Agriculture MEPs visited North Karelia in Finland

The committee familiarised itself with the crucial contribution rural development makes to the economic and social development of the border region, in the wider context of border security.

A delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development visited North Karelia, Finland, on an official mission 26th to 28th May. The delegation included Members of the European Parliament from France, the Czech Republic and Italy, as well as staff from political groups.

The program included visits, for instance, to Taaleri’s biocoal plant in Joensuu and to the easternmost point of mainland EU in Virmajärvi in Ilomantsi. The Finnish Border Guard gave the delegation with an overview of eastern border surveillance and the current situation at the Finnish-Russian border.

The delegation had the opportunity to visit the European Forest Institute (EFI), learn about high-level research conducted at the University of Eastern Finland and hear of regional innovations in the forestry sector. They also visited a METSO forest protection site. The overarching theme of comprehensive security was also highlighted in the discussions about food security and supply resilience during a visit to dairy and food company Valio’s production plant in Joensuu.

Veronika Vrecionová, Chair of the AGRI Committee, said after the visit: "Finland is the most forested European country and, like the Czech Republic, the number of forests is increasing. And yet it is a somewhat neglected sector. I am very glad that we were able to discuss the issue of security right on the border with Russia and in connection with the legislation on forest monitoring being discussed. I thank my colleagues for the initiative of this mission and all of whom we had the opportunity to discuss here in Joensuu and the surrounding area."

"It is valuable to present to our Committee Finland’s unique aspects regarding our long eastern border, as well as the impact of EU sanctions against Russia to the economy of our border regions. Preparedness is deeply rooted in our society, and we are accustomed to approaching issues through the lens of comprehensive security. This was clearly reflected in the presentations by authorities, municipal representatives, and businesses," commented MEP Pekka Toveri (EPP, Finland).

“Finland as the easternmost, most forested and northernmost agricultural country, is an interesting place to visit. In Finland, we are still sowing, while the future harvest levels are already being estimated in Europe. The guests also got a clear idea how North Karelia, as a part of the sparsely populated area of Eastern and Northern Finland, still needs regional development funding. The vitality of the region is an important part of the overall security of Finland and the whole of Europe”, said MEP Elsi Katainen (Renew, Finland).

A summary of the visit will be presented to the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development later in the summer.