Finnish forestry representatives to establish office in Brussels to defend national interests - Zeme un valsts
11th LMSP International Conference in 17 days, 29 October. Learn more ›

Latest articles

Finland’s experience is relevant to the situation in Latvian forestry
“The new life of old wood” – interior design solutions at a Latvian company
European Tree of the Year in Latvia 2026. We invite you to choose and vote!
A high value-added economy begins at school

Poll

In recent weeks, both in the Saeima and the Cabinet of Ministers, the thesis has been heard once again: “We must act this way, otherwise there will be penalties, infringement procedures, etc.” Often, such a pseudo-argument completely excludes reasonable disputes, discussions, or alternatives, forcing those responsible to make decisions hastily and not always in the interests of Latvia. Why is that?
Old habits are hardening - someone somewhere knows better, let us rely on them
Lack of sufficient capacity or laziness to defend a different point of view
A generation of cabinet officials has been created who are accustomed to accepting rather than delving into matters
This is a serious problem for Latvia for which no solution is being sought. It will probably be all right somehow...

A lighter note

“Why are the trees here so big?”

VIDEO

Collector coin “Chestnut”
Trees on agricultural land – perennial plantations, short-rotation coppice or agroforestry?!
The Baltics in the Kremlin's sights. How serious is the threat?

Finnish forestry representatives to establish office in Brussels to defend national interests

Confederation of Forest Owners and Managers of Latvia | 24.11.2022

The European Union is becoming an increasingly significant factor in shaping the operating environment for the forestry sector. The Finnish Forest Industries Federation (FFIF) is preparing to strengthen its advocacy in a changing and complex situation by opening an office in the capital of the European Union. The new office will be led by Kaisu Karvala, an experienced and influential European Union official. The FFIF believes that a number of recent European legislative proposals have demonstrated that the European Union has not adequately acknowledged or appreciated the extensive climate and economic benefits provided by sustainable forestry, which are delivered by wood products and their production.

“The European Union is at the heart of the Finnish forestry sector’s lobbying efforts. That is why we are beginning to build a permanent presence in Brussels,” says Paula Lehtomäki, Director General of the Finnish Forest Industries Federation.

FFIF office in Brussels to be led by Kaisu Karvala

The Finnish Forest Industries Federation will open its office in Brussels in February 2023. Kaisu Karvala, an experienced and influential European Union official, has been selected to head the office. K. Karvala currently leads the policy innovation team at the public policy firm Access Partnership as the Head of the Europe and UK office. K. Karvala works on sustainable development and EU legislative projects for global technology companies. Furthermore, Kaisu Karvala and her team advise EU institutions and individual member states.

K. Karvala has worked in Brussels since 1996, leading various international communication and advocacy campaigns. Among other roles, Kaisu Karvala has served as Group Vice President for Corporate and Public Affairs at Telia, Chair of GSMA Europe, Vice President of International Public Affairs and Communications at Rovio Entertainment, and Chief Strategist at the Brussels-based consultancy Fipra. Kaisu Karvala holds a master's degree in political science and public administration.

“It is a privilege to represent the Finnish forestry sector and to showcase the world’s most innovative renewable material technology in Brussels. It is also time to strengthen our voice in the right arenas and at the right time. It is vital that the EU recognises Finland’s role as a driving force for development: renewable and recyclable wood is an essential part of Europe’s material and energy independence, and therefore an important component of Europe’s success and security. Finland, like all other member states, must be even stronger and bolder in defending its national interests while striving to achieve common goals,” noted Kaisu Karvala.

“Understanding of the nature of Nordic forestry and the forest industry, and the significant climate and economic benefits they generate, is unfortunately weak. We need an even stronger voice in Brussels. Finland must actively engage to ensure the European Union shifts its focus from fossil-based raw materials and products to renewable alternatives,” concluded Paula Lehtomäki, Director General of the Finnish Forest Industries Federation.

Add a comment