maria

I am a Green Member of the European Parliament from Helsinki, with a background as a researcher and a Doctor of Social Sciences (Sociology) as well as a Master of Political Science (Social Policy).

I am also an exercise enthusiast and a collector of retro video games. My family includes my spouse and two daughters.

I served as a Member of the Finnish Parliament from 2019 to 2024 and as a member of the Helsinki City Council from 2017 to 2024. I was Finland’s Minister of the Interior from 2019 to 2021 and Minister of the Environment and Climate from 2022 to 2023, as well as the Chair of the Green Party and a member of the Government’s inner cabinet from 2019 to 2023.

contact

Member of the European Parliament Maria Ohisalo

email: maria.ohisalo(at)europarl.europa.eu

Political advisor Milja Henttonen

email: milja.henttonen@europarl.europa.eu

tel. +358 50 599 3094

in the european parliament

The European Union stands at a crossroads in many respects: climate crisis and biodiversity loss must be tackled decisively, human rights and well-being need strengthening both within and beyond our borders at a time of a war in Europe. EU enlargement is on-going, and the rule of law must be urgently defended while building more sustainable European societies. The key themes of my work are climate, environment, human rights, a well-functioning internal market, skilled people, and a European Union that cares for its people. More on these below.

Combating the climate crisis and biodiversity loss, and ending fossil dependence in a sustainable and just way for people and the environment

  • Europe must break free from fossil energy and fossil dictators, stop global warming, and adapt to the damage already caused by climate change. An economy based on fossil energy and virgin natural materials is also heavily dependent on the resources of countries such as Russia and China, leaving Europe vulnerable to external, security, and trade policy risks. By moving to sustainable energy sources such as wind and solar power, we also strengthen the EU’s self-sufficiency and resilience.

  • The green transition makes everyday lives of all Europeans more sustainable, and it is vital that the EU continues to support it. However, the green transition cannot be pursued by destroying nature. A truly green transition means that while reducing emissions, we also strengthen biodiversity, respect Indigenous peoples’ and human rights, and move towards a circular economy.

  • Sustainable climate and environmental choices must be easy for individuals to make. The costs of the green transition must not fall on individuals’ shoulders; new obligations must primarily target large corporations and public actors.

  • People are worried about food and energy prices; farmers are worried about their livelihoods; and at the same time, many share concerns about the state of nature. These concerns must be taken seriously. The EU holds all the keys to effective solutions—what is needed is political will.

Strengthening human rights and the rule of law within the EU, in its neighbourhood, and globally

  • The EU exists for people, not for states. Everyone must be able to live the life they want—free and without fear. A functioning rule of law is the foundation of every European state and the safeguard of both people and the environment. People must be free to protest and assemble. Researchers must be able to study scientifically justified topics, not those dictated from above. The judiciary and the media must remain independent.

  • At present, one EU member state—Hungary—tramples on the rights of women, sexual and gender minorities, Roma people, migrants, and refugees. Similar trends can be seen in other member states, including Finland. The EU must continue to stand for democracy and the rule of law, not autocracy.

  • The EU must continue to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression. By supporting Ukraine, Europe also defends its own social model and values in an escalating confrontation with authoritarian regimes. Russia must be held accountable for genocide and large-scale environmental destruction (ecocide).

  • Finland and the EU must do everything possible to end violence and advance peace and democracy in the Middle East. A ceasefire in Gaza is needed immediately; aid organizations must be granted access, and civilian suffering must be prevented. Israel must act to end the genocide, and the EU must actively push to end Israel’s decades-long occupation and apartheid policies throughout Israel-Palestine. The EU must urgently impose trade sanctions on Israel and require member states to stop arms sales to demonstrate that they truly stand on the side of human rights.

  • The EU must be a leading defender of equality and non-discrimination—from pay equity and enshrining abortion rights in constitutions, to strengthening the rights of persons with disabilities. Minority rights must be reinforced both within the EU and through its cooperation with third countries. There must be no place for racism or discrimination in the EU. Racism is a serious equality issue, and the EU needs systematic, long-term, and cross-sectoral anti-racist measures. People must continue to be able to seek asylum in the EU through a fair and human rights–based asylum process.

Common rules and skilled people for the internal market 

  • The EU is the world’s largest economic area and thus wields immense influence by demanding that its trading partners strengthen human rights or when it guides companies toward more sustainable practices. However, this is not a given—it must be continually reaffirmed, especially to our right-wing parties. European companies expect the EU to set the rules for more ethical business conduct and for combating climate and environmental crises. It is also in the interest of Finnish companies that competitive advantage does not come at the cost of human rights or environmental destruction. One set of rules instead of 27 makes business easier.

  • European education and research must be the best in the world. Education and knowledge are valuable beyond their economic utility. Therefore, education should be free of charge throughout the EU. The barriers to student exchange must be lowered so that it does not remain a privilege of the well-off.

  • High-quality education and economic growth alike depend on long-term opportunities for scientific work and thriving basic research in Europe. Our skilled people and capacity for innovation are also our guarantee of resilience amid great-power competition.

  • Europe is aging, and we must do more to open legal pathways for people to come to the EU. Safe legal migration routes are needed for people to avoid risking their lives or falling victim to human traffickers on their journeys.

Housing and jobs for all – a caring European Union

  • We must reduce both absolute and relative poverty across the EU by strengthening basic income security, public services, and safety nets. Problems faced by workers in the platform economy must be addressed.

  • More and more people want to live in Europe’s major cities, but affordable housing is already out of reach for many. If the housing shortage worsens, moving for work may become impossible, undermining the EU’s promise of free movement of people and mobility. Homelessness must be eradicated in the EU through affordable housing and the “Housing First” principle.

  • There is a long way to go to achieve pay equality: on average, women’s hourly pay in EU countries is still 13% lower than men’s. This gap must be closed.

  • EU occupational health and safety rules must be updated to meet the challenges of our time—from the mental health crisis to environmental crises.