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9.7.2026 | The Finnish Government has appointed Anu Nousiainen, M.Sc. (Admin.), as Director General of the Administration Policy Department at the Ministry of Defence for a five-year term from 1 October 2026 to 31 September 2031.

28.10.2024 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has appointed Niina Oresmaa as Director of the Division of Basic Public Services, Legal Rights and Permits at the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland. She will take up her duties on 1 November 2024. The term of her appointment will last until 31 December 2025.

12.5.2026 | The Ministerial Committee on Economic Policy has decided that the review of government agency structures will continue with follow-up studies on potential longer-term changes. The follow-up studies will be completed before the end of this year.

2.12.2025 | “Ten Economic Development Centres will start operations on 1 January 2026. The reform on regional state administration will create comprehensive and cost-effective state administration services in regions to promote sustainable growth, competitiveness and attractiveness,” Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto said at a press conference on the launch of the Centres.

29.12.2021 | Regional State Administrative Agencies decide the restrictions on public events and customer premises in their respective areas of operation.

14.5.2025 | As part of the reform of regional state administration, the Government will establish 10 regional Economic Development Centres which will be based on the current 15 Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centres). The aim of the reform is to strengthen regional vitality and sustainable economic growth. The preparation of the reform is a joint effort of five administrative branches, with the reform affecting about 2,500 central government employees.

24.11.2025 | The Assembly of the International Maritime Organization IMO will meet in London from 24 November to 3 December 2025. Finland is a candidate for re-election as a member of the IMO Council. The Assembly will vote on the members of the new Council on Friday 28 November 2025.

7.5.2020 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has issued new instructions to regional state administrative agencies for the implementation of the government resolution. The regional state administrative agencies are urged to take measures aimed at opening school premises in a controlled manner and continuing restrictions on public events.

7.4.2025 | A Finnish-Ukrainian cooperation project will improve the transparency and digitalisation of the Ukrainian tax administration and its capacity to manage and implement reforms. The project will also support the fight against corruption and Ukraine's EU accession.

23.1.2024 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications published a report on the administrative categories of roads on 23 January 2024. The report examines the concepts guiding the classification, the practical application of the concepts and the challenges in defining and changing the categories. The study was carried out by Wuutis.

30.10.2024 | The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has audited more than half of its Member States. The IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) ensures that Member States fulfil their international obligations and develop their maritime administration. Finland's audit takes place between 28 October and 4 November 2024 in Helsinki.

17.2.2025 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications requests comments on the draft government proposal concerning the competent authorities in rail transport. Comments can be submitted until 14 March 2025.

Progress of the government action plan to combat racism The government action plan to combat racism and promote equality implements the policies set out in the equality statement issued by the Government. The selected measures are based on an asse...

12.1.2024 | In its plenary session on 21 December 2023, the Government appointed Mika Nykänen, Master of Administrative Sciences, to serve as State Secretary to Minister of Employment Arto Satonen and Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Kai Mykkänen. Nykänen’s term as State Secretary will begin on 15 January 2024 and will continue for the duration of the ministers’ terms of office.

Data protection in the Prime Minister's Office Data Protection Officer Data Protection Officer Heidi Alajoki Prime Minister’s Office, Economy Unit [email protected] Controller Prime Minister’s Office, PO Box 23, 00023 Government Registry: [email p...

16.9.2021 | The Government has amended the decree restricting the activities of food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Owing to the improved epidemiological situation, the restrictions on opening and licensing hours will be lifted in Kainuu and in the Hospital District of South Savo, and eased in South Ostrobothnia.

4.11.2021 | In the fourth supplementary budget for 2021, a net increase of EUR 99.7 million is proposed for the administrative branch of the Ministry of the Interior. This includes EUR 65 million for the procurement of new offshore patrol vessels for the Border Guard, EUR 30 million for safeguarding the operations of the police and EUR 10.38 million for the administrative branch’s expenditure arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and internal border controls. 

2.9.2021 | 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 the entire region of South Savo and the restrictions for the community transmission phase in the region of South Ostrobothnia. The restrictions on opening and licensing hours will no longer apply in Åland.

22.12.2021 | Changes to enter into force in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Transport and Communications as of the beginning of 2022

22.12.2021 | Changes to enter into force in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Transport and Communications as of the beginning of 2022

31.5.2021 | The Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare have updated the guidelines on how to prevent coronavirus infections in connection with public events and gatherings and when using public premises.

17.5.2023 | The European Commission provides technical support to reforms in EU Member States with a special focus on making public administration fit for the future and adaptable to change. The Technical Support Instrument (TSI) 2024 Call is now open. The national deadline for submitting requests for support is 20 October 2023.

19.2.2021 | The amendments to the Communicable Diseases Act have been approved, and they will enter into force on 22 February 2021. They will strengthen the possibilities of local and regional authorities to take proactive and swift measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Most of the amendments will remain in force until 30 June 2021. 

30.4.2026 | FINNISH GOVERNMENT PO Box 23, FI-00023 Government, Finland vn.fi/en Tel. +358 295 16001 VALTIONEUVOSTO PL 23, 00023 Valtioneuvosto vn.fi p. 0295 16001 1(8) Spending limits session of Prime Minister Orpo’s Government on 21–22 April 2026 Entries in ...

EN 1 EN SFC2021 INTERREG Programme CCI 2021TC16RFCB013 Title (Interreg VI-A) Finland-Estonia-Latvia-Sweden (Central Baltic) Version 3.0 First year 2021 Last year 2027 Eligible from 1 Jan 2021 Eligible until 31 Dec 2029 EC decision number C(2023)38...

27.4.2021 | In its plenary session on Tuesday 27 April, the Government issued decrees repealing the use of powers under the Emergency Powers Act and declared that the current situation in the country no longer constitutes a state of emergency under section 3 of the Emergency Powers Act. In the Government’s view, the COVID-19 epidemic can now be managed using the regular powers of the authorities.

2.12.2021 | 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 in community transmission areas will be introduced in the region of Central Finland and the City of Rovaniemi.

The amended programme document Interreg AURORA 2021-2027 VERSION 3.0 After reallocation of Interreg NEXT Kolarctic and Interreg NEXT Karelia 1 CCI 2021TC16RFCB027 Title (Interreg VI-A) Sweden-Finland-Norway (AURORA) Version 3.0 First year 2021 Las...

28.10.2021 | One member and two deputy members of the Finnish delegation to the European Committee of the Regions will change. The Government has nominated new candidates for the remainder of the Committee’s term until January 2025.

19.6.2026 | EU heads of state or government urged Russia to engage in negotiations leading to a lasting peace as the European Council met in Brussels on 18 and 19 June. Leaders also focused in particular on global economic challenges, the situation in the Middle East and the EU’s next multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo represented Finland at the meeting.

19.8.2021 | 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 enter into force in the entire Uusimaa region and South Karelia. The Hospital District of South Savo is moving to the acceleration phase of the epidemic.

30.12.2021 | The Government has amended the decree restricting the activities of restaurants and other food and beverage service businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The restrictions on food and beverage service businesses that are necessary to prevent the spread of the epidemic will be introduced across the region of South Savo and in the region of North Karelia.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo visited Kyiv on 28 May 2025. Finland supports Ukraine On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine in breach of the UN Charter and international law. Finland strongly condemns Russia’s military actions in...

20.1.2022 | On 20 January 2022, the Saimaa Canal Commission granted a permit to the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency for construction in the Saimaa Canal lease area. The Commission, which coordinates the positions of the Finnish authorities, considers that the development projects of the Saimaa Canal meet the obligations of the Saimaa Canal lease agreement. The projects are needed to develop the Canal and organise its vessel traffic. 

20.1.2022 | On 20 January 2022, the Saimaa Canal Commission granted a permit to the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency for construction in the Saimaa Canal lease area. The Commission, which coordinates the positions of the Finnish authorities, considers that the development projects of the Saimaa Canal meet the obligations of the Saimaa Canal lease agreement. The projects are needed to develop the Canal and organise its vessel traffic. 

11.6.2026 | The Government proposes a comprehensive reform of the legislation on basic education in the arts. The aim is to clarify the structure of basic education in the arts and improve access to instruction across different art disciplines and fields. The proposal would also introduce a single syllabus and reform the criteria for central government transfers to municipalities.

