Government press releases

Government decides on General Government Fiscal Plan for 2027–2030

Ministry of Finance — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:07:00 GMT

The Government decided on the General Government Fiscal Plan on Thursday 30 April. The plan defines objectives for the development of public finances and measures to achieve those objectives. It includes a decision on the spending limits for central government finances and presents the Government’s key tax, expenditure and structural measures.

The plan is based on the latest independent economic forecast produced by the Economics Department at the Ministry of Finance. As Finland’s Independent Fiscal Institution (IFI), the Finnish Economic Policy Council confirmed the macroeconomic forecast.

General Government Fiscal Plan includes spending limits decision

The plan estimates that next year’s on-budget activities will comprise:

revenues of EUR 78.8 billion excluding net borrowing
expenditures of EUR 92.0 billion
a deficit of EUR 13.2 billion.

The plan includes a decision on the spending limits for central government finances, in other words, it sets the maximum expenditure allowed under the spending limits. The plan will be used as the basis for next year’s national budget.

The plan also includes the Government’s assessment on compliance with fiscal policy rules and objectives required by the Act on a National Framework for Fiscal Policy

Finland submits annual progress report to EU

In January 2025, the Council of the European Union approved Finland’s first medium-term fiscal-structural plan for 2025–2028. Finland submits an annual progress report on the plan to the EU.

The progress report provides an assessment of compliance with the Stability and Growth Pact, including a report on the measures Finland has taken to rectify its excessive deficit based on the recommendations adopted by the Council of the European Union in January 2026. The deadline for Finland’s report on the measures taken was 30 April.

The progress report also includes the Ministry of Finance’s assessment of compliance with country-specific recommendations.

Background materials for government spending limits discussion published

The Ministry of Finance has published the materials that it provided to support the working group led by Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen. The group prepared new employment and growth measures and measures to fund them for the government discussion on spending limits.

Inquiries:
Mika Niemelä, Director General of the Budget Department, tel. +358 295 530 525, mika.niemela(at)gov.fi
Jussi Lindgren, Economic Policy Adviser to the Minister of Finance, tel. +358 50 576 4611, jussi.lindgren(at)gov.fi
Marketta Henriksson, Director, Head of the Secretariat for EU and International Affairs, (progress report), tel. +358 295 530 441, marketta.henriksson(at)gov.fi

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European Countries Support the Santa Marta First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels

Ministry of the Environment — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:50:00 GMT

We stand ready to build broad and inclusive coalitions that bring together partners from developed and developing countries, academia, cities, the private sector, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, parliamentarians and civil society. This should accelerate progress and deliver strong results.

Santa Marta shows that effective solutions already exist and need to be scaled up and be elevated on the multilateral climate agenda. Santa Marta showed a richness of experiences on improving access to clean energy, on transitioning away from fossil fuel, on the use of economic instruments, including credible and just fossil fuel subsidy reform, on fuel switching and on labor conversion. Upscaling will require strengthening international cooperation and international investments. Proven practices, national roadmaps, shared experiences and mature, affordable technologies can drive the transition forward while strengthening economic resilience, energy autonomy and quality of life and bringing prices down. The transition must be socially fair and create quality jobs. A just transition is a prerequisite for success.

Climate and energy action as drivers of prosperity and security

We emphasize that the climate and energy agenda is intrinsically linked to competitiveness, prosperity, public health, social cohesion, energy sovereignty and security.

In the 21st century, security is defined by climate resilience, energy sustainability and economic autonomy. Accelerating climate action, advancing the energy transition, strengthening competitiveness and energy security are mutually reinforcing objectives. Fossil fuel dependency creates vulnerability and transitioning away from them can shield the economy and the population from the ripple effects of conflict, instability and volatility. The transition away from fossil fuels reduces vulnerabilities.

We see energy transition as a major opportunity for local communities, with the potential to generate jobs, promote social justice and foster sustainable prosperity.

