Finland to agree joint nuclear venture with Russia

• 9 years ago (2014-12-02)
• Junior Isles

Europe 1061 Nuclear 640

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Finland is set to agree to proposals by Russian state-owned energy company, Rosatom, to build a nuclear power plant in the country's extreme north.

The deals come with the blessing of Finnish prime minister, Alexander Stubb, as well as a majority of of MPs from the country's four political parties. Stubb stated that, against recent EU sanctions on Russia for its activities in the Ukraine, Finland must be "principled and pragmatic" in dealing with Russia.

However, Ville Niinisto, leader of Finland's green party and part of Stubb's government, resigned in protest, citing concerns over Rosatom's close links to the Putin administration. Niinisto also alluded that the deal smacked of subservience to Russia – something that Stubb denied.

The deal has once again prompted fears about Finland's long-term energy security, as it imports 64 per cent of its energy requirements - two-thirds of that from Russia - and has an energy import-export imbalance costing around £5.6 billion a year ($8.8 billion).

Indeed, Russia’s moves to turn off the gas for the Ukraine has prompted worries that Finland could be next if it decided to join NATO, for instance.