PERSPECTIVE Sweden, Finland and the German Energiewende MAJA FJAESTAD AND PETRI HAKKARAINEN March 2013  Finland and Sweden have taken very different paths from Germany after Fukushima; both countries plan to build new nuclear power stations. This article charts the his­torical development of nuclear power in Sweden and Finland in order to explain why they have not followed Germany in its post-Fukushima decision and whether changes in their respective positions are to be expected.  Sweden, despite a similar heritage to Germany in the form of its strong environmen­tal movement, has deviated from that path. Swedish reactions to the German phase­out decision exhibit significant political polarisation. The Left points to Germany as a forerunner in renewable energy, whereas the Right warns of increased greenhouse gas emissions and calls the Energiewende»a decision made in panic«.  Finland is peculiar in that it lacks a significant anti-nuclear movement. Furthermore, it is the only European country to build new nuclear power facilities in recent years. The news about Fukushima came in the middle of the Finnish election campaign, but did not receive much political attention. Representatives of the energy industry and ministries warned of rising electricity prices after the German decision.  Neither Finland nor Sweden, despite their cultural and geographical proximity to Germany, show any sign of changing their nuclear policies after Fukishima and the German phase-out decision.