Strengthening multilateralism and advancing COP implementation

Multilateralism is indispensable in addressing a global crisis that transcends borders. This needs to be science driven and build on the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Following the commitment made at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly and equitable manner, there is now an urgent need to move from commitments to implementation and to step up international cooperation. The scientific panel on the Global Energy Transition (SPGET) launched in Santa Marta will help accelerate coordinated action to move away from fossil fuels, aligned with the IPCC.

The Santa Marta Conference can amplify ongoing international efforts, including the COP30 Presidency roadmap. It also sends a strong signal to businesses, financial institutions, and multilateral development banks to invest in energy transition.

The approach on transitioning away from fossil fuels, as launched in Santa Marta, will help ensure greater alignment, increased ambition and enhanced collective capacity in the lead-up to upcoming UN Climate Conferences and facilitate stronger and broader action.

The EU Member States participating in the first meeting in Santa Marta were: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. The European Commission was also present.

Inquiries

Marjo Nummelin (available starting May 4)
Chief Negotiator for Climate Change in Finland
tel. +358 295 250 227
firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Government proposes to tackle income difficulties of international students

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:36:00 GMT

In future, a residence permit of a foreign student could be cancelled more easily if the student resorted to social assistance in Finland. As is the case now, an overall consideration would be carried out before the permit was cancelled.

“The majority of international students in Finland are doing well and able to make ends meet, as is required by their residence permit. However, we must make sure that students do not end up in a vulnerable position and that they meet the conditions of their residence permit. This is in the interest of everyone studying here,” says Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen.

Resorting to social assistance may indicate income challenges, in which case cancelling the permit may, under the current rules, be considered. In future, however, receiving social assistance would be a specific ground for cancelling the permit. In other words, drawing social assistance even once would, as a rule, lead to permit cancellation.

The change would apply to students in higher education and upper secondary education from outside the EU and EEA countries. The change would enter into force in autumn 2026.

Over 37,000 residence permits were subject to the automated post-decision monitoring of the Finnish Immigration Service between September 2023 and December 2025. A student had applied for social assistance in 333 cases. The proposed change is expected to further reduce the number of people applying for social assistance.

Second set of measures to secure subsistence of students is under preparation

In addition to this proposal, the Government is preparing a second legislative package to prevent international students from ending up in a vulnerable position and income difficulties.

Going forward, the family of a student would be able to apply for a residence permit in Finland only after the student has been in Finland for one year. In this way, the student would have a realistic idea of the income level required for living in Finland in advance.
The income requirement for students would be clarified and provisions on the required income in euros would be laid down in an act and decree.
A language proficiency requirement would be added to the residence permit for studies in order to prevent abuse in cases where the student’s language skills are not sufficient for studying in Finland.
Furthermore, the grounds for denial of the Aliens Act would apply to upper secondary students and all their family members. This would make it easier to monitor the granting of permits and combat any challenges in advance.

The Government is scheduled to send the second legislative package for public consultation in spring 2026.

Inquiries:
Jarmo Tiukkanen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 355
Teresa Salminen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Employment, tel. +358 295 047 318 (questions for the minister)

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Rising energy prices slow economic growth

Ministry of Finance — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:22:00 GMT

Economic growth will be weaker than expected this year. Growth in gross domestic product (GDP) will be only 0.6 per cent in 2026, as the crisis in the Middle East and rising oil prices in particular delay economic recovery. However, growth is expected to pick up towards the end of the of the outlook period as oil prices drop and the economy recovers from the downturn. In 2027 and 2028, GDP is expected to grow by 1.7 per cent.

The forecast assumes that the crisis in the Middle East will be short-lived, will not have any major multiplier effects on commodity prices and will not result in major fiscal tightening in the euro area. Once the crisis has passed, the economy will start recovering quickly. The forecast is accompanied by an alternative scenario presenting a less favourable outlook based on a prolonged crisis.

“When it comes to the economic situation, the only thing we know for sure is that the crisis in the Middle East is increasing instability and uncertainty, hindering economic growth and driving inflation in Finland this year. We must hope that the crisis is resolved quickly and with little damage. The crisis is adding to the challenges already facing Finland’s public finances,” said Director General Mikko Spolander.

