Government press releases

Minister Multala to visit Germany to discuss hydrogen economy and energy security

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 10:27:00 GMT

On 5 October, Minister Multala will open the German-Finnish Hydrogen Dialogue, which aims to strengthen cooperation between Finland and Germany on new hydrogen projects, investments and business collaboration. The event will be attended by policy-makers, companies, research organisations and clusters from both countries.

“Finland and Germany have different strengths that complement each other within the European hydrogen economy. Finland boasts good availability of clean electricity and a competitive environment for production, while Germany offers top technological skills and industrial demand for the hydrogen market. Together we can build a hydrogen value chain that is genuinely European,” says Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala.

She will attend the annual Deutsch-Finnisches Businessforum, which this year will be held in Munich on 6 October. Europe’s competitiveness, energy security and digital sovereignty increasingly rely on resilient infrastructure. The event brings together business leaders, researchers and decision-makers to intensify Finnish-German cooperation and to promote investments in energy, digitalisation and infrastructure in order to boost European growth, resilience and strategic autonomy.

“More and more, Europe’s competitiveness rests on clean energy, resilient infrastructure and investment certainty. It is in these areas that cooperation between Finland and Germany has a lot to offer,” Multala says.

During her trip, Multala will meet Joachim Herrmann, Bavaria’s Minister of the Interior, and Tobias Gotthardt, Vice Minister in the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy. Their discussions will focus on clean and affordable energy, European competitiveness, the hydrogen economy, energy security and investments in clean industry.

Inquiries:
Elina Johansson, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 327
Ville Laakso, Special Adviser to Minister of Climate and the Environment, tel. +358 40 067 3965

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President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discuss current situation in Ukraine and Finland’s relationship with China

Prime Minister's Office — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 06:37:00 GMT

The President and the Ministerial Committee also discussed China’s global role and Finland’s relationship with China. China is an important trading partner for Finland, but efforts to reduce trade imbalances and dependencies should continue. China’s support for Russia’s war of aggression is reflected in our bilateral relations and has a negative impact on European security.

In addition, the President and the Ministerial Committee received an overview of the foreign and security policy issues to be discussed at the October European Council.

The President and the Ministerial Committee also discussed security-related observations concerning members of parliament. As stated in Parliament’s press release on the matter, the police will provide information on the preliminary investigation as it progresses.

Inquiries: Petri Hakkarainen, Director General, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 295 351 130, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

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

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Prime Minister Orpo meets with security authorities in connection with incidents concerning members of parliament

Prime Minister's Office — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 06:32:00 GMT

“I received an extensive briefing on the incidents affecting members of parliament. We take this matter seriously, particularly because it is directed at Parliament and, by extension, strikes at the very heart of our democracy. At the same time, we trust that the authorities will conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents in this case as well,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

As stated in Parliament’s press release on the matter, the police will provide information on the preliminary investigation as it progresses.

Inquiries: Päivi Anttikoski, Director of Government Communications, tel. +358 40 5364 821

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Women’s health offers significant growth potential for Finland

Ministry of Social Affairs and Health — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 06:13:00 GMT

The report identifies three key measures: targeted funding, more effective use of health data, and measures to facilitate the adoption and market access of new solutions that have been found to be effective.

Finland’s strengths include high-quality research, population-level health datasets and legislation that supports their secure use, biobanks, digital competence and a developing business ecosystem. The report states that Finland could position itself as a leader particularly in data-driven and preventive women’s health.

The report by Healthscape Design, titled ‘Promoting the women’s health sector in Finland – Market analysis and recommendations for measures and policies’, supports the national women’s health strategy that is being prepared by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

"Women’s health and functional capacity do not receive enough attention, and this costs us, both in terms of wellbeing and the economy. At the same time, Finland has strong legislation in place to safeguard research, health data and privacy protection. We also have technological expertise. We must now be able to bring these strengths together in ways that deliver better health for women while also generating new growth for Finland,” says Minister of Social Security Karoliina Partanen.

Women’s health presents both a health gap and growth potential

Women's health continues to be affected by gaps in treatment, research and knowledge. Women live longer than men, but in Finland women can expect to have around 55.9 healthy life years, which is 2.2 years fewer than men.

