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25.2.2022 | Finland strongly condemns Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. On 24 February, the Government decided to supplement its support to Ukraine by EUR 10 million of new funding.

21.12.2022 | “Even though this year will go down in the history books for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we have still been fortunate enough to record some favourable developments,” writes Pekka Haavisto, Minister for Foreign Affairs, in relation to the 2022 year in foreign policy.

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.

12.8.2021 | The 2022 budget proposal of Minister of Finance Annika Saarikko implements previous Government decisions.

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.

21.11.2024 | On 21 November 2024, the Government submitted to Parliament its proposal to amend the budget proposal for 2025. The Government proposes funding for the Digirail project, which involves the modernisation of Finland's rail traffic control system, and several rail, urban tramline and road projects. The Government also proposes EUR 400 million for the construction of West Railway, subject to certain conditions.

3.6.2022 | Children and young people are experiencing more mental strain than before, and as a result, their need for and use of services has also increased. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted these problems, it is not the only reason for them. It is therefore necessary to gain an overall picture of the situation to find the best solutions and identify the social changes needed to help children, young people and young adults.

18.3.2021 | The Government proposes that companies be paid compensation if they, due to an Act or an official order, have to keep their premises closed in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus. This new form of compensation would apply to small and micro-sized enterprises that employ a maximum of 49 employees. The Government will prepare a separate compensation for larger companies as soon as possible.

9.4.2021 | The support for business costs is intended for companies whose turnover has decreased by at least 30% due to the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, closure compensation is meant for small and micro-sized companies where customer premises have been closed by law or order of an authority. The third application round for business cost support will begin on 27 April 2021 and the application round for closure compensation on 12 May 2021.

5.6.2024 | Press release by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom and the Finnish Border Guard:

15.4.2021 | Instructions have now been created for the construction industry for assessing the risk of COVID-19 infections. According to the instructions, the main contractor of the construction site is responsible for having a general risk assessment made. Everyone working at the construction site must comply with the assessment-based measures. In addition, other employers involved in the construction site assess the risks of their operations.

3.6.2021 | A fourth application round for business cost support for March–May will be organised for companies. The conditions of aid would remain unchanged. In addition, medium-sized and large companies would receive separate compensation if their premises were closed by law or by order of an authority due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

18.5.2021 | A fourth application round for business cost support for March–May will be organised for companies. The conditions of aid would remain unchanged. In addition, large companies would receive separate compensation if their premises were closed by law or by order of an authority due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The Government currently negotiates with the European Commission about the terms and amount of closure compensation.

29.6.2021 | A fourth application round for business cost support for March–May will be organised for companies. The conditions of aid would remain unchanged. In addition, medium-sized and large companies would receive separate compensation if their premises were closed by law or by order of an authority due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

30.6.2022 | The United Nations Ocean Conference was held in Lisbon from 27 June to 1 July 2022. At the Conference, states pledged to contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially that concerning life below water. Finland’s delegation was led by Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä. State Secretary Terhi Lehtonen and Permanent Secretary Juhani Damski attended the Conference as well.

8.3.2021 | Prime Minister speech in Parliament on decrees on use of powers under Emergency Powers Act on 8 March 2021. Changes possible during the speech.

28.5.2021 | The Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare have updated the guidelines on camping activities for children and young people.

16.4.2024 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government has agreed on the General Government Fiscal Plan for 2025–2028. The Government has made decisions that will improve the sustainability of public finances and create conditions for reversing the trend in indebtedness. The decisions aim to safeguard the key factors for future prosperity: employment, security, and knowledge and competence. Fairness has been one of the guiding principles of the decisions.

5.9.2021 | The Government has submitted a proposal to Parliament on lifting the two-metre rule on safe distancing, among other matters. The Government proposes an amendment to the temporary section 58 d of the Communicable Diseases Act.

22.12.2021 | As of 23 December, COVID-19 certificates issued outside the EU will be accepted as COVID-19 passports in Finland. Operators in different sectors may check certificates issued outside the EU manually, without the COVID certificate reader application.

20.5.2021 | The Government adopted the first National Transport System Plan for 2021-2032 (Traffic 12 Plan) and submitted it in the form of a report to Parliament on 15 April 2021. The report is currently under consideration by Parliament.

5.3.2021 | On Friday 5 March, the Government submitted a proposal to Parliament on introducing powers laid down in the Emergency Powers Act. The powers to be adopted through the decrees are related to directing the operations of healthcare and social welfare units and compliance with the time limits for non-urgent care. The Government would also adopt powers related to emergency communications and decisions on which authority has power in cases of ambiguity.

5.3.2021 | On Friday 5 March, the Government submitted a proposal to Parliament on introducing powers laid down in the Emergency Powers Act. The powers to be adopted through the decrees are related to directing the operations of healthcare and social welfare units and compliance with the time limits for non-urgent care. The Government would also adopt powers related to emergency communications and decisions on which authority has power in cases of ambiguity.

