Finland's nuclear energy law reform could lead to a democracy deficit

Finland's parliament is poised to vote on a new nuclear energy law that critics warn could create a "democracy deficit" by diminishing the influence of citizens and municipalities. The current law requires thorough environmental impact assessments and a positive statement from the host municipality before the government can make a principle decision, which parliament then approves or rejects.

This existing process serves as a deliberate democratic safeguard for projects with long-term societal impacts on energy systems, nuclear waste management, and national security. However, the proposed legislation would remove these checks. Environmental impact assessments would no longer be mandatory at the outset, municipal approval for principle decisions would be discarded, and parliament would be informed but not vote on the matter.

The changes extend to small modular reactors, with principle decisions for plants up to 50 megawatts potentially being made administratively by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Similar reforms would affect mining operations, including uranium extraction. Currently, the government grants permits for uranium mining, with consultation from the local municipality and input from residents. The new law would remove the need for municipal approval, leaving them only with the right to appeal, and the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority would become the licensing authority.

While the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority is an effective regulator for radiation safety, critics argue it is not equipped to decide whether a uranium mine aligns with the overall interests of a municipality or society. The Union for Nature Protection in Finland, represented by Hanna Halmeenpää, asserts that the proposed law too readily bypasses citizen participation, municipal self-determination, and democratic decision-making, which will not improve local acceptance of these projects. They emphasize the necessity for parliament to amend the bill before its approval.