The Left Group in the European Parliament will be in Helsinki, Finland from Tuesday (19/11) to Thursday (21/11) as part of its ‘Study Days’ visit.

They will meet and debate with civil society and social actors to better understand pressing issues from a local perspective.

The theme for this three-day visit is ‘A Socially, Economically and Ecologically Sustainable Society’, and over the course of their time in the Finnish capital, MEPs will visit Helen Energy Company to learn more about sustainability, and hear from those who work in nature conservation and the energy sector.

There will also be roundtable discussions on the problem of social exclusion amongst young people, and trade unionists will join Left MEPs to debate on equality in the labour market.

The visit will be rounded off by an afternoon in the Finnish Parliament.

Speaking ahead of the trip, MEP Silvia Modig (VAS, Finland) says:

“It is a great pleasure for the Finnish delegation to welcome GUE/NGL group to Finland! During the ‘Study Days’, we will have several discussions concerning climate crisis and solutions to tackle it. In the Finnish Parliament, the guests will have an opportunity to discuss with our national MPs on how they see the role of national parliaments and European Union when it comes to solutions for climate change.”

“Another key topic this week will be the social exclusion amongst young people. We have developed many exemplary practices in Finland and those will be opened up from the viewpoints of the government ministry and NGOs.”

“As Left Alliance is one of the parties in the Finnish government, the guests will also be hearing about Finland’s plans for ecologically and socially sustainable economic growth, high employment and sustainable public finances,” she concluded.