Women’s health is also a rapidly growing area of research, technology and business. However, between 2020 and 2025, only around six per cent of private funding for healthcare was directed towards women's health.

According to the report, the growth of companies in the sector is hindered in particular by limited funding, challenges related to the use of data, and difficulties in gaining market access and deploying new solutions.

Three key measures to boost growth

The report presents six sets of measures, three of which are identified as the most urgent:

Targeted funding. Women’s health should be made one of the priority areas of public funding for growth companies. It is also necessary to have funding for research and clinical validation, as well as growth-stage capital.
Data and clinical validation. Finland’s health registers, research datasets and piloting environments should be used more effectively than at present.
Market access and reimbursement status. More effective ways are needed to pilot and deploy new solutions in both private and public healthcare. There is also a need for predictable regulation and outcomes-based reimbursement models.

The report also proposes a national women’s health strategy and innovation programme, as well as stronger collaboration across the sector.

The report’s indicative objectives suggest that the number of high-growth women’s health companies could double or even triple by 2030. The aim is also to increase the share of health innovation funding allocated to women’s health and promote international research and validation projects in Finland.

The Women’s Health Offering, which is published alongside the report, aims to support the work of Digital Health Finland. It presents Finland’s strengths and the opportunities for cooperation with international partners. The report and the Women’s Health Offering are part of the RDI Growth Programme for Health and Wellbeing coordinated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. This work supports the preparation of the national women’s health strategy.

The strategy is due to be completed in early 2027.

Inquiries

Päivi Sillanaukee, Programme Director, tel. +358 295 163 356, firstname.lastname@gov.fi
Outi Forsström, Project Manager, tel. +358 295 163 080, firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Government proposes simpler processing of residence permits for startup entrepreneurs to prevent abuse

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:26:00 GMT

The Government proposes that entrepreneurs would no longer apply for a separate eligibility statement from Business Finland free of charge. In future, the statement from Business Finland would be included in the residence permit application, which is subject to a fee.

The change is expected to prevent incomplete applications lacking legitimate purpose, save resources and improve the flow of information between authorities. The conditions for granting a residence permit for a startup entrepreneur would be clarified and laid down in law.

Under the current rules, an applicant for a residence permit for a startup entrepreneur must obtain in advance an eligibility statement from Business Finland. The statement evaluates whether the startup company shows potential for international growth. A substantial number of these statements have been negative, resulting in entrepreneurs being refused residence permits and failing to establish startups in Finland. Abuse has been suspected in some cases.

The changes are not expected to significantly impact Finland’s ability to attract international startup entrepreneurs. Instead, the residence permit process would be easier for applicants who sincerely plan to establish a startup company in Finland.

Changes to residence permits for entrepreneurs also proposed

The Government also proposes that a foreign national applying for a first residence permit for an entrepreneur could apply for a Finnish business identity code after the permit has been granted. The current rules require the applicant already to have a Finnish business ID before submitting the application, even though the permit will not necessarily be granted. This change would not affect the residence permit for a startup entrepreneur.

The amendments are scheduled to enter into force on 12 January 2028.

Inquiries:
Tuulia Muuronen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 047 329

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Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs Albares to visit Finland

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:41:00 GMT

The foreign ministers will discuss bilateral relations between Finland and Spain, European security and other current international and EU issues. They will focus on support for Ukraine, Arctic and regional cooperation, transatlantic relations, the situation in the Middle East, migration and artificial intelligence.

“European security is our common concern. While the security challenges facing northern and southern Europe differ, their impact is felt by us all. This underlines the need for even closer European cooperation and a steadfast commitment to our common values,” Minister Valtonen says.

Minister Albares is accompanying King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain on their state visit to Finland and will also participate in the official programme of the visit on 6–7 October 2026. The state visit will be hosted by President of the Republic Alexander Stubb.

Lisätietoja

Matilda af Hällström, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 50 476 9575
Nina Koivula, Desk Officer for Spain, tel. +358 295 351 028
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi.

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Government to promote operation of existing shooting ranges and establishment of new ones

Ministry of the Interior — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 10:53:00 GMT

In line with the Government Programme, the aim is to simplify the environmental permit processes and legislation concerning shooting ranges.