Rising energy prices drive inflation, curb purchasing power and inhibit exports

Oil prices have risen significantly, which is driving inflation. However, the increase in consumer prices will remain at around two per cent, because increases in prices for commodities other than energy have remained moderate. It is assumed that the jump in oil prices will be followed by a rapid decline, but that prices will remain elevated in 2027 compared to the baseline. Inflation will also slow next year.

Higher energy prices and weak employment are undermining household purchasing power, though pay rises and tax cuts are buoying incomes. Uncertainty about the economic outlook and the adjustment of general government finances are making households more cautious, which is reflected in postponed consumption and higher savings rates. Consumption will pick up in 2027 as purchasing power improves and savings rates decline.

Higher energy prices are also a drag on the growth of Finland’s export markets, which will weaken Finland’s exports in 2026. Though exports will recover later, the net effect of foreign trade on economic growth will remain slightly negative as investments drive import growth faster than exports.

Energy, technology and defence projects to boost investments

Investments will grow especially thanks to defence procurements and the energy and technology transition. These will particularly drive investments in machinery and equipment but also construction. At the same time, however, the recovery of housing construction will be further delayed as a result of sluggish demand.

Delayed employment growth

In the labour market, the supply of labour has been boosted by employment measures and immigration. The number of employed persons has remained stable, but unemployment has exceeded 10 per cent. The employment rate will only start rising and the unemployment rate declining as economic growth picks up in 2027.

Slow growth and rising spending to maintain wide public deficits

A weaker economy will undermine general government finances, widen deficits and accelerate general government indebtedness.

The general government deficit was 3.4 per cent of GDP last year. This year, the deficit will reach 4.6 per cent, as economic growth is suppressed by the crisis in the Middle East, Finland’s fighter jet purchases begin to be entered as expenditure, and the rate of adjustment slows. Rapid growth of spending and slow economic growth will cement the deficit at 4.6 per cent of GDP until 2029, from where it will improve slightly in 2030. Rapidly growing defence and interest expenditure and a stagnant economy will keep the deficit-to-GDP ratio at 4.4 per cent in 2030. The combined central government and local government deficit will remain around 5.5 per cent of GDP for the entire outlook period.

The foreseeable rate of economic growth will not be enough to halt the growth of the debt ratio if the debt-accumulating deficit remains this wide. The debt-to-GDP ratio exceeded 88 per cent in 2025, and it will exceed 91 per cent this year. The debt ratio will continue to grow throughout the outlook period and will exceed 99 per cent in 2030.

The Economic Survey is the Ministry of Finance’s independent economic forecast and is published four times a year: in the spring, summer, autumn and winter. The forecast examines key economic variables, such as the development of gross domestic product, inflation and interest rate outlooks, employment and investment rates, and the general government deficit and debt. The spring economic forecast provides a foundation for the Government’s decisions on spending limits, and the autumn forecast for the budget proposal for the following year. The Spring 2026 Economic Survey offers projections of economic developments in 2026–2028. In addition to short-term prospects, it includes a medium-term economic outlook extending to 2030. The Finnish Economic Policy Council confirmed the macroeconomic forecast.

Inquiries:
Mikko Spolander, Director General, tel. +358 295 530 006, mikko.spolander(at)gov.fi
Janne Huovari, Senior Ministerial Advisor, tel. +358 295 530 171, janne.huovari(at)gov.fi (real economy)
Jenni Pääkkönen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 530 131, tel. jenni.paakkonen(at)gov.fi (general government finances)

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Maria Paaso appointed as Special Adviser to Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Tavio

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:56:00 GMT

Maria Paaso will be Special Adviser to the Minister in trade policy. She has previously worked as Special Adviser to the Minister of the Interior and held posts at the Finnish Immigration Service and the Government situation centre. Paaso holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Helsinki.