20.5.2021 | The Government adopted the first National Transport System Plan for 2021-2032 (Traffic 12 Plan) and submitted it in the form of a report to Parliament on 15 April 2021. The report is currently under consideration by Parliament.

4.2.2021 | On 4 February, the Government submitted to Parliament a proposal for an act on temporarily amending the Communicable Diseases Act. The amendment would extend the validity of the provisions on restrictions concerning food and beverage service businesses, namely restaurants, bars and cafes. The current Act on Temporarily Amending the Communicable Diseases Act is in force until 28 February 2021. W...

24.5.2021 | The Ministry of the Interior has submitted the draft equality and non-discrimination action plan for rescue services for statements. The aim of the action plan is rescue services that actively and systematically promote equality in the long term. The draft action plan will be out for comments from 24 May to 30 June 2021.

11.3.2021 | On 11 March, the Government submitted to Parliament a proposal for an act on temporarily amending the Communicable Diseases Act. According to the proposal, a government decree issued under the temporary provisions of the Act could impose stricter restrictions on the opening hours, licensing hours and number of customer seats in businesses located in areas that are in tier 2 of epidemic prevention measures.

4.11.2021 | The fourth supplementary budget proposal for 2021 will reduce the central government’s net borrowing requirement for this year by approximately EUR 2.2 billion. The proposal takes into account changes in needs estimates resulting from the economic upturn and increases in tax revenue estimates. On the whole, the supplementary budget proposal envisages a reduction of approximately EUR 249 million in appropriations for 2021.

19.3.2021 | The current state of emergency and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have a broad impact on all areas of society. In a state of emergency, the role of rapid dissemination of information and a clear division of responsibilities for coordinating and implementing communications is further emphasised. On 18 March, the Prime Minister’s Office made the decision to apply the powers laid down in section 106, subsect...

20.11.2025 | On Thursday 20 November, the Government submitted its proposal to Parliament to amend the budget proposal for 2026. It includes proposals to launch new transport projects and to support Ukraine. The proposal will decrease the revenue estimate by EUR 189 million and increase the requirement for appropriations by EUR 455 million.

26.2.2021 | The Government has issued a new decree restricting the activities of food and beverage service businesses, namely restaurants, cafés, bars and nightclubs, owing to the COVID-19 epidemic. Food and beverage service businesses must ensure sufficient distances between customers and customer groups more effectively than before. They must arrange their activities in indoor spaces in such a way that customers are guided to their seats.

16.4.2021 | The new temporary amendments to the Communicable Diseases Act will make it possible to impose stricter restrictions on regions regarding the opening hours, licensing hours and number of customer seats of restaurants and other food and beverage service businesses. The President of the Republic approved the amendments to the Act on 16 April. The amendments will enter into force on 19 April and remain in force until 30 June 2021.

26.2.2021 | Parliament adopted the government proposal of 4 February 2021 for temporarily amending the Communicable Diseases Act. The amendment will extend the validity of the provisions restricting the activities of food and beverage service businesses, namely restaurants, bars, cafes and nightclubs. The President of the Republic approved the amendment to the Communicable Diseases Act on 26 February 2021.

21.9.2021 | The Government has submitted to Parliament a proposal on the nationwide use of the EU Digital COVID Certificate, or the COVID-19 passport. It is proposed that the provisions on the EU Digital COVID Certificate be added to the Communicable Diseases Act.

14.10.2022 | The first National Transport System Plan, Transport 12, covers the years 2021 to 2032. The Ministry of Transport and Communications monitors the progress of the measures included in the Transport 12 plan on an annual basis. The second summary report on this was published on 13 October 2022.

23.9.2021 | The Government has amended the decree restricting the activities of food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Based on the current epidemiological situation, the restrictions on the maximum permitted number of customers and on opening and licensing hours will be lifted in North Ostrobothnia. In addition, restrictions will be eased in Kymenlaakso and Pirkanmaa and tightened in Satakunta.

21.12.2021 | In its negotiations on Tuesday 21 December, the Government discussed the COVID-19 situation and decided on new restrictions and other necessary measures. In addition to increasing vaccination coverage, effective national and regional measures to limit close contacts are needed to slow down the spread of the epidemic. This will allow more time for giving people third vaccine doses.

27.5.2021 | The purpose of the event guarantee is to reduce the financial risk of organising events. The guarantee is an advance payment commitment given to event organisers for the costs the organisers declare. If the event is cancelled or its size restricted by law or order of an authority, compensation will be paid for the costs incurred.

26.8.2021 | The Government has amended the decree restricting the activities of food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The restrictions for the community transmission phase will be applied to food and beverage service businesses in Ostrobothnia.

14.10.2022 | The first National Transport System Plan, Transport 12, covers the years 2021 to 2032. The Ministry of Transport and Communications monitors the progress of the measures included in the Transport 12 plan on an annual basis. The second summary report on this was published on 13 October 2022.

14.9.2021 | The Government has issued a decree restricting the activities of restaurants and other food and beverage service businesses owing to the COVID-19 epidemic. The current restrictions for the acceleration and community transmission phases will be amended to extend the opening and licensing hours of food and beverage service businesses by one hour. In areas where the epidemic is at a stable level, customers will no longer be required to have their own seats in indoor premises.