6.3.2020 | On 6 March, EU health ministers held an extraordinary meeting to take stock of the constantly changing situation caused by the novel coronavirus disease and discuss how the EU and its Member States can contain further spread of the disease. Finland was represented by Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Krista Kiuru.

30.12.2024 | schools The Basic Education Act is being amended. With the amendments, the use of telephones and other mobile devices during lessons will only be allowed in certain situations. Regional State Administrative Agencies will also be able to investigate, on their own initiative, whether education is being organised in line with the Basic Education Act. In addition, promoting a physically active lifestyle will be added to the objectives of pre-primary, primary and lower secondary education.

21.9.2023 | On Thursday 21 September, the Government appointed Kimmo Kohvakka, Master of Military Science, as Director General for Rescue Services at the Ministry of the Interior for the period from 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2028.

5.3.2026 | March 2026 1 Finland simplification proposals Contents 1. Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) (EU) 2023/1791 ................................................. 3 2. Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) (EU) 2022/2577 ....................................

21.5.2025 | English Style Guide A handbook for translators, revisers and authors of government texts Prime Minister’s Office, Finland ENGLISH STYLE GUIDE | PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, FINLAND | 2025 2 Contents Quick reference guide .................................

17.10.2025 | On Tuesday 14 October, Finland joined the Tallinn Mechanism to support Ukraine’s cyber security and resilience. The mechanism coordinates international cyber security support to Ukraine’s public administration and critical infrastructure.

21.5.2025 | English Style Guide A handbook for translators, revisers and authors of government texts Prime Minister’s Office, Finland ENGLISH STYLE GUIDE | PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, FINLAND | 2025 2 Contents Quick reference guide .................................

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.

27.8.2025 | Finland needs more exports, investments and ambitious R&D activities to boost our economy.

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.

23.4.2025 | 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.

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.

22.8.2023 | Changes in working life challenge OSH enforcement. In addition to the prevention of accidents, occupational diseases and other health hazards caused by work, OSH enforcement plays an increasingly important role in ensuring a fair working life.

15.1.2024 | Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centres) have handled their tasks well, albeit with room for improvement in the steering system and agency structure, states a newly published external evaluation report on the agency entity comprising the ELY Centres.

21.9.2023 | The Government has appointed Leena Räsänen, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, as Director General of the Finnish Food Authority from 8 October 2023 to 7 October 2028. The current Director General Antti-Jussi Oikarinen will retire. A total of 16 persons applied for the post by the deadline of 24 July 2023.

17.10.2025 | The Rescue Borealis exercise, conducted in Finland between August and October 2025, brought together around 700 professionals from healthcare, rescue services and other security authorities from Finland, Sweden, Norway and Germany. This multi-agency exercise, which was mainly funded by the European Commission and focused on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats (CBRN), was reportedly the largest of its kind in Europe in recent years.

24.10.2024 | On 24 October, the Government issued a decree laying down provisions on cooperation in preparedness for civil defence and related plans in the wellbeing services counties. The decree specifies the practices of cooperation between the authorities of the wellbeing services counties.

6.2.2023 | The Ministry of the Environment has published guidelines concerning the priority treatment of projects that promote investments in the green transition in permit procedures. The guidelines are available on the website of the Regional State Administrative Agency. They are intended both for the permit applicants and for the Regional State Administrative Agencies and Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment. 

13.4.2023 | The new act will lay down provisions on the organisation of the activities of patient ombudspersons and social services ombudspersons and their independence, qualifications and duties. It will also include provisions on the processing of personal data.

21.11.2024 | On Thursday 21 November, the Government submitted its proposal to Parliament to amend the budget proposal for 2025. Some items in the proposal concern the Government's EUR 4 billion investment programme. The proposal will increase the revenue estimate by EUR 67 million and the requirement for appropriations by EUR 405 million.

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.

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...

20.3.2025 | Today, the Government submitted to Parliament a legislative proposal on a new gambling system. The Government proposes to end Veikkaus' gambling games monopoly in betting and in online slot machine and casino games at the end of 2026, and to open the provision of these games to competition.

17.11.2022 | The Government proposes that a new act be enacted on patient ombudspersons and social services ombudspersons. The act would lay down provisions on the organisation of the activities of patient ombudspersons and social services ombudspersons and their independence, qualifications and duties. The act would also include provisions on the processing of personal data.