Tuomas Tähti will continue as Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development and Saila Barke as Diplomatic Adviser. Diplomatic advisers are officials of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Inquiries

Maria Paaso, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, tel. +358 295 351 004
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Public consultation: National implementation of EU Regulations on non-road mobile machinery and vehicle emission limits

Ministry of Transport and Communications — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:28:00 GMT

The EU Framework Regulation on non-road mobile machinery entered into force on 9 January 2025 and its application will begin in stages between 2025 and 2028. It aims to harmonise the EU rules for approving non-road mobile machinery and to improve road safety. Non-road mobile machinery is a broad category of machinery fitted with a means for its own propulsion. The machinery occasionally needs to circulate on public roads, even though its main intended purpose is to carry out work in a certain sector, such as construction, agricultural, municipal or material handling equipment.

In the future, Finnish manufacturers will be able to use EU approval of non-road mobile machinery alongside national approvals. The draft government proposal would designate the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom as the competent type approval and market surveillance authority. Traficom would also have powers to impose penalty payments for breaches of obligations laid down in the Regulation.

The EU Euro 7 Regulation entered into force in May 2024 and will be applied in stages from November 2026 onwards. It regulates road vehicle emission limits and battery durability. The aim is to reduce exhaust and brake system emissions and to promote the transition towards zero-emission transport.

With regard to the Euro 7 Regulation, the draft government proposal would ensure that national provisions are in line with EU regulation. The proposal includes minor amendments to the Vehicles Act, including sanctions provisions, and to the Car Tax Act.

As a result of the central government productivity programme and developments in vehicle technology, certain national legislative changes are proposed. The Vehicles Act would be amended, for example, with respect to provisions on the registration certificate for heavy vehicles and on the person in charge of the vehicle use. The inspection supervision fee would be increased by 40 cents bringing the total amount of the fee to EUR 2,60. In addition, amendments to the Road Transport Act and the Vehicles Act would reflect the developments in advanced driver assistance systems and in electronic transmission of car brakes.

What’s next?

Comments on the draft government proposal may be submitted at lausuntopalvelu.fi until 10 June 2026. The Ministry of Transport and Communications will take the feedback from the public consultation into account as it continues the law drafting process.

Inquiries:

Esa Aaltonen, Senior Adviser, tel. +358 295 342 107, esa.aaltonen@gov.fi

Jenni Rantio, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 342 075, jenni.rantio@gov.fi

Kirsi Miettinen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Legislative Affairs, tel. +358 295 342 081, kirsi.miettinen@gov.fi

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Prime Minister Orpo to represent Finland at European Political Community Summit in Yerevan

Government Communications Department — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:21:00 GMT

Before the summit, the participants will meet for a dinner on Sunday 3 May. The programme for the official day of the summit on Monday 4 May will consist of opening addresses, a plenary session and small group discussions. The small group discussions will focus on strengthening democratic resilience, responding to hybrid threats, and advancing connectivity policy and reinforcing economic security in the context of the green transition.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will chair the small group discussion on advancing connectivity policy and reinforcing economic security in the context of the green transition together with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. In the margins of the summit, Prime Minister Orpo will also have bilateral meetings.

“EPC summits offer heads of state and government an opportunity for more informal discussions, which are especially valuable today. In particular, the summits are a good opportunity to meet bilaterally with leaders of European countries that are not part of the EU,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

“Importantly, this summit also sends a clear message that Europe stands firmly by Ukraine,” Prime Minister Orpo said.

The purpose of the EPC is to foster political dialogue between European countries on issues of common interest and to strengthen security, stability and prosperity throughout Europe. The EPC does not replace existing European cooperation structures or create new ones.

The first EPC summit was held in Prague in 2022. Since then, summits have been hosted by Moldova in June 2023, Spain in October 2023, the UK in July 2024, Hungary in November 2024, Albania in May 2025 and Denmark in October 2025.

