Yesterday, the government announced its sustainable growth program, which outlines the use of financial support of about 2.1 billion euros. The European Union pays out funding among its member states, not only to speed up the recovery from the shock caused by the coronavirus pandemic, but also to promote investment in measures that increase employment, reduce emissions and promote digitalisation.
The details of the measures will be decided at a later stage.
The Treasury minister Matti Vanhanen (Center) stated at a press conference that the focus of the program is more on reform than on stimulus.
“The government wants to create numerous positive impacts on people and the environment through its sustainable growth program. Emissions are reduced, our competitiveness is improving and everyday life is improving across the country, ”he imagined.
The program focuses in particular on four themes: digitalisation, the green transition, the promotion of skills and employment, and the efficiency of social and health care. About half of the funds allocated to the green transition will be made possible by the program’s largest single climate investment to date in Finland Krista Mikkonen (Greens), Minister for the Environment.
In its press release, the government summarized that the program is designed to accelerate the development of solutions, such as solar energy and hydrogen technologies, that reduce emissions both in Finland and abroad.
“The green transition is generating new technologies that will accelerate the transition away from fossil energy. For example, households can receive support for the transition from oil heating to renewable energy. Companies, municipalities and parishes also receive support. “
The program is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by three million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, which corresponds to six percent of Finland’s annual emissions.
In addition to funding for the transition, the government will invest EUR 217 million in digitalisation, EUR 636 million in skills and employment, and EUR 400 million in the social and health care system.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT