Towards Europe’s Most Competitive Operating Environment – The Chemical Industry Federation of Finland’s Strategy Period 2026–2029 Has Begun
The Chemical Industry Federation of Finland began a new strategy period in January 2026, running through to 2029. The new strategy places a stronger emphasis than before on advocacy and impact, both in domestic decision-making and at the EU level. The objective is to ensure that the importance of the chemical industry as a pillar of the economy, security of supply and sustainable growth is recognised, and that Finland becomes Europe’s leading destination for clean transition investments.
The chemical industry is the backbone of Finnish exports and a sector exposed to global competition, where growth and new investments require a predictable and industry-friendly operating environment. According to Panu Räsänen, Interim CEO of the Chemical Industry Federation of Finland, all activities are guided by one clear goal: Finland must become Europe’s most competitive operating environment.
– If we want clean transition investments based on new technologies to be directed to Finland, we must offer competitive conditions for industry. This means stable regulation, smooth permitting processes, a skilled workforce, flexible labour markets and well-functioning infrastructure. When investments are made here, jobs and well-being are created. That is exactly what Finland needs right now, says Räsänen.
According to Räsänen, the chemical industry plays a key role in turning the economy around.
– We need confidence in the future, and among other things, the success of industry helps create that confidence.
New Investments in Advocacy
The Chemical Industry Federation strengthened its advocacy work by establishing a new position of Head of Public Affairs towards the end of last year. Anni Siltanen, who was selected for the role, started at the turn of the year.
– Anni has extensive experience in both advocacy and politics. In addition, she has an excellent understanding of the chemical industry through 12 years of experience in other roles within the organisation. This provides an excellent foundation for developing our advocacy work in a more systematic and impactful direction, Räsänen says.
Advocacy work to promote Europe’s most competitive operating environment is already under way. The Chemical Industry Federation recently published its own government programme objectives for the upcoming parliamentary term. You can read the objectives here.
Two Pillars: Industrial Policy and Working Life
The strategy also highlights two key pillars of our activities: industrial policy advocacy and working life and skills issues.
Industrial policy advocacy aims to strengthen sustainable growth and a responsible and competitive industrial base. On the working life front, the focus is on ensuring skills availability and maintaining cost competitiveness by renewing collective agreements and influencing regulation.
– A sufficient supply of skilled labour, as well as collective agreements and legislation that enable flexible operating models and responsiveness in times of change, are essential for a competitive operating environment, Räsänen notes.
The role of the chemical industry also extends to security of supply and strengthening national resilience.
– In a globally unstable world, we need a strong industrial base that produces critical products and materials. The chemical industry increases Finland’s and Europe’s self-sufficiency.