Inquiries: Marja Koskela, Diplomatic Adviser to the Prime Minister, tel. +358 295 160 978, Minna Kivimäki, State Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 431 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office

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Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs discusses European Political Community Summit

Government Communications Department — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:26:00 GMT

The eighth summit of the European Political Community will be held on Monday 4 May in the Armenian capital of Yerevan. The theme of the summit is Building the Future: Unity and Stability in Europe. In Finland’s view, it is useful for the European heads of state or government to engage in closer dialogue and cooperation. An important priority for Finland at this summit, as in previous meetings, is strengthening Europe-wide support for Ukraine.

It its meeting, the Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs further specified its positions for exerting influence on the revision of the EU emissions trading system. The European Commission is expected to submit its proposal for updating the EU emissions trading directive with respect to the general emissions trading system in July.

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also discussed Finland’s positions for exerting influence related to temporary protection for people who have fled the war in Ukraine.

In addition, the ministerial committee outlined Finland’s positions for two upcoming meetings:

Eurogroup (4 May) and ECOFIN (5 May)
Informal meeting of agriculture and fisheries ministers (4–5 May)

The Economic and Financial Affairs Council will focus on promoting the integration and supervision of financial markets. The ministers will also exchange views on the economic and financial impact of Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine and discuss the economic consequences of EU legislation.

The Eurogroup will receive briefings from ECB Banking Supervision the EU’s Single Resolution Board as part of its regular consultations. In its extended composition, the Eurogroup will discuss topics such as the effects of the crisis in the Middle East on the EU economy and the progress made on the digital finance workstream.

The informal meeting of agriculture ministers will focus on measures to manage climate risks facing the agriculture sector in the EU. The fisheries ministers, for their part, will discuss the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy.

Inquiries: Elisa Tarkiainen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 363, Minna Kivimäki, State Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 431 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office

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Provisions on income thresholds for family reunification to be issued by government decree

Ministry of the Interior — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:12:00 GMT

In line with the Government Programme, the Government will review the income thresholds applicable to family reunification, taking into account their impacts on the availability of labour and on general government finances. The income thresholds will not be lowered.

Family reunification refers to a residence permit granted to a foreign national on the basis of family ties. As a general rule, family reunification requires that the family members are able to support themselves.

The project will also prepare legislative amendments relating to the Finnish Immigration Service's disclosure of information on its own initiative, and to the payment card the Service issues.

In future, the Finnish Immigration Service could disclose information on its own initiative to the competent authority if, in the course of its statutory duties, it received information indicating labour exploitation. The aim is to ensure effective prevention of labour exploitation. The project will prepare the necessary amendments to the Act on the Processing of Personal Data in Immigration Administration.

The project will also draft provisions for the Reception Act concerning the payment card issued by the Finnish Immigration Service to applicants for international protection, persons enjoying temporary protection, detained persons, and victims of trafficking in human beings with no municipality of residence.

The project will run until 31 March 2027. The government proposal is scheduled to be submitted to Parliament during the 2026 autumn session.

Inquiries:
Tuuli Tuunanen, Chief Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 658, firstname.lastname@gov.fi (income thresholds for family reunification)
Pekka Lindroos, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 327, firstname.lastname@gov.fi (disclosure of information by the Finnish Immigration Service)
Mirka Eirola, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 383, firstname.lastname@gov.fi (payment card issued by the Finnish Immigration Service)

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President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discuss situations in Ukraine and the Strait of Hormuz and NATO’s presence in Finland

Government Communications Department — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:14:00 GMT

The meeting also included a discussion on the implementation of NATO’s presence in Finland.

In addition, the President and the Ministerial Committee discussed the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Inquiries: Petri Hakkarainen, Director General, tel. +358 295 351 130, Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Otto Saxén, Director General, tel. +358 295 140 314, Ministry of Defence

The email addresses of the Finnish Government are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi.

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Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen to meet Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur

Ministry of Defence — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The ministers will discuss the security situation in the Baltic Sea and topical defence policy matters related to NATO and the European Union.

Inquiries: Jenina Haapanen, senior specialist, tel. +358 29 5140070, jenina.haapanen@gov.fi

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Government to hire 500 young people for fixed-term positions

Government Communications Department — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:28:00 GMT

To boost youth employment, the Government will recruit 500 young people aged 18–25 who are applying for their first job or traineeship in central government. They will be hired on a fixed-term basis for a maximum of three months.

The measures now endorsed by the ministerial committee are part of the employment package adopted by Prime Minister Orpo’s Government in its spending limits session on 21–22 April. The current economic situation has made it more difficult for young people in particular to find employment.

The Government is also calling on businesses to help alleviate the situation by increasing the number of positions available for summer workers and trainees. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has sent a letter to business leaders inviting them to take part in the challenge.

“A first job or traineeship is often a decisive step for young people in their transition to working life, helping them build up their skills and strengthening their confidence in the future. With this recruitment drive, we want to support young people in the early stages of their careers and encourage businesses to offer these important first opportunities to as many young people as possible,” says Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Anna-Kaisa Ikonen.

The Ministry of Finance will oversee the programme and offer guidance to agencies and public bodies on its practical implementation.

Inquiries:
Meri-Tulia Pitkänen, Director of Finance, Prime Minister’s Office, tel. +358 295 160 862, meri-tuulia.pitkanen(at)gov.fi
Juha Madetoja, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Finance, tel. +358 295 530 572, juha.madetoja(at)gov.fi

The email addresses of the Finnish Government are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Crisis Management NOW – Serving peace 70 years and beyond

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:25:00 GMT

This year, Finland celebrates seventy years of engagement in international crisis management.

The Crisis Management NOW event offers an opportunity to talk about and learn from current perspectives and practical experience in military and civilian crisis management.

The event will be opened by Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.

“From the post–World War II peacekeeping missions to today’s multidimensional operations, Finland has consistently and innovatively promoted international stability, the protection of civilians, and comprehensive crisis management,” Minister Valtonen says.

The programme for the event, taking place at the University of Helsinki, will feature panel discussions and speeches from experts. In the session Practitioners on stage, crisis management professionals share experiences from their work and career paths.

Participants interested in international crisis management roles can speak with field personnel and receive guidance on how to apply. The event will also feature thematic crisis‑management workshops and exhibition stands to meet actors in the field.

The equipment display at Senate Square offers an opportunity to learn more about the work of the Police, the Finnish Defence Forces, the Finnish Border Guard and Customs – and to meet a customs dog.

No advance registration is required. The event is open to all and free of charge. The entrance is via Aleksanterinkatu 5, and the doors will be open from 9:00 to 16:15.

The event will be streamed live as a webcast.

Join us to learn more about Finnish crisis management and the opportunities it offers!

Inquiries

Mikko Nieminen, Desk Officer, Unit for Security Policy and Crisis Management, tel. +358 295 350 334
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi
Event programme on the Ministry for Foreign Affairs website
Link to the live webcast on the University of Helsinki website

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Minister Rantanen: The Government will strengthen drone defence

Ministry of the Interior — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:18:00 GMT

Together with key authorities, the Government has been looking into ways to develop Finland’s drone defence over the long term.

- Improving the ability of the Border Guard and the police to detect and counter drones is an important part of our work to strengthen Finland’s drone defence. Along with defence, the Government will make significant investments aimed at improving the capabilities of the internal security authorities, said Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

A total of EUR 44 million will be allocated to the Border Guard to strengthen its counter-drone capabilities. The funds will be used for procurements to strengthen drone detection, identification and countering capabilities and improve cooperation between the authorities. The objective is to build a comprehensive, multi-layered counter-drone system consisting of fixed surveillance and effect systems along the eastern border and the coastline, as well as mobile counter-drone capabilities nationwide. In addition, the police will receive around EUR 6 million in funding for technical capabilities to improve the detection and positioning of unmanned aircraft, among other things.

In its spending limits session, the Government decided that the development, procurement and use of drones would be coordinated through multi-authority cooperation between the Defence Forces, the Border Guard and the police. To ensure efficient use of resources, prevention and response capabilities will also be developed in a coordinated manner.