“The Government wants to safeguard the operation of Finland’s existing shooting ranges and promote the establishment of new ones. The permit process would become more streamlined. This would provide recreational shooters and public authorities with better opportunities for training,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

In future, a single authority, the National Police Board, would handle all permit and notification matters related to shooting ranges. It would act as the permit and supervisory authority, taking over the tasks currently handled mainly by municipalities. Since the shooting range permit and notification would cover both safety and environmental matters, applicants would only need to submit a single application or notification. This would reduce the administrative burden associated with the permit processes and help ensure consistent procedures.

The proposal would also facilitate the establishment of small shooting ranges. In the case of minor shooting ranges subject to a notification, the maximum number of shots would be raised to 100,000 shots a year. These small shooting ranges would be subject to the same environmental requirements as other shooting ranges.

Environmental requirements to be included in the Act on Shooting Ranges

The Act on Shooting Ranges would apply to both safety and environmental protection. The Act would include similar provisions on preventing environmental pollution and protecting groundwater as the Environmental Protection Act. Shooting ranges would still be subject to the general principles and prohibitions laid down in the Environmental Protection Act.

The Act would contain more detailed provisions on limiting and managing emissions. These requirements would need to be met before a shooting range could begin operating. A permit could be granted or a notification approved if the operator uses the best available techniques and the modelled noise levels remain below the threshold values. The reform would also clarify the supervision of shooting ranges.

The proposed acts are scheduled to enter into force as soon as possible. If a shooting range does not currently have an environmental permit or operate under a notification in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, the operator would need to apply for a permit or submit a notification within three years of the Act’s entry into force.

Inquiries:
Mika Lehtonen, Chief Specialist, tel. +358 295 481 850, firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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New partnership agreement strengthens cooperation between EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 10:44:00 GMT

This is a comprehensive partnership agreement covering the same regions as its predecessor and comprising a general part applicable to all parties and three regional protocols. The agreement covers a wide range of areas, including democracy and human rights, sustainable economic growth and development, climate issues, human and social development, peace and security and migration and mobility.

It provides a platform for dialogue between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and a legal framework for the operations of the European Investment Bank (EIB), among others, in all ACP countries.

The new agreement succeeds the Cotonou Agreement, which expired in 2020. Signed in Samoa in November 2023, it is often referred to as the Samoa Agreement. The Government's recent proposal concerns the national ratification of the Samoa Agreement.

A significant change from the Cotonou Agreement is that the new partnership agreement contains no provisions on development financing.

Inquiries

Juha Savolainen, Director General, Department for Development Policy, tel. +358 295 351 508
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Government proposes new Finnfund Act

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 10:37:00 GMT

The aim of the legislative reform is to strengthen opportunities for Finnish companies to take part in international development cooperation, improve development finance services for businesses and clarify the performance of public administrative duties. The proposal would establish a subsidiary within the Finnfund Group and transfer to it the public administrative duties related to managing the Finnpartnership programme.

Strengthening the role of businesses in development cooperation

The proposal implements an objective set out in the Government Programme to increase the participation of Finnish companies in development cooperation and development policy investments and to promote their opportunities to operate in developing markets.

Finnfund already works with Finnish companies in projects where they act, for example, as technology suppliers, owners of investee companies and co-investors. The legislative amendment would give Finnfund greater flexibility to finance projects through a Finnish company when the project is carried out in a developing country.

“We want more Finnish businesses to participate in development cooperation and development policy investments in ways that support both their commercial interests and Finland’s development policy objectives. This legislative reform will create better conditions for that and make practical work easier,” says Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.

Responding to constitutional and operational needs

The reform also addresses the need to define Finnfund’s duties more clearly, as required by the Constitution of Finland. The Finnpartnership programme, funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and managed by Finnfund, awards discretionary government grants to companies seeking to expand into developing countries. Finnfund has long carried out work for Finnpartnership, including public administrative duties. Under the reform, these duties and the related decision-making would be transferred to a new subsidiary established for that purpose. The provisions on performing the duties would be expressly laid down by an Act of Parliament, as required by the Constitution. Concentrating public administrative duties in a subsidiary would clarify the structure of the Finnfund Group and make responsibilities more transparent.

The reform would make the administration of Finnpartnership more straightforward. It would allow applications to be processed more efficiently and reduce processing times.

The proposal would also enable technical assistance to be provided for project preparation. This is expected to make it easier, particularly for SMEs, to enter developing markets and increase the number of investment-ready projects.

The parent company, Finnfund Oy, would remain responsible for development finance and investments in developing countries. The parent company-subsidiary structure would maintain a clear separation between the Group’s commercial investment activities and its public administrative duties.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs would continue to be responsible for ownership steering of Finnfund’s parent company and would supervise and guide the subsidiary in performing its public administrative duties.

Inquiries

Juha Savolainen, Director General, Department for Development Policy, tel. +358 295 351 508
Tuomas Tähti, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, tel. +358 295 350 199
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Government proposes act on development policy investments

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 10:33:00 GMT

The proposal implements the objectives set out in the Government Programme to strengthen the role of the private sector in development policy and attract more private capital for investments that advance sustainable development in developing countries. The proposal is one of the measures set out in the Report on International Economic Relations and Development Cooperation (2024) to achieve these objectives.

“The financing required to achieve sustainable development substantially exceeds the public funds available. For this reason, we need a range of instruments to attract private capital to finance investments, business activity and job creation in developing countries,” says Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.

The proposed act aims to promote the use of development policy investments as an instrument of Finland's foreign and development policy, increase the transparency and predictability of activities and prevent distortions of competition. The act would also clarify the powers of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and promote the efficient use of central government funds.

“While development policy investments have formed part of Finland's development cooperation since 2017, they have not previously been governed by specific legislation. We are now addressing this by updating the legislative framework. Our effective development cooperation includes financing in the form of grants and investments. Development policy investments have become an established development policy tool in Finland,” Minister Tavio says.

Under the proposal, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs could make development policy investments in funds that promote sustainable development. So far, the Ministry has primarily invested in funds managed by international development finance institutions. In future, investments could also be made in funds managed by private management companies. Investments could be made with private investors on the same or different terms. Investments would have to be in line with development policy objectives and address market failures; in other words, advance projects that would otherwise not be realised.

The reform may create opportunities for Finnish fund managers to establish funds focused on emerging markets. A better functioning financial market and a stronger private sector in developing countries may also open up new business and investment opportunities for Finnish companies.

Development policy investments support private sector development through funds and encourage private investors to finance businesses and investments in developing countries despite market failures. The expectation is that development policy investments will return the invested capital to the state with a nominal profit.

Since 2017, Finland has made development policy investments worth approximately EUR 312 million. These investments have supported, among other things, climate action, digital infrastructure, business financing and agricultural development in developing countries. So far, they have helped mobilise approximately EUR 1.6 billion in private funding, demonstrating their leverage effect. The Government proposal is part of the Foreign Ministry’s set of legislative projects on development cooperation, aimed at reforming Finland’s legislation on development financing and ensuring its functioning in a changing context. Preparatory work began in 2023.

Inquiries

Emmi Oikari, Director, Unit for Development Finance and Private Sector Cooperation, tel. +358 295 350 964
Tuomas Tähti, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, tel. +358 295 350 199
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Finland to support Ukraine with EUR 50 million loan through World Bank Group

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 10:28:00 GMT

As part of the World Bank Group, IDA provides grants and concessional loans to the world’s poorest countries to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development. Established to support Ukraine, SPUR 2.0 is part of the new IDA Crisis Facility, enabling the mobilisation of additional funding through IDA to support Ukraine's reconstruction and economic recovery.

According to the World Bank’s latest estimate, the cost of Ukraine's reconstruction and recovery will amount to almost USD 588 billion over the next decade. Financing provided through the SPUR 2.0 programme will bolster Ukraine’s economic stability, help maintain the functioning of society and contribute to reconstruction efforts as Russia continues its war of aggression.

“Supporting Ukraine is both a matter of values for Finland and an investment in European security and stability. Russia's war of aggression has caused immense damage, and the international community must therefore continue its determined support to ensure the resilience of Ukrainian society and to rebuild the country,” says Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.

