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8.4.2021 | On Thursday 8 April, the Government submitted to Parliament a report on education policy. The Education Policy Report paves the way for equitable and high-quality education in the 2040s in Finland, where skills requirements are growing and age cohorts are shrinking. The report outlines the target state for education and research when moving forward to the 2040s and the necessary changes in resources, structures and guidance to achieve it.

1.2.2021 | The working group's final report finds that the level of information security and data protection in sectors critical to society should be increased by means of additional resources and more effective cooperation. The working group would steer the level of information security by means of more detailed and targeted statutory requirements and obligations, the implementation of which would be actively monitored. The working group's report was published on 1 February 2021.

1.2.2021 | The working group's final report finds that the level of information security and data protection in sectors critical to society should be increased by means of additional resources and more effective cooperation. The working group would steer the level of information security by means of more detailed and targeted statutory requirements and obligations, the implementation of which would be actively monitored. The working group's report was published on 1 February 2021.

19.9.2022 | The budget proposal for 2023 of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government will continue to invest in education and culture. The budget proposal helps implement the key objectives in the Government Programme of raising the level of education and competence, bridging learning gaps and increasing educational equality. Arts and culture will be used to boost conditions and strengthen engagement in creative work.

23.3.2021 | The main topic of the informal video conference of the European affairs ministers on 23 March were the preparations for the video conference of the members of the European Council, to take place on 25–26 March 2021. The ministers also had a debate on the European Semester for economic policy coordination, and they were briefed on the ongoing preparations for the Conference on the Future of Euro...

13.10.2021 | The 2021 Democracy Recognition was granted to the task force on multilingual and multichannel COVID-19 communications, which the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) started in March 2020. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (MEAE) has been working in the task force to develop COVID-19 communications so that correct information reach everyone who lives in Finland as extensively and effectively as possible. 

19.10.2021 | The Marine Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has decided to promote autonomous shipping. It proposes the launching of preparations for regulations enabling autonomous maritime systems. Finland played an active role in the preparation of the decision.

10.12.2021 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has updated the national strategy for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. The principles for testing are still to detect infections quickly, curb the spread of infections among the population and protect particularly people who are at an increased risk of contracting a severe case of COVID-19.

12.11.2021 | Part of the Galileo satellite navigation system, the European Public Regulated Service (PRS) is scheduled to be introduced in Finland in 2024. The Ministry of Transport and Communications invites comments on the assessment memorandum by 10 December 2021. The memorandum examines the need for amendments to national legislation to allow the introduction of the service.

19.10.2021 | The Marine Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has decided to promote autonomous shipping. It proposes the launching of preparations for regulations enabling autonomous maritime systems. Finland played an active role in the preparation of the decision.

12.11.2021 | Part of the Galileo satellite navigation system, the European Public Regulated Service (PRS) is scheduled to be introduced in Finland in 2024. The Ministry of Transport and Communications invites comments on the assessment memorandum by 10 December 2021. The memorandum examines the need for amendments to national legislation to allow the introduction of the service.

2.2.2023 | The Government submitted the first supplementary budget proposal for 2023 to Parliament on Thursday 2 February.

2.2.2023 | The Government submitted the first supplementary budget proposal for 2023 to Parliament on Thursday 2 February.

3.6.2021 | On Thursday 3 June, the Government appointed Laura Yli-Vakkuri, Master of Laws, as Director General of the International Affairs Unit in the Ministry of the Interior for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 April 2026. 

9.9.2021 | The budget proposal of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government for 2022 builds sustainable growth for the future in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. The budget proposal aims to support post-pandemic recovery, accelerate investments, enable environmentally sustainable growth and increase the availability of skilled labour. The goal is to safeguard people’s wellbeing and to ensure favourable conditions for sustainable economic growth in the long term.

7.4.2022 | An open and non-discriminatory workplace is in everyone’s interest: Finland needs more talent, and diverse teams strengthen the growth of companies and increase Finland’s attractiveness as a destination for investments. The guide and IMAGO coaching services targeted at companies, which are both part of the working life diversity programme, provide work communities practical advice on how to create and manage workplaces that are diverse, inclusive and accepting of all. 

24.2.2022 | The new Client and Patient Safety Strategy and its Implementation Plan for 2022–2026 have been published. The vision of the Strategy is to make Finland a model country for client and patient safety in 2026 and to prevent avoidable harm.

15.9.2021 | VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has studied how new apartments have changed in 15 years. Now the buildings are safer, healthier and more energy-efficient. Growing focus on small apartments has responded to the demand, but due to the smaller floor area homes have become more difficult to adapt to different needs.

9.9.2021 | The budget proposal of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government for 2022 builds sustainable growth for the future in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. The budget proposal aims to support post-pandemic recovery, accelerate investments, enable environmentally sustainable growth and increase the availability of skilled labour. The goal is to safeguard people’s wellbeing and to ensure favourable conditions for sustainable economic growth in the long term.

