Harri Kalimo

Harri Kalimo is a Professor and Co-Director of the Research Center at the Institute for European Studies, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). He serves as Research leader for the House of Sustainable Transitions and the Brussels Centre for Competition Policy in Brussels, Belgium. His academic appointments include Professor (part-time) at the University of Eastern Finland since 2019 and Adjunct Professor at Tampere University since 2015.

His educational background includes:

• LL.D. in Law from University of Turku (awarded September 6, 2004)
• LL.M. in Law from University of Turku (1992-1998)
• M.Sc. (Economics) and BA from Turku School of Economics (1989-1994)

Professor Kalimo's research focuses on the intersection of EU law, environmental policy, and sustainability transitions. His work examines how legal frameworks can drive sustainable development, particularly through trade policy, extended producer responsibility, and ecodesign regulations. He investigates policy coherence between environmental objectives and economic governance, with special attention to biodiversity protection and circular economy implementation. His research combines legal analysis with socio-economic perspectives to develop effective regulatory approaches for sustainability transitions.

His recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward addressing the complex nexus between environmental protection and international trade, with increasing focus on implementing the European Green Deal through legal mechanisms. The articles reveal expertise in analyzing how EU trade agreements can incorporate environmental provisions while maintaining WTO compliance, and how regulatory instruments like ecodesign can drive systemic change toward sustainability.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Monash University Commendation Certificate (2009)

Professor Kalimo actively supervises doctoral research, as evidenced by his involvement in the European Value-added Tax thesis, and participates in academic governance through professorship selection committees and doctoral defense examinations. He has organized lecture series and maintains an active research agenda with multiple ongoing projects through 2025, including LIFE4EPR, STEP-Chem, and the House of Sustainable Transitions initiative. His research involves collaboration with numerous institutions across Europe, reflecting the transnational nature of sustainability governance challenges.