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23.3.2023 | On Thursday 23 March, the Government decided on the technical General Government Fiscal Plan for 2024–2027. The General Government Fiscal Plan covers all general government finances, including central and municipal government finances, the finances of wellbeing services counties, statutory employment pension institutions and other social security funds.

10.1.2024 | In the first phase of the national health and wellbeing programme Terveydeksi (‘To Your Health’), concrete measures will be selected based on scientific expertise. The implementation of the measures in the second phase will start in autumn 2024. 

15.6.2023 | Finland’s economic growth is stagnant as rising prices and interest rates reduce demand. Nevertheless, the economy is expected to pick up in the latter part of the year as household purchasing power increases. Investments related to the green transition will further boost growth. The general government deficit will increase this year, and it is not projected to narrow during the outlook period. T...

28.8.2023 | The level of spending included in the draft budget is EUR 87.2 billion in total, with a deficit of EUR 10.1 billion.

19.9.2023 | In its first budget session, the Government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo decided on solutions that will return Finland to a sustainable growth track. The Government will launch structural reforms to boost employment and growth, which will have positive impacts on general government finances in the next few years. In addition, the Government decided on consolidation measures.

26.9.2023 | The energy transition is reaching new heights, according to the Kauppapolitiikka magazine. The theme of the September issue is the future of wind power.

19.9.2023 | In its first budget session, the Government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo decided on solutions that will return Finland to a sustainable growth track. The Government will launch structural reforms to boost employment and growth, which will have positive impacts on general government finances in the next few years. In addition, the Government decided on consolidation measures.

3.9.2024 | The 2025 budget proposal of Prime Minister Orpo's Government bolsters conditions for economic growth. Economic growth driven by the private sector will also serve to secure the financing base for central government finances. The fast-acting measures to curb indebtedness that were decided on due to the difficult situation in central government finances will move forward.

23.3.2023 | The Finnish economy will return to growth at the end of the year following a mild recession, barring new surprises. However, the general government deficit will grow as rising prices begin to be reflected in general government expenditure according to the economic survey published by the Ministry of Finance on 23 March.

25.8.2023 | The proposal of the Ministry of Finance for the 2024 budget and spending limits for 2024–2027 ensures implementation of the policies in the Government Programme. The budget proposal totals EUR 87.2 billion, and a deficit of EUR 10.1 billion is proposed. The budget total is EUR 3.7 billion higher than the total budgeted for 2023, including the first supplementary budget. The budget proposal will be published in full at budjetti.vm.fi on Monday 28 August.

31.1.2025 | In Finland, there is broad recognition of the important role that nuclear energy will also play in the future. There is a willingness to build new capacity, yet the profitability of investments has clearly weakened over the years. What different means could be considered to advance nuclear energy?

28.8.2023 | The Ministry of Finance's proposal for the central government spending limits decision for 2024–2027 was published on 28 August based on the current state of preparation.

24.10.2024 | The European Union has a challenging starting point for the next five years. Although the energy crisis has largely been overcome, geopolitical uncertainty continues and strong investments in military and civilian security are necessary. The political situation in many Member States is unstable, including Germany and France.

9.10.2023 | Rising prices and interest rates have reduced household consumption and investments, which will push Finland’s economy into recession in the latter part of the year. Household purchasing power is expected to improve next year, which will increase consumption and boost economic growth. General government finances will deteriorate from this year on, and the general government deficit will be 3 per cent, or more, during 2024–2026.

25.6.2024 | Europe is facing strong economic headwinds. With vulnerable supply chains, high energy costs, and substantial investments needed to reach net-zero, the EU has reached a point where we cannot afford to ignore our competitiveness problems.

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.

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.

10.10.2024 | In the plan, Finland commits to complying with a net expenditure path (i.e. a maximum permitted growth rate for net expenditure) for the next four years. The net expenditure path is compatible with the adjustment measures outlined in the Government Programme and General Government Fiscal Plan.

23.9.2024 | The Government has submitted its proposal for the 2025 Budget and related legislative proposals to Parliament. In the 2025 Budget, central government expenditure amounts to EUR 88.8 billion and revenue to EUR 76.6 billion, with a deficit of EUR 12.1 billion.

9.8.2024 | The level of spending included in the draft budget is EUR 88.1 billion in total with a deficit of EUR 12.2 billion.

27.6.2024 | Emissions from energy production are decreasing substantially but further actions will be needed to reach the national targets and meet the obligations set at the EU level. In particular, further actions will be needed in the land use and effort sharing sectors.

