Green MEPs urge EU to deny Finland's exemption for mink fur farming

Green MEPs Ville Niinistö and Maria Ohisalo have formally asked the European Commission to refuse Finland's request for an exemption that would allow mink fur farming to continue beyond the EU ban on the invasive American mink. They filed a written question and argue that the species poses environmental and public-health risks and raises animal-welfare concerns. Finnish MP Tiina Elo urged the government to retract the application altogether.

The exemption would expire after a transition period ending in August 2027, after which mink farming would be prohibited EU-wide. Finland’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry defends the practice as vital for rural livelihoods in western and eastern Finland, noting 134 licensed breeding sites. Authorities plan to impose strict containment measures if the permit is granted, while critics stress the need for a planned phase-out supported by public funds.