign policy. This must be reflected in the work on our country image, in our trade and development policy, and in export promotion, and multilateral environmental policy forums.

A comprehensive foreign policy on the circular economy as part of our climate and innovation policy will reinforce Finland’s role in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in international contexts. It will also create opportunities to offer Finnish and European solutions that support a circular economy to international markets.

Finland must be active in the EU and in the international negotiations on the agreement on natural resources and commit to continuing the activities of the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF). Finland’s export opportunities can also be furthered by combining the products and innovations of different companies into comprehensive solutions for customers.

What we do and where we are now:

1. We will promote a global transition to a circular economy.

• The international Circular Economy Resource Centre (CERC) will begin operating by the end of 2024. CERC is funded by the European Commission and coordinated by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and the development agency of Belgium’s federal government Enabel. The aim is to facilitate exchange of information and partnerships between the EU and third countries. The key focus will be on three themes: supporting companies in matters related to a circular economy, strengthening a circular economy through policies and regulation, and strengthening competence.

 2. We will develop an orchestration model to boost the export of Finnish circular economy solutions.

• This measure is still in the early planning stage. Responsible organisation: Ministry for Foreign Affairs