Inquiries:
Requests for interviews with Minister of the Interior Rantanen: media.sm@gov.fi

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Regulation on corporate subscribers to be reviewed for relevance and appropriateness

Ministry of Transport and Communications — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:40:00 GMT

A corporate subscriber is a company or other organisation that subscribes to a communications or value-added service and processes users’ messages, traffic data or location data in its communications network. Employers often act as corporate subscribers.

The project aims to produce assessments and alternative measures for developing national regulation. Special attention will be paid to organisations’ ability to ensure information security and protect their data.

The project is related to the comprehensive reform of data protection legislation included in the Government Programme. It is also linked to the decision made in the spring 2025 government spending limits session to examine the need for amendments to the Act on the Protection of Privacy in Working Life and explore the possibility of repealing the extra regulation in place in Finland, which creates an administrative burden. Given the links between corporate subscriber regulation and the Act on the Protection of Privacy in Working Life, the assessment produced by the project also supports these objectives.

What’s next?

Stakeholders will be consulted during the project. The intention is to submit a draft assessment memorandum for public consultation in autumn 2026. The memorandum is due to be completed and published by the end of 2026.

Inquiries:

Marko Priiki, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 535, marko.priiki@gov.fi (available on Mondays)
Pauliina Penttilä, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 221, pauliina.penttila@gov.fi
Veikko Vauhkonen, Senior Specialist, Legal Affairs, tel. +358 295 342 168, veikko.vauhkonen@gov.fi

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Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen to visit Stockholm

Ministry of Defence — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:05:00 GMT

Minister of Defence Häkkänen will also learn about the Swedish Navy’s activities in the Baltic Sea.

Inquiries: Captain (N) Mika Raunu, Military Adviser to the Minister of Defence (programme for the visit), tel. +358 295 140 138.

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Foreign Minister Valtonen to attend NB8 foreign ministers’ meeting in Estonia

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:59:00 GMT

The ministers will discuss Ukraine, European security, transatlantic relations and the situation in the Middle East.

“We work in close cooperation with the Nordic and Baltic countries, Finland's closest partners. It is very valuable that the NB8 members maintain an active dialogue on topical foreign and security policy issues,” Minister Elina Valtonen says.

This year’s meeting will be chaired by Estonia, the current coordinating country of NB8 cooperation.

Inquiries

Emma Virkkunen, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 50 564 6271
Johanna Lukkarila, Diplomatic Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 295 350 834
Henri Kaarakainen, Desk Officer, Unit for Northern Europe and Regional Cooperation, tel. +358 295 350 396
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Minister of Employment Marttinen to attend OECD Skills Summit in Türkiye

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:54:00 GMT

The summit organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will be attended by decision-makers, experts and interest groups from different countries. They will discuss and share practices on how to best enhance and make use of people’s skills and competences throughout their lives. Minister Marttinen will participate in a roundtable discussion on the development of skills policy. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Türkiye, will also speak at the summit.

“Developing skills and competences is a key for people finding work, companies succeeding and the economy growing. We must develop our education and guidance to better meet the needs of working life,” says Minister of Employment Marttinen.

During his visit, Marttinen will have bilateral meetings with the Turkish Minister of Labour and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan, UK Minister for Employment Diana Johnsson, Qatar’s Minister of Labour Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri, and Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development of Canada, Paul Thompson. They will discuss ways to secure the availability of skilled labour as well as the possibilities offered by competence development.

Inquiries:
Jaakko Aromaa, Special Adviser to the Minister of Employment, tel. +358 295 047 110 (questions to the Minister of Employment)
Maija Lyly-Yrjänäinen, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 297

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Minister Tavio to lead trade mission to Australia and New Zealand

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

In Australia, the Minister’s business delegation will include representatives from the quantum, critical technologies and mining sectors. In New Zealand, the Minister will be accompanied by operators in the energy, satellite and shipbuilding industries.

Finland wants to deepen its partnership with Australia and New Zealand. The EU’s increased cooperation with both countries will help reinforce the basis for Finland’s bilateral trade relations. The EU and Australia recently agreed on a free trade agreement. Australia is a major trading partner for Finland outside Europe, with exports exceeding one billion euros.

