Spanish and Finnish governments reaffirm commitment to innovation and the green economy

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

Following a visit by the Prime Minister of Finland to Lisbon, this meeting with President of the Government Pedro Sánchez was used to finalise a trilateral declaration between Spain, Portugal and Finland promoting the transition to the Circular Economy and the bio-based economy. In line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, the goal is to avoid generating waste and reintroduce any waste that is generated back into the production cycle, as well as to use sustainable material and energy. The declaration also discusses the so-called "blue" bio-based economy (aquatic technologies, aquaculture, energy produced by the oceans), the protection of ecosystems and their economic importance, and collaboration on research and innovation in the bio-based economy.

The two leaders also spoke about issues on the European and international agenda on which their two governments agree, such as the solidarity-focused approach to migration (Spain and Finland are both external EU borders), on which cooperation with the countries of origin and transit is fundamental, confidence in multilateralism as a tool for tackling global challenges and the transition towards a sustainable economic model. Similarly, the two men agreed on the need to make progress on the European integration process, including further development of the single market and the promotion of growth and employment, as the best way to preserve and improve the Welfare State.

Economic and trade relations

Pool Moncloa/Fernando CalvoThe two leaders also discussed economic and trade relations between the two countries and explored real possibilities for business cooperation. The Prime Minister of Finland expressed interest in the prestige enjoyed by Spanish companies in sectors of interest to Finland, such as infrastructures, renewable energies, the Circular Economy, water treatment, waste treatment, and information and communication technologies. Furthermore, Pedro Sánchez highlighted the Finnish results in innovation policies and design, this being an area of interest for Spanish start-ups.

They also underlined the strengthening ties between the two countries as a result of tourism flows (a record 800,000 Finnish tourists visited Spain in 2017 and the number of Spaniards visiting Finland continues to rise, almost 160,000 in 2017).

Non official translation