Financing provided through the programme can mobilise substantially more funding for Ukraine on more favourable terms than usual, owing to IDA’s strong balance sheet and AAA credit rating. The EUR 50 million loan granted by Finland will consequently enable the World Bank to channel significantly more funding to Ukraine.

By participating in the SPUR 2.0 programme, Finland can promote its key objectives in supporting Ukraine: maintaining the functioning and resilience of society, securing essential public services and promoting economic recovery and sustainable reconstruction. At the same time, the programme creates conditions for private sector investments, jobs and economic growth.

The World Bank Group has played a key role in meeting Ukraine's immediate financing needs, securing public services and mitigating the economic impacts of the war.

The loan decision requires the consent of Parliament. In 2023, Finland participated in IDA’s previous SPUR programme in support of Ukraine and Moldova. At that time, Finland allocated a EUR 50 million loan and a EUR 12 million grant for the programme as part of a larger contribution to IDA Crisis Facility.

Inquiries

Emmi Oikari, Director, Unit for Development Finance and Private Sector Cooperation, tel. +358 295 350 964
Tuomas Tähti, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, tel. +358 295 350 199
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Portugal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Rangel to visit Finland and meet Foreign Minister Valtonen

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:48:00 GMT

“Stronger strategic and commercial cooperation will deepen relations between our countries. Portugal’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy and its close ties with Africa, the Atlantic region and Latin America are also increasingly valuable to the EU’s global role,” says Minister Valtonen.

During his visit, Minister Rangel will also meet with President of the Republic Alexander Stubb and attend a conference at Parliament celebrating Portugal’s Constitution.

Inquiries:

Emma Virkkunen, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 295 350 613
Nina Koivula, Desk Officer for Portugal, Euro-Atlantic Department, tel. +358 295 351 028
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi.

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EU home affairs ministers to discuss improving effectiveness of returns and anticipating changes in migration

Ministry of the Interior — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 06:08:00 GMT

“Changes in migration flows and at the external borders need to be detected early so that we can prevent any potential crises even before they occur. While EU agencies support the Member States, the primary responsibility for ensuring situational awareness in crises and for sharing this awareness lies with the Member States themselves. Preparedness and contingency planning must be in place. Ultimately, it is important to take timely action at the operational level,” says Minister Rantanen.

The ministers will hold their discussion against the backdrop of the current migration situation and the events in Ceuta in late July and early August.

In recent years, EU agencies have reinforced their data collection and analysis capabilities, thus improving knowledge-based decision-making concerning migration. However, responding to sudden crises also requires assessing new possibilities and ensuring as up-to-date situational awareness information as possible. The ministers will discuss how monitoring social media could contribute to situational awareness and serve as an early warning tool when monitoring changes in migration flows.

Credible consequences needed for countries that refuse to readmit their own citizens

The ministers will also discuss improving the effectiveness of returns and enhancing cooperation with third countries. For a long time, a major issue in the EU return policy has been the significant gap between the number of return decisions issued and the number of returns actually carried out. In recent years, return and readmission cooperation has become an increasingly prominent part of the EU’s foreign, visa, trade and development policies.

“Visa procedures, trade and financial assistance must be aligned consistently to ensure credible consequences for countries that refuse to readmit their own citizens, while at the same time providing meaningful incentives for countries with which cooperation works well,” Minister of the Interior Rantanen says.

The EU now seeks to address returns and readmission as part of broader, country-specific partnerships. These partnerships link returns and readmission with border security, development cooperation and investments, among others. This approach has been applied to migration partnerships with countries such as Tunisia, Egypt and Mauritania.

Inquiries:
Laura Yli-Vakkuri, Director General, tel. +358 40 720 2216, firstname.lastname@gov.fi
Communications Unit, Ministry of the Interior, media.sm@gov.fi (requests for interviews with the Minister)

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Minister of Defence Häkkänen calls off participation in JEF ministerial meeting

Ministry of Defence — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:53:00 GMT

Among the topics on the meeting agenda is strengthening defence in Northern Europe (Ministry of Defence press release on 29 September 2026).

Inquiries: Dani Niskanen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Defence, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 415 444 967.