25.5.2021 | The third supplementary budget proposal for 2021 will boost growth, bring forward investment, respond to spending requirements caused by the coronavirus, and alleviate harm that the virus has caused to businesses and to children and young adults. The supplementary budget will initiate reforms and investment under the European Union recovery instrument.

25.5.2021 | The third supplementary budget proposal for 2021 will boost growth, bring forward investment, respond to spending requirements caused by the coronavirus, and alleviate harm that the virus has caused to businesses and to children and young adults. The supplementary budget will initiate reforms and investment under the European Union recovery instrument.

22.2.2021 | In 2020, the Unit for Consular Assistance provided nearly twice as much guidance compared to the previous year. In the spring, during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, personal guidance and advice were given to tens of thousands of travellers stranded abroad. Thousands of travellers were assisted in returning to Finland after air traffic ground to a sudden halt.

29.3.2023 | Carbon dioxide capture, use and storage technologies offer significant opportunities for Finland when it comes to both achieving the carbon neutrality target and creating new business. However, stronger national guidance, a clearer regulatory environment and measures to ensure sustainability are needed for the deployment of solutions. This is according to a new report drawn up for the Government...

27.10.2022 | The Government proposes to reform the regulation on the processing of client data in healthcare and social welfare and to enact a new Act on the Electronic Processing of Client Data in Healthcare and Social Welfare for this purpose.

1.9.2022 | The budget proposal for 2023 of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government builds sustainable growth for the future, secures purchasing power and assists people with the hike in electricity prices. The budget proposal responds to the effects of Russia’s war of aggression and inflation, improves safety and security, security of supply, and energy self-sufficiency, and provides further investment in research and development and in the green transition.

9.2.2022 | The final reports of the “Capacity of and planning criteria for rescue services and civil emergency preparedness” project have been published on the Institutional Repository for the Government (Valto). The objective of the project was to produce a basis for the national planning criteria for rescue services and investigate how well the resources and capacity of rescue services and civil emergency preparedness correspond to the operating environment, risks and customer needs. 

1.9.2022 | The budget proposal for 2023 of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government builds sustainable growth for the future, secures purchasing power and assists people with the hike in electricity prices. The budget proposal responds to the effects of Russia’s war of aggression and inflation, improves safety and security, security of supply, and energy self-sufficiency, and provides further investment in research and development and in the green transition.

1.3.2023 | The reform of continuous learning, launched under the Government Programme, has promoted the opportunities of working-age people to improve their knowledge and skills, and increased the availability of skilled labour. The final report on the reform implementation and on the next steps was submitted on 1 March 2023 to the Members of Parliament who participated in the drafting of the parliamentary policy approaches for continuous learning. 

16.5.2023 | In the Catch the Carbon package of climate measures important work has been done to develop sustainable and climate resilient agriculture and forestry. Based on the good experiences gained, this project work should continue in the future.

5.4.2022 | Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government has agreed on the General Government Fiscal Plan for 2023–2026. In its spending limits discussion, the Government decided on extensive measures that will strengthen security, create a vision for the future and build sustainable growth.

13.4.2023 | The regulation concerning the processing of client data in healthcare and social welfare will be reformed. The Government submitted the relevant bills for approval on Thursday 13 April. The President of the Republic is to approve them on Friday 14 April.

30.4.2021 | Minister of Social Affairs and Health Aino-Kaisa Pekonen, Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Krista Kiuru and Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality Thomas Blomqvist say that the Government’s decisions at its mid-term policy review session will reinforce health and social services, improve access to care, safeguard the financing and activities of third-sector operators, promote the employment of people with partial work ability, and prevent disability pensions and sick leaves.

5.4.2022 | Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government has agreed on the General Government Fiscal Plan for 2023–2026. In its spending limits discussion, the Government decided on extensive measures that will strengthen security, create a vision for the future and build sustainable growth.

15.3.2021 | The Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland will boost investment in emissions reducing solutions, accelerate sustainable growth in the economy, and create long-term growth potential. Half of the funding involved will be for promoting a green transition, and about a quarter will be for digitalisation. The Programme will also boost public investment in research, development and innovation by approximately EUR 700 million.

27.5.2021 | The Government’s third supplementary budget proposal for 2021 includes an appropriation totalling EUR 111 million to alleviate the adverse impacts of the coronavirus on children and young adults.

27.1.2023 | An easy-to-read handbook on the Integration Act has been published at kotoutuminen.fi. The handbook is intended especially for those involved in integration work who do not speak Finnish or Swedish as their mother tongue. The handbook is also suitable for guidance and counselling of immigrants. Up to 750,000 people in Finland need materials in easy-to-read language.

9.3.2021 | How can waste heat from data centres be converted into heating for homes? How can a broken phone and its precious metals be returned from the desk drawer for servicing or recycling? How can information and communication technologies help in reducing emissions from transport or industry?

16.12.2021 | On 16 December, the Government submitted a report to Parliament on the development of housing policy. The report summarises the principles and objectives for housing policy and presents solutions to housing challenges for the years to come. The housing policy development programme aims to provide good and affordable housing for everybody. The key objective of the development programme, implemented in 2021–2028, is to promote a long-term perspective in housing policy.

