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Report: one-stop-shop model proposed for decisions concerning the environment

Government Communications Department
Publication date 22.6.2016 9.09
Press release 278/2016

To be able to handle permit matters related to the environment on a one-stop-shop basis, it is necessary to amend environmental legislation and develop e-services in decision-making related to the environment. This is evidenced by a recent study made by the University of Eastern Finland and Enlawin Consulting. The one-stop-shop model would not only make it easier and quicker to reach decisions on matters related to the environment but would also provide better scope for influence while maintaining the current level of environmental protection.

The study was commissioned by the Government. According to the report, the current complex preliminary assessment of environmental matters means that the implementation of environment-related projects requires several separate official decisions. It is inconvenient from the point of view of the actors, those who are impacted by it, and the authorities.  

One-stop shop facilitates permit processes

The report concludes that the implementation of the one-stop-shop model necessitates integration of related legislation and development of e-services and electronic practices.
 
It also proposes a model built on the permit procedures under the Environmental Protection Act, Land Extraction Act, and Water Act. It is proposed that the permit procedures under the Mining Act, Chemical Safety Act, Nature Conservation Act, and Emissions Trade Act would also be integrated to be in line with the other three.
 
The permit process would be coordinated by a public servant representing the state or a municipality. The model should be adaptable, because applicants may have to apply for permits at different phases of the ongoing process, depending on the progress of their plans.
 
Integrating the procedures will be facilitated by the transfer of the preliminary assessment duties from the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment to the new regional state administrative agencies, based on a Government guideline issued on 5 April 2016.
 
The report notes that the one-stop-shop model would be particularly useful in the implementation of medium-sized projects because small and medium-sized industries' investments are carried out in a short period of time and the required clarifications can be made while the process is under way.
 
The report is based on the legislation in force and reflects the state of affairs in government agencies and their structure in early 2016. Many other pending reform packages play a critical role in the materialisation of the one-stop-shop principle in environment-related matters.
 
The study was carried out as part of the implementation of the Government's 2015 plan for analysis, assessment and research. Seven background reports have been prepared in the context of this report and they will be published separately.

Implementation of the one-stop-shop principle in environmental matters -report (in Finnish)

Read more about the Government’s analysis, assessment and research activities at tietokayttoon.fi/en

Further information: Professor Tapio Määttä, tel. +358 50 575 1589, University of Eastern Finland; Professor Ari Ekroos, tel. +358 50 373 4893, Enlawin Consulting; and Riitta Rönn, Director of Legislative Affairs, tel. +358 295 250 255, Ministry of the Environment.