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Minister Adlercreutz to attend meeting of ministers for Nordic cooperation

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:08:00 GMT

Discussions at the meeting will focus on the competitiveness of the Nordic countries. As part of the presidency of Denmark and the Faroe Islands, the Nordic Council of Ministers has prepared a report on Nordic competitiveness, which will be discussed by the ministers for Nordic cooperation and the Nordic ministers of economic affairs. The ministers will issue a joint declaration on this topic in connection with the meeting.

“Together, the Nordic countries are a strong economic force, even on a global scale. Amid growing international competition, a competitive Nordic region is essential for Finland’s economy and societal wellbeing. That is why we must work together to find solutions to future challenges,” says Minister Adlercreutz.

Other topics on the meeting agenda include the Nordic Council of Ministers' budget and the modernisation of its activities.

Inquiries

Andreas Elfving, Special Adviser to the Minister, tel. +358 295 330 043
Ann-Sofie Stude, Chief of the Secretariat for Nordic Cooperation, tel. +358 295 350 531
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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The Ministry of Transport and Communications pauses preparations for STT state aid

Ministry of Transport and Communications — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 10:30:00 GMT

The government has taken what measures it has available to ensure that STT can continue its operations. The Orpo Government is committed to a EUR 1.05 million state aid package.

“We have been aware of STT’s financial and operational difficulties for a long time, and this decision was not a surprise. The government has been ready to provide moderate support for STT to enable the company to develop and continue to operate. However, the owners have not been able to agree on a direction for the company, and the market has not shown sufficient demand for its services”, according to Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

“STT’s work is rich in tradition, and it is a shame that this tradition might end. It unfortunately looks like STT has been unable to respond to the transformation of the media sector”, continues minister Ranne.

STT also stated that it is initiating change negotiations for its entire personnel. STT’s news and photograph business has been unprofitable for a long time. The government has also provided them prior support. In 2018, STT received EUR 1.5 million in state aid.

“Now, we are imposing a time-out on preparing the new aid package until the STT owners have made a final decision on continuing the business. State subsidies cannot be given to a business that is not financially sustainable”, says minister Ranne.

Transformation of the media sector as the backdrop

The transformation of the media sector has had a significant impact on the operating conditions of Finnish news media. It is also what’s behind STT’s situation.

The way people consume media are in constant flux, and advertising revenue is flowing to international platforms. Finnish media companies are trying to compete through cost-cutting and a focus on unique, local content.

“Finland’s media sector is important and one we must defend. All of Finland will continue to need a wide and varied news media. However, our media sector cannot base its competitiveness on significant or long-term state aid systems – it needs true, market-based demand and modern business practices”, according to minister Ranne.

Enquiries:
Aino Sipari, Director of Unit, tel. +358 295 342 011, aino.sipari@gov.fi

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Finland provides EUR 7 million for Gaza reconstruction and medical care in Palestine

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:08:00 GMT

The Horizon Fund supports the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict (the Gaza Peace Plan). Joint UN projects under the fund will help restore public services, create jobs and facilitate broader commercial investment in Gaza. The fund promotes the transition from humanitarian response towards more permanent solutions, reconstruction and peace.

By participating in the fund, Finland contributes to the promotion of international law, including humanitarian law, the rules-based international system, good governance, peacebuilding, gender equality, Palestinian ownership and the fundamental rights of Palestinians.

“The Horizon Fund creates opportunities for a large-scale reconstruction of Gaza. It can address the immense needs of the people of Gaza across sectors such as education, housing and healthcare, while also helping to restore jobs. Participation in the fund may also open up opportunities for Finnish actors to take part in the reconstruction of Gaza at a later stage,” says Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.

In addition, Finland is providing EUR 3 million through the EU’s PEGASE budget support instrument to the Palestinian Authority for healthcare in East Jerusalem. The EU’s budget support promotes the implementation of a comprehensive reform programme and helps maintain basic public services, such as education and healthcare. Finland will allocate the funds for 2027–2029 to hospitals and specialised healthcare in East Jerusalem. PEGASE is a long-term mechanism that has already enabled approximately 20,000 Palestinians each year to access specialised medical care, such as cancer treatment and dialysis, in East Jerusalem hospitals.

