International energy co-operation

Nordic energy co-operation is carried out as a part of the activities of the Nordic Council of Ministers. The main purpose is to promote efficient and environmentally acceptable energy economy in the Nordic countries, the Baltic Sea region and neighbouring areas. The most significant outcome has been the development of the Nordic electricity market, and, in fact, the Nordic electricity trading system has been used as a model for market reform in other countries.

Finland participates to the energy-related work of the Council of the Baltic Sea States and Barents Council. This way Finland also supports the strengthening of the EU's Northern Dimension in the energy sector.

Finland takes part in the OECD countries’ co-operation on energy in the IEA (International Energy Agency) and the NEA (International Energy Agency). The IEA carries out comprehensive co-operation in various sectors of energy policy, particularly in security of oil supply (security stockpiles) and energy markets. In addition, the agency also carries out statistical expert work and research co-operation, managed by Tekes in Finland. The NEA promotes safe, environmentally friendly and economical use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Among the UN agencies the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and the sustainable energy committee UNECE (the UN's Economic Commission for Europe) are important forums for co-operation in the energy field.

Bilateral co-operation on energy and environment is carried out with several countries. Outside of Europe, one of Finland’s main partners is China.

External information sources:

The Nordic Council and Council of Ministers – www.norden.org/start/start.asp

The EU's Northern Dimension – europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/north_dim/

The Council of the Baltic Sea States – www.cbss.st

The Barents Council – www.beac.st

The IEA – www.iea.org

The NEA – www.nea.fr

The IAEA – www.iaea.org

The UN's Economic Commission for Europe – www.unece.org