Finland for measures to speed up firefighting in Brazil

Leading Finnish politicians on Friday urged Brazil to take measures to stop the fires that are destroying the Amazon rain forests.

President Sauli Niinistö sent a message on social media that the situation accentuates the need for international cooperation in fighting forest fires. He said in a tweet that the international structures of offering assistance should be developed.

Prime Minister Antti Rinne has expressed concern about the forest situation in Brazil, according to an official government statement.

"Like millions of people around the world, I am very much concerned about the forest fires in Brazil. They are a threat to our whole planet, not just to Brazil or South America. When it comes to climate change, the situation is extremely serious and we need to act immediately," said Rinne.

The premier revealed that he had contacted the European Commission yesterday evening, and expects that the EU will take action on Friday.

"Combatting climate change, as well as sustainable economic development and enhancing people’s wellbeing, are among the key priorities for my Government, whether in Finland, in Europe or global," said the premier in the statement.

According to the premier, during its Presidency of the Council of the EU, Finland is making every effort to promote measures to combat climate change, and we are monitoring the situation particularly closely.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the Brazilian rainforests are vital for the world's climate. "I am truly worried about the attitude Brazil seems to have adopted right now regarding its own forests.

Brazil should do all it takes to end the fires that are a danger to our whole civilisation," Rinne said.

Krista Mikkonen, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, said that both trade policy measures and diplomatic measures should be worth adopting. "And a joint EU meeting is needed for that," she told national broadcaster Yle.

Mika Lintilä, the Finnish Minister for Finance, suggested that Finland the EU could investigate whether the imports of Brazilian beef could be blocked.

In response to the demand on restricting import from Brazil, representatives of the retail sector in Finland said on Friday the sale of Brazilian meat in Finland is insignificant.