8.11.2024 | The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommends further adjustments to public finances and continued structural reforms for Finland. The IMF published its statement on the Finnish economy on Friday 8 November.

4.12.2024 | Finland must improve the competitiveness of its investment environment with the help of predictable regulation and sufficient incentives. Companies must increase their intangible investments to enhance the value added and productivity. Public funding must be used more efficiently to boost new sectors and diversify the economic structure.

25.4.2024 | The General Government Fiscal Plan covers central government, wellbeing services counties, municipalities, and statutory earnings-related pension funds and other social security funds.

19.12.2023 | Due to a decline in investments and household consumption, Finland’s economy is in recession in 2023. Next year, slowing inflation and a downward turn in interest rates, combined with moderately strong development of household incomes, will turn GDP to growth. Weak economic development combined with rapid expenditure growth will keep general government persistently in deficit. The general governm...

9.4.2025 | Prime Minister Orpo’s Government has set an objective of adjusting public sector activities to ensure that the national economy is on a sustainable footing. At the moment, it looks like it will be difficult to achieve this objective over the next few years though. The decision-makers in the wellbeing services counties are in a key role here. Reaching fiscal balance in general government finances is essential.

19.12.2024 | The Ministry of the Interior has issued decrees on fees charged by the police and the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service. The decrees will enter into force on 1 January 2025.

21.5.2024 | In its meeting on Tuesday 21 May, the Government agreed on the second supplementary budget proposal for the current year. The proposal supports the Government’s objective of keeping the general government deficit under 3.5 per cent of GDP in 2024.

13.3.2025 | The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has adopted the financial statement of the National Nuclear Waste Management Fund for 2024 and decided on the recognition of the profit of the Fund as revenue. The Fund consists of two separate funds, the Financial Provision Fund and the Research Fund for Nuclear Energy Expertise.

23.5.2025 | The OECD sees vast potential for clean economic growth in Finland. However, structural reforms will be required to realise this potential. Among other things, the OECD recommends that Finland boost higher education, attract high-skilled immigrants and improve incentives for investments. Further adjustments to public finances are necessary due to rising defence spending.

30.4.2025 | The General Government Fiscal Plan guides the planning public finances. It covers central government, wellbeing services counties, municipalities, statutory earnings-related pension funds and other social security funds.

8.8.2024 | The Ministry of Finance’s draft budget for 2025 implements the Government’s policies to strengthen general government finances. The draft budget totals EUR 88.1 billion and shows a deficit of EUR 12.2 billion.

25.3.2025 | The first issue of the Kauppapolitiikka magazine in 2025 delves deep into current events in international trade and politics. Why is the world economy buzzing, and who wins most when geopolitics change?

19.12.2024 | Finland’s economy has returned to growth this year, and growth is expected to accelerate next year, according to the forecast published by the Ministry of Finance on 19 December.

23.4.2025 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government has agreed on the General Government Fiscal Plan for 2026–2029. The decisions focus on reinforcing the conditions for economic growth and enhancing the security of Finland and the Finnish people. At the same time, the Government will ensure that public finances are sustainable. The growth package will be financed responsibly through measures to increase general government revenue and reduce expenditure.

30.4.2025 | Finland is requesting that the EU activate the national escape clause in the EU’s fiscal policy rules in order to increase defence spending. The majority of EU Member States are likely to request activation of the escape clause.

2.9.2025 | The Government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has reached a decision on its budget proposal for 2026. The Government’s decisions aim to support economic growth, which is picking up. Supporting economic growth and continuing responsible fiscal management is necessary to ensure the security of people in Finland and safeguard their access to important services going forward.

26.7.2025 | On Friday 25 July, the Fitch credit rating agency lowered the rating of Finland’s central government debt by one grade from AA+ to AA. Finland’s outlook is now rated as stable.

31.12.2025 | Fellow citizens, The darkest part of winter is now behind us – every day is a little bit longer than the last. Winter storm Hannes, which raged through Finland, has now subsided. I would like to thank the authorities and everyone else who has worked hard to repair the damage caused by the storm. We can be proud of the way Finland comes together in these situations.

10.11.2025 | The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that Finland should consolidate general government finances by about EUR 1.5 billion annually. Consolidation should be continued until the fiscal balance is closed and debt begins to decline. The IMF published its statement on the Finnish economy on Monday 10 November.