Finland – The lengthy permitting process with unclear outcomes, leading to an unpredictable timeframe for receiving a final, unappealable permit, forces BASF to consider layoffs for an indefinite period, potentially impacting all employees at the Harjavalta site in Finland.

The recent suspension of the immediate enforcement of the environmental permit by the Vaasa Administrative Court on February 21, 2024, has had another significant impact on BASF’s operations in Harjavalta. The further postponement of and uncertainty around the formal startup date have long-term financial implications for BASF in Harjavalta. BASF must therefore adapt its operations and manage its costs in order to deal with the current situation.