ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION DURING FINLAND'S EU

UNCLAS HELSINKI 000297 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS CEQ FOR CONNAUGHTON/HANNEGAN NSC FOR MCKIBBEN DOE FOR SELL/HARBERT DEPT FOR EB/ESC/IEC/ENR (LEWANDOWSKI),EUR/NB (EVANS), EUR/ERA (SMILEY) AND OES/EGC (TALLEY) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON SENV ENRG EU PREL FI SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION DURING FINLAND'S EU PRESIDENCY ¶1. (SBU) On April 4, Ambassador Ware met with Finland's Minister of Environment Jan-Erik Enestam. Minister Enestam reiterated his high regard for the transatlantic relationship and said that he had invited OES A/S Claudia McMurray to visit Finland in advance of Finland's EU presidency, which begins in June 2006. He confirmed that climate change would be a top priority for the Finnish presidency, particularly in terms of reaching out to non- Kyoto countries, including the U.S., China and India. He underlined the importance of a broad approach to climate change that addresses production and consumption issues. ¶2. (SBU) He was quick, however, to point to "Finnish pragmatism" and readiness to look for common ground with the U.S. outside of a Kyoto or Kyoto-like agreement. He recognized the importance of research cooperation (such as the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment) and the development of new technology. He was particularly keen to find a mutual approach to India and China energy questions. "They need to be brought to a sustainable energy future," he said, stressing the need for China to move away from coal-powered energy. Of particular value, he suggested, would be cooperation on energy efficiency. He explained that Finland would be hosting an energy efficiency conference on September 11-12 called "Audit 06," where they intend to launch a global development program (World Audit Program) that seeks to eliminate energy wastage, particularly in India and China, through a forum allowing for exchange of best practices. He welcomed U.S. participation (and speakers) in this conference. ¶3. (SBU) Comment. In light of Finland's expressed (non- politicized) willingness to find common ground on climate issues, Finland's EU presidency may be a valuable opportunity to steer the EU climate discussion in a direction more compatible with U.S. priorities. We strongly encourage U.S. participation in Audit 06, and feel that it would introduce a strong and practical energy component to the transatlantic climate dialogue. Perhaps a U.S.-EU energy dialogue meeting immediately before or after the conference could pay dividends. End comment. WARE