The Finnish Government submitted a proposal to Parliament on 5 November 2026 that Finland withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty and the Energy Charter Protocol on Energy Efficiency and Related Environmental Aspects, both signed in Lisbon in 1994. The withdrawal would concern matters within Finland’s own competence, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment said.
Finland ratified the treaty in 1997. It sets rules on investment protection, trade and transit in the energy sector and on dispute settlement. It is a mixed agreement, with provisions that fall under the competence of both the EU and its member states.
The ministries give two main reasons. Finland could commit to the modernised treaty only for matters within its national competence, while a significant part of the treaty falls under EU competence. Remaining in the unmodernised treaty is not seen as a viable option, and it is uncertain whether the conditions for modernisation will be met or when the changes would take effect. The ministries add that withdrawal would be consistent with decisions by the EU and several other member states to leave the treaty.
The proposed act is intended to enter into force by Government decree at the same time as Finland’s withdrawal takes effect. Parliament must now consider the proposal.
