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7.9.2022 | Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen's speech at Finnish-Swedish Defence Industry Seminar in Helsinki Publication date 7.9.2022 10.07 Type: Speech Dear colleagues, madam Ambassador, representatives of industry, It is a great honor for me to bring y...

19.9.2022 | Accelerating inflation is slowing economic growth. Finland’s gross domestic product will grow by 0.5% next year, according to the Economic Survey published by the Ministry of Finance on 19 September. 

9.10.2023 | Finland’s support to Ukraine, channelled through the World Bank Group, will be used to strengthen basic public services, repair critical infrastructure, promote policy reforms and lay the foundation for Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery. Part of the support will be used to help the least-developed countries affected by the Russian invasion and by other global crises.

23.9.2024 | As outlined in the Programme of Petteri Orpo’s Government, the Government will implement a central government productivity programme to support the Government’s objective for sustainable public finances.

10.12.2025 | An independent group of experts has conducted a broad-based interim evaluation of the wellbeing services county reform, which was published on 10 December. Minister of Social Affairs and Health Kaisa Juuso, Minister of Local and Regional Government Anna-Kaisa Ikonen and Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen consider the findings valuable.

22.12.2025 | 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 2026 and be effective until 31 December 2026.

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.

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.

29.4.2021 | In its mid-term policy review, the Government outlined extensive measures to strengthen employment and public finances and to promote people’s wellbeing in Finland in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decisions in the mid-term review include policies to strengthen growth, to continue on the path to carbon neutrality and to reduce inequality. The measures have been integrated into the 2022–2...

29.4.2021 | In its mid-term policy review, the Government outlined extensive measures to strengthen employment and public finances and to promote people’s wellbeing in Finland in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decisions in the mid-term review include policies to strengthen growth, to continue on the path to carbon neutrality and to reduce inequality. The measures have been integrated into the 2022–2...

15.4.2021 | The Government adopted the National Transport System Plan for 2021-2032 and submitted it in the form of a report to Parliament on 15 April 2021.

15.4.2021 | The Government adopted the National Transport System Plan for 2021-2032 and submitted it in the form of a report to Parliament on 15 April 2021.

7.6.2022 | Speech to Parliament presenting the 2021 Government Annual Report for referral debate on Tuesday 7 June at 14.00

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.

13.4.2022 | This year, the economy will grow more slowly than previously anticipated in Europe and Finland. Finland’s gross domestic product will grow by 1.5% this year, according to the Economic Survey published by the Ministry of Finance on 13 April.

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.

1.9.2022 | 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.

9.9.2021 | 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.

29.4.2021 | In its mid-term policy review, the Government published a sustainability roadmap that describes the current state of social, economic and ecological sustainability in Finland and sets goals for 2030. The roadmap gives specific form to the Government Programme’s goal of a socially, economically and ecologically sustainable society.

1.12.2021 | Reduced borrowing requirement does not change the overall economic situation or the longer-term challenges in public finances.

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.

24.2.2021 | The key challenge for the Finnish economy is to rise above the slow growth of the past decade. The economic challenges are not primarily related to the coronavirus recession. In Finland, with its ageing population, weak economic growth is a genuine threat to safeguarding the wellbeing of Finns. The working group considers average economic growth of 2% up to 2030 to be a realistic, if demanding, goal. 

11.11.2022 | All legislative initiatives of the extensive Fit-for-55 package published by the European Commission in summer 2021 have now proceeded to the trilogue negotiations. The negotiations on the LULUCF Regulation concerning land use, land use change and forestry that started on Thursday 10 November continued till the small hours. An outcome was reached, but the agreement is provisional until it has been formally adopted.

27.9.2021 | The Government has submitted its budget proposal for 2022 to Parliament.

27.9.2021 | The Finnish economy will continue to grow at a rate of 2.9% in 2022 following recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, estimates the Ministry of Finance in its Economic Survey published on 27 September.

14.7.2023 | Finland’s greenhouse gas emissions decreased by approximately 4% in 2022. The land use sector was a minor carbon sink. According to the Annual Climate Report, additional measures are needed particularly to strengthen the carbon sink of the land use sector to enable the achievement of the Finnish land use sector’s obligation set at the EU level. The achievement of the Finnish effort sharing sector’s obligation set at the EU level is also uncertain.

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

17.6.2022 | Accelerating inflation is slowing economic growth. Finland’s gross domestic product will grow by 1.4% this year, estimates the Ministry of Finance in the Economic Survey published on 17 June.

8.6.2022 | In the Foreign Service, this policy is related to support for financing sustainable development through trade policy, development policy and development cooperation.

12.5.2021 | A report of the Ministry of Finance published on 12 May forecasts a boost in economic growth to 2.6 per cent in 2021 supported by a global stimulus as the coronavirus epidemic eases.

20.12.2021 | The economy will grow rapidly in 2021 and 2022, although growth will be slower than was expected at the turn of the year, due to the acceleration in the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictive measures, the Ministry of Finance projects in its Economic Survey, published on 20 December.

28.7.2023 | The EU has updated its Single Market Scoreboard especially with regard to the transposition of EU legislation in 2022. The results indicate that Member States have made some progress in implementing and enforcing the single market rules despite the shock to the single market caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Finland’s performance continues to be above EU average.

17.6.2021 | Underpinned by global growth and recovery, growth in Finland’s economy will quicken to reach 2.6% for 2021, according to the updated forecast of the Ministry of Finance, published on 17 June.

31.12.2023 | Fellow citizens, The coming year will bring plenty of opportunities, but also uncertainties. We have to hope for the best, though it is also wise to prepare for more difficult times.

4.8.2022 | Minister of Finance Annika Saarikko’s draft budget for 2023 has been drawn up amidst an uncertain economic outlook. The draft budget totals approximately EUR 79.5 billion with a deficit of around EUR 6.3 billion. Borrowing will decrease by approximately EUR 2.5 billion from the total budgeted for 2022. The proposal will be published in full at budjetti.vm.fi on Friday 5 August.

20.12.2022 | Finland’s gross domestic product began a slight decline in the autumn, and weak economic development is expected to continue over the winter according to the Economic Survey published by the Ministry of Finance on 20 December.

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. 

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.

25.3.2024 | Clean energy is one of the main themes of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government program in Finland. The energy and climate policy actions for the coming years will be outlined in a comprehensive national strategy. The key objective is to establish a predictable and economically sustainable foundation for the significant investment efforts needed to advance both climate goals and our national economy.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.