5.9.2021 | The Government has amended the decree restricting the activities of food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The restrictions for the acceleration phase of the epidemic will be introduced in Satakunta and the baseline restrictions in the city of Rovaniemi.

22.12.2021 | The Government has amended the decree restricting the activities of restaurants and other food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. As from 24 December 2021, the use of the COVID-19 passport will be restricted for about three weeks. The restrictions on food and beverage services businesses that are necessary to prevent the spread of the epidemic will be introduced in the region of North Savo, while restrictions will be lifted for the Åland Islands.

5.1.2022 | The Government has amended the decree restricting the activities of restaurants and other food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses that are necessary to prevent the spread of the epidemic will be introduced in Åland.

13.1.2022 | Internal border control will continue and the restrictions on entry will remain largely unchanged until 31 January. However, some exemptions will be made for people who cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical reasons. The Government decided on these changes at its session on 13 January and they will enter into force on 17 January 2022.

9.9.2021 | The Government has amended the decree restricting the activities of food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Separate restrictions on the number of customers or the opening and licensing hours of food and beverage service businesses will be removed in Central Finland as the region returns to the baseline restrictions.

21.12.2021 | In its negotiations on Tuesday 21 December, the Government discussed the COVID-19 situation and decided on new restrictions and other necessary measures. In addition to increasing vaccination coverage, effective national and regional measures to limit close contacts are needed to slow down the spread of the epidemic. This will allow more time for giving people third vaccine doses.

26.11.2021 | The Government has amended the decree that restricts the activities of food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The restrictions on licensing and opening hours will be tightened in areas where the epidemic is in the community transmission phase. In addition, restrictions on food and beverage service businesses will be reintroduced in the region of South Karelia.

3.12.2021 | The Government has amended the decree restricting the activities of food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses that are necessary to prevent the spread of the epidemic will be introduced in Åland.

28.12.2021 | Internal border control will be reinstated at Finland’s borders starting on Tuesday 28 December. There will also be other changes to the restrictions on entry, and as of 28 December, the same restrictions will apply to everyone arriving in Finland from abroad. The Government decided on the new restrictions today. The decision will enter into force on 28 December at 15.00 Finnish time and will remain in force until 16 January 2022. 

16.12.2021 | The Government has amended the decree that restricts the activities of food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The restrictions on food and beverage services businesses that are necessary to prevent the spread of the epidemic will be introduced in the whole of Lapland and the Hospital District of South Savo.

28.11.2021 | As of 15.00 on Sunday 28 November, Finland will restrict entry into the country at its external borders for travellers who have been in Botswana, Eswatini, South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia or Zimbabwe during the 14 days prior to their arrival in Finland. The Government adopted a decision on the matter on 28 November.

30.9.2021 | The Government has amended the decree restricting the activities of food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Based on the current epidemiological situation, restrictions for the acceleration and community transmission phases of the epidemic will be significantly eased and lifted. In addition, in the region of Uusimaa, the restrictions for the community transmission phase will continue to apply only in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen.

27.1.2022 | Internal border control, which was reinstated for traffic between Finland and all Schengen countries at the end of December, will end on 31 January. In contrast, restrictions on external border traffic will continue until 14 February. The Government adopted a decision on the restrictions on external border traffic on 27 January and the decision will enter into force on 1 February.

28.1.2022 | The Government has extended the validity of the decree restricting the activities of food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The restrictions on the use of the COVID-19 passport will continue until mid-February and the restrictions on serving and opening hours of food and beverage service businesses will continue until the end of March. Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses will be eased for businesses serving food.

7.1.2022 | In its first meeting on Friday 7 January, the ministerial working group on COVID-19 was briefed on the epidemiological situation, the spread of the Omicron variant, the burden on and capacity of the healthcare system, and the progress of vaccinations.

7.1.2022 | In its first meeting on Friday 7 January, the ministerial working group on COVID-19 was briefed on the epidemiological situation, the spread of the Omicron variant, the burden on and capacity of the healthcare system, and the progress of vaccinations.

3.1.2022 | Finland’s objective is to increase labour migration and to combat the exploitation of foreign labour. The exploitation of foreign workers, which has come to light in recent years, has underlined the need for cooperation between different operators. A new advisory board appointed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will support efforts to stop exploitation of foreign workers and entrepreneurs.

15.11.2021 | The Government has extended the validity of the decree restricting the activities of food and beverage service businesses until 31 December 2021. Restrictions on food and beverage service businesses will be reintroduced in the regions of North Ostrobothnia, Pirkanmaa and Kanta-Häme and in the Hospital District of Länsi-Pohja.

7.10.2021 | Abuse in the accommodation conditions for foreign workers may, at worst, be part of foreign labour exploitation and human trafficking. The task of the working group for monitoring accommodation conditions is to make proposals on how to develop cooperation between the authorities and the relevant regulations and guidelines.