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22.4.2026 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government has agreed on the General Government Fiscal Plan for 2027–2030. Both the global economy and Finland’s finances are facing challenges. In its spending limits session, the Government focused on new targeted measures to strengthen people’s confidence in the future and improve the conditions for growth and employment.

18.2.2021 | The Government is proposing that the validity of fixed-term ships' crew certificates of competency and certificates of proficiency be extended due to the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic. A derogation permitting a special dispensation from certificates of proficiency required on a vessel would also be extended. The derogations would be temporary.

18.2.2021 | The Government is proposing that the validity of fixed-term ships' crew certificates of competency and certificates of proficiency be extended due to the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic. A derogation permitting a special dispensation from certificates of proficiency required on a vessel would also be extended. The derogations would be temporary.

28.1.2020 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications submitted for comments proposals for amending the Driving Licence Act and the professional qualification requirements for lorry and bus drivers in the Act on Transport Services.

28.1.2020 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications submitted for comments proposals for amending the Driving Licence Act and the professional qualification requirements for lorry and bus drivers in the Act on Transport Services.

15.4.2026 | The proposal seeks to update legislation on passport and identity card services with regard to the activities of the Foreign Service.

12.11.2020 | In future, it will be possible to pass the initial qualification requirements for lorry, bus and coach drivers by completing a qualification examination only. Further provisions on the completion of the examination will be laid down in a decree that will enter into force on 16 November 2020. The decree also lays down further provisions on, for example, the organisers and evaluators of the examination as well as on the requirements for simulators to be used in the examination.

12.11.2020 | In future, it will be possible to pass the initial qualification requirements for lorry, bus and coach drivers by completing a qualification examination only. Further provisions on the completion of the examination will be laid down in a decree that will enter into force on 16 November 2020. The decree also lays down further provisions on, for example, the organisers and evaluators of the examination as well as on the requirements for simulators to be used in the examination.

23.7.2020 | The requirements for professional qualifications training for lorry, bus and coach drivers will be specified by amendments to the decree on professional qualifications. The amendments relate to the implementation of Directive (EU) 2018/645. The amendments required by the Directive have been partly implemented by the amendments to the Driving Licence Act and the Act on Transport Services that entered into force in mid-July.

23.7.2020 | The requirements for professional qualifications training for lorry, bus and coach drivers will be specified by amendments to the decree on professional qualifications. The amendments relate to the implementation of Directive (EU) 2018/645. The amendments required by the Directive have been partly implemented by the amendments to the Driving Licence Act and the Act on Transport Services that entered into force in mid-July.

16.4.2020 | The Government proposes that the professional qualification requirements for lorry, bus and coach drivers set out in the Driving Licence Act and the Act on Transport Services be updated to meet the requirements in EU regulation. In this context, amendments are also proposed to the Government Decree on Professional Qualifications of Lorry, Bus and Coach Drivers.

16.4.2020 | The Government proposes that the professional qualification requirements for lorry, bus and coach drivers set out in the Driving Licence Act and the Act on Transport Services be updated to meet the requirements in EU regulation. In this context, amendments are also proposed to the Government Decree on Professional Qualifications of Lorry, Bus and Coach Drivers.

13.2.2020 | On 12 February 2020, the Ministry of Transport and Communications invited comments on draft amendments to a decree that specify the provisions on a test model for qualifications for lorry and bus drivers. The amendment aims to remedy the shortage of heavy vehicle drivers and to ensure the provision of transport services.

13.2.2020 | On 12 February 2020, the Ministry of Transport and Communications invited comments on draft amendments to a decree that specify the provisions on a test model for qualifications for lorry and bus drivers. The amendment aims to remedy the shortage of heavy vehicle drivers and to ensure the provision of transport services.

10.12.2024 | Key information processing skills needed by Finland’s adult population (aged 16 to 65) in different areas of life were assessed in the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). The survey focused on literacy, numeracy and adaptive problem-solving skills. By international standards, Finland ranked at the top in literacy and numeracy skills.

1.7.2019 | In future, appointments to military posts in the Border Guard will require candidates not to hold such citizenship of or other ties to a foreign country, as referred to in the Security Clearance Act, that could constitute a danger to the security of the State, general security, national defence or Finland’s international relations, or to the security of duty in the Border Guard.

23.4.2025 | 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(7) Putting Finland on a path to growth Making Finland the most attractive destination for inve...

30.1.2025 | A working group preparing an overhaul of student financial aid has assessed the current situation in student financial aid and key development needs in the student financial aid system. Needs for development that were deemed essential include reinstating indexation and restructuring interest assistance and loan granting practices to improve the security of student loans. The working group's proposals were submitted to Minister Sandra Bergqvist on 30 January.

28.12.2023 | The President of the Republic has approved the amendments to the Vessel Traffic Service Act, the Ship Safety Control Act and the Act on the Enforcement of a Fine. Most of the amendments will enter into force on 1 January 2024.

6.3.2025 | The Government proposes to improve the efficiency of examining asylum applications. At the same time, restrictions would be placed on the ability of beneficiaries of international protection to visit the countries from which they have fled. The enforcement of deportation decisions would also be streamlined. The Government submitted the proposal for the amendments to the Aliens Act to Parliament on 6 March. The intention is that the proposed amendments would enter into force as soon as possible.