During his visit, Minister Ville Tavio will meet his counterparts, Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell and New Zealand’s Minister for Trade Todd McClay, and business leaders. In Australia, Minister Tavio will speak at the annual Quantum Australia Conference.

“Australia and New Zealand are close, like-minded partners for us and have long attracted strong interest from Finnish companies and research institutes. Finland has a lot of specialised expertise for which, I believe, there is demand in both countries,” Minister Tavio says.

Inquiries

Tuomas Tähti, Special Adviser to Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, tel. +358 295 350 199
Marja Kuosmanen, Director, Unit for East Asia and Oceania, tel. +358 295 350 110
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Minister Sari Multala attends 40th anniversary commemoration of Chornobyl nuclear accident in Ukraine

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 17:17:00 GMT

High-level meeting to restore nuclear safety at Chornobyl

A high-level meeting was organised in Chornobyl on Sunday to discuss the damaged protective shield of the power plant, measures to build a new shield as well as ways to ensure nuclear safety in Ukraine during the ongoing invasion by Russia. The protective shell of the Chornobyl reactor 4 was badly damaged in a drone attack in February 2025.

The meeting was attended by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Odile Renaud-Basso, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi, EU Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis, EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen, and ministers from around 10 European countries.

In her speech, Minister Sari Multala praised Ukraine’s tireless efforts to maintain nuclear safety in extremely difficult conditions. These efforts include close collaboration in the Finnish Ukrainian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Cooperation (FURN), which reflects the countries’ joint commitment to protecting people and the environment.

“I would also like to express Finland’s deep appreciation for IAEA’s invaluable work in ensuring nuclear safety and security arrangements in Ukrainian plants. Finland has actively supported the IAEA in its work and our long-term bilateral cooperation with Ukraine in the field of nuclear safety will continue,” Minister Multala said.

Preparing for winter season 2026/2027 and support for Ukraine

A meeting of the G7+ Ukraine Energy Coordination Group was held in Kyiv on Sunday to assess Ukraine’s preparedness for the winter season of 2026–2027 and explore the best ways to protect civilians and Ukraine’s energy sector at that time.

In her speech, Minister Multala said Finland stands firmly by Ukraine and condemns as violations of international humanitarian law Russia’s deliberate and systematic attacks against civilians and the energy infrastructure they depend on.

“This past winter in Ukraine was particularly harsh, but Ukrainians showed exceptional resilience in the face of Russia’s attempts to break them by cutting off electricity, water and heating. Russia’s efforts were unsuccessful. It is important to we continue to find ways to strengthen our support together,” she added.

“Finland and Ukraine have identified several possibilities to cooperate more closely in the protection of critical infrastructure and the energy sector, for example. I will strive to promote collaboration between Finnish and Ukrainian companies so that the skills and expertise of Finnish businesses can be utilised in Ukraine,” Minister Multala said.

“Finland will allocate to Ukraine EUR 300 million more in funding before the end of this parliamentary term. The goal is to begin industrial cooperation that will support both Ukraine’s defence and Finland’s defence industry,” she added.

Since the start of Russia’s aggression, Finland has found many ways to help Ukraine and its neighbouring countries, which are also affected by the war. Finland has allocated over EUR 4.1 billion in support to Ukraine since 2022.

Finland provides assistance to Ukraine’s energy sector through material supplies and humanitarian aid. Finland has delivered generators, tents, tent heaters and ready-to-eat foods to Ukraine through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Aid is also allocated to households, health centres and other facilities essential for everyday survival against the backdrop of ongoing power outages and disruptions to heat supply caused by Russia’s attacks.

Within civil defence, Finland provides funding to Ukraine e.g. for the construction of emergency shelters. The civil defence coalition established by Finland and Ukraine improves the protection of civilians by building and renovating civil shelters in frontline areas and high-risk facilities, such as hospitals and daycare centres.

Inquiries:
Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Climate and the Environment, tel. +358 50 476 1341
Elina Johansson, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 301 4607
Eero Karjalainen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 093

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