National environmental policy in Russia and Finland as a form of public administration

A comparative analysis of legal regulations concerning environmental issues encountered in Finland and the Russian Federation is carried out. The methods employed for national environmental policy development are determined. The essence of ecological policy practiced in both countries is analyzed with the help of legal sources including the Federal Law “On Environmental Protection” of 10.01.2002, the laws of Finland “On Environmental Protection” (№ 527/2014), the Environmental Doctrine of the Russian Federation, the Concept of long-term social and economic Development of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2020, as well as other national strategies of Russia and Finland, dedicated to environmental issues. For a long time Finnish legislation in the field of environmental protection was largely influenced by the European Union law. However, in recent times it began to assume its national character and ambitions. Finland's environmental policy incorporates coexistence of ecology and economy on the principles of sustainable development in conditions of democratization. It is also based on the wide involvement of general public in the execution of environmental programs and enhancement of its cultural, social and economic levels. Environmental policy of the Russian Federation aims to create more efficient administrative management models instrumental in solving environmental issues and examines the concept of sustainable development as a principle of ecologically friendly industries.