Nordic sustainability briefing: Finnish SME support, circular-economy review, EU climate-risk and deforestation work
Finnish authorities are moving on several fronts this month: new 2026–2035 energy-efficiency agreements are due to be signed, Motiva's funding guide and audit-support rates remain available to micro-firms and SMEs, and a mid-term review finds the national circular-economy programme has had limited effect on targets and investment. At EU level, the EEA is recruiting experts for its 2028 climate-risk assessment, while a WRI analysis maps how EU demand for seven commodities contributes to forest loss.
Finland to sign three energy-efficiency agreements for 2026–2035 this month
According to Motiva, the state and industry sectors are due to conclude three energy-efficiency agreements in October, covering business sectors, the property sector and the public sector for 2026–2035. A launch event, organised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (TEM), will name the first companies and public bodies to commit.
Finnish micro-firms and SMEs: Motiva's funding guide and supported energy audits
Motiva's funding information service collects grants and other financing for energy efficiency, renovation, circular economy and emissions reduction, and lists 58 funding products. Its energy-support page gives audit support levels of 50% for micro-firms and SMEs in an energy-efficiency agreement and 40% for those outside one. That page is not new and rates should be checked before applying.
Finland's circular-economy programme review finds limited effect on targets and investment
A mid-term evaluation, conducted between October 2025 and March 2026, found the programme useful for cooperation, skills and information steering. Its effect on quantitative targets and investment has been limited. The environment and economy ministries ran a consultation on it that closed on 31 August 2026. The ministry has also said it expects an EU Circular Economy Act proposal in the third quarter of 2026, which would feed into its work on a national circular-economy law.
EEA seeks experts for the second European Climate Risk Assessment, due 2028
The EEA and the European Commission are preparing a second assessment, planned for 2028, and have invited experts to contribute. It builds on the first assessment from 2024, which covered 36 major climate risks, several already at critical levels. The new edition will add areas including social policies and security.
WRI analysis maps where EU demand for seven commodities drives forest loss
A WRI analysis published on 5 October shows where EU demand for seven commodities is driving forest loss. It also looks at how the EU Deforestation Regulation could help address it. The briefing relies on WRI's own summary of the work.