9.11.2023 | Mika Salminen, Doctor of Philosophy, has been appointed Director General of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) for the period of 1 January 2024–31 December 2028. A total of 17 candidates applied for the post of Director General by the closing date. The Director General is appointed by the Government for a period of five years at a time.

23.6.2021 | On 23 June, the Ministry of the Interior sent out for comments draft legislative amendments that would support preparedness for a possible mass influx of migrants. The need for change has been identified in the development work that the authorities have been carrying out since 2015.

19.1.2022 | On 19 January, the Ministry of the Interior sent out for comments draft legislative amendments that would support preparedness for a possible mass influx of migrants. This is a follow-up to the government proposal for amending the reception act last year. The need for change has been identified in the development work that the authorities have been carrying out since 2015.

9.3.2021 | How can waste heat from data centres be converted into heating for homes? How can a broken phone and its precious metals be returned from the desk drawer for servicing or recycling? How can information and communication technologies help in reducing emissions from transport or industry?

12.1.2022 | The European Commission wants to increase opportunities for a successful social economy in Europe. The Commission’s interest in the matter is based on the benefits that the social economy can bring for employment and the economy as a whole. The Commission published its action plan for the social economy on 9 December 2021.

22.12.2021 | The Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare have updated two recommendations related to the prevention of the COVID-19 epidemic. One of the recommendations applies to providers of early childhood education and care and school education, and the second to providers of general upper secondary education and vocational education and training, liberal adult education, basic education for adults, universities of applied sciences and universities.

28.8.2023 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health proposes appropriations of about EUR 16.15 billion for the Ministry and its administrative branch for 2024. This is about EUR 0.4 billion more than in the 2023 Budget. The increase is mainly due to changes in the needs assessment.

31.5.2024 | Sandra Bergqvist, Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity, visited the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 30 and 31 May by invitation of the Council of Europe. The agenda included ways to promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law in sports and physical activity.

7.10.2021 | The Government proposes that the reception act be amended so that the Finnish Immigration Service would have central responsibility for preparedness planning concerning the organisation of reception services in the event of a mass influx of migrants. The amendment would improve preparedness for large numbers of migrants and clarify the division of duties between the authorities. The Government submitted a proposal on the amendment to Parliament on 7 October.

15.2.2023 | During 2019–2023, the Government’s working capacity programme sought solutions to the employment problems of people with impaired capacity to work. At the same time, the programme developed more effective services to support working capacity. The closing event of the programme on 15 February examined the employment of people with impaired work capacity from the perspective of social sustainability, inclusion and the service system.

16.12.2021 | The reception act will be amended so that the Finnish Immigration Service will have central responsibility for preparedness planning concerning the organisation of reception services in the event of a mass influx of migrants. The President of the Republic approved the bill for the act on Thursday 16 December. The act will enter into force on 1 January 2022.

10.6.2022 | Finland’s maternity clinic system celebrates its centenary this year. The system began in a renovated log cabin room of the Children’s Castle hospital in Helsinki.

7.9.2022 | In June-July, the Ministry of the Interior conducted an online survey to assess the situation and need for different services of Ukrainians who have fled to Finland. A total of 2,136 people responded to the survey.

7.10.2022 | Commissioner Schmit met Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen and Minister of Social Affairs and Health Hanna Sarkkinen in Helsinki. They discussed issues related to the rights and livelihood of workers as well as homelessness.

2.12.2021 | The Ministerial Working Group on Promoting Employment decided on 2 December 2021 on the funding model for the TE services reform 2024 as an incentive for municipalities to develop and offer efficient employment services. The ministerial working group also refined its previous outlines on tasks that are centralised nationally and tasks that are transferring to the municipalities.

8.9.2022 | The Government has adopted a government proposal to boost investments in the green transition*. The aim is to reduce Finland’s dependence on fossil energy, increase energy self-sufficiency and move towards an ecologically more sustainable economy. The proposal would prioritise the permit applications concerning investment projects that are important for the green transition in the permit procedu...

1.9.2022 | The measures taken in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will support socially, economically and ecologically sustainable economic growth. Combating climate change, utilising all available labour input and boosting productivity growth are key objectives in the administrative branch.

20.12.2024 | The start of 2025 will see the entry into force of new acts and decrees. The most important changes in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment are summarised below.

20.6.2024 | On Thursday 20 June, the Government appointed Markus Henriksson as Director General of the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) until the end of 2025.

23.12.2025 | The strategy aims to develop the social economy and social entrepreneurship and to improve the operating conditions of social enterprises in Finland.

21.11.2024 | At its meeting on 19 November 2024, the ministerial working group endorsed the submission of the updated roadmap under the EU Digital Decade 2030 programme to the European Commission. The ministerial working group also resolved to re-evaluate the transparency of critical infrastructure information and held discussions on legislation for the reform of regional state administration.

28.5.2025 | The Ministry of Education and Culture has prepared a programme to advocate equity and non-discrimination in early childhood education and care, in schools and in educational institutions. The measures will be carried out over the 2025 to 2027 period.