“Channelling aid to East Jerusalem hospitals will help ensure that Palestinians have access to urgent medical care when needed. Supporting the hospital network is important for maintaining the functioning of institutions and the healthcare system as a whole,” Minister Tavio says.

Participation in the PEGASE funding mechanism is outlined in Finland’s Country Programme for Development Cooperation in Palestine for 2025–2028. The UN Horizon Fund is a new recipient of Finnish funding, but support for the fund will be provided from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ existing budget.

Inquiries:

Tuomas Tähti, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, tel. +358 295 350 199
Suvi Turunen, Senior Specialist, Unit for the Middle East and the Gulf, tel. +358 295 350 852

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Proposal on EU Methane Regulation enforcement and penalties is sent for review

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 08:13:00 GMT

The EU Methane Regulation has been in force and directly applicable in Finland since August 2024. Under the Constitution of Finland, provisions on the competent authority must be specified in an act. For that reason, enforcing compliance with the Regulation will only be possible after a national act has been adopted. However, the obligations laid down in the Regulation have been binding on operators since August 2024.

The Act is a precondition for monitoring and enforcing the application of the Regulation in practice. Only after the act has been adopted may the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes), which is proposed to become the enforcement authority, organise its enforcement task, draw up instructions for operators, and create procedures for receiving and processing the information required by the Regulation.

Tukes is proposed as enforcement authority

Under the proposal, the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) would become the enforcement authority. The act would lay down provisions on the Agency’s right of inspection and right to obtain information as well as on the administrative sanctions that may be imposed for failure to comply with the obligations of the Regulation. The penalty payment would be imposed by the Market Court on the proposal of Tukes.

Proposed obligations imposed on operators

The EU Methane Regulation applies to the production, transmission and distribution of oil, natural gas and coal, and also covers importers of these commodities. In Finland, the Regulation is estimated to affect the operators of natural gas transmission and distribution networks, the operators of liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure and the importers of fossil fuels, in particular.

The operators would be required to provide Tukes with the information necessary for the enforcement and to assist in the inspections. A penalty payment, a public warning, a cease and desist order or a conditional fine could be imposed for neglecting the obligations.

Commission’s recommendations on importer obligations

In July 2026, the European Commission issued a Recommendation stating that Member States should not apply penalties for certain breaches of importers’ obligations to disclose information in 2027–2029. The Recommendation is based on the Commission’s assessment that full application of penalties could endanger the security of energy supply in the European Union in the current market situation.

The Recommendation is not binding on the Member States, nor does it change the obligations under the Methane Regulation, which remain in force in their entirety. However, the Recommendation is not irrelevant, as according to the established interpretation of the Court of Justice of the European Union, national authorities and courts must consider the Commission’s recommendations when deciding cases.

The content of the Recommendation has not been incorporated into the bill. However, the bill contains a provision according to which a penalty may not be applied in a manner that would endanger the security of energy supply. The aim is that Tukes will consider the Commission’s Recommendation when applying this provision.

Regardless of the Recommendation, the application of penalties would continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The Recommendation also does not cover fraudulent breaches of obligations nor obligations other than those specified in it.

Transition period to allow sufficient time for fulfilling obligations

The obligations under the Methane Regulation have been binding on operators since August 2024, and some of the due dates for application set in the Regulation have already passed. These due dates may not be amended by national law, since the Regulation is directly applicable.

The bill therefore proposes that no penalty payment be imposed for neglecting the past due dates when the act enters into force. The operator would be allowed three to nine months to bring its obligations up to date, depending on the obligation in question. A penalty for negligence could be imposed only after this period.

In other words, the proposal does not contain new due dates, but introduces periods when penalties for negligence would become applicable.

Amendments to Electricity Market Act and Act on the Energy Authority

The Government also proposes amendments that are not related to the Methane Regulation but are based on EU regulations on the electricity market. Under the proposal, the main grid operator Fingrid Oyj would be required to draw up, together with the distribution network operators, a national assessment of the flexibility needs of the electricity system. The Energy Authority would confirm the assessment. In addition, the Energy Authority would be designated as the authority responsible for reporting national practices for changing electricity suppliers to the EU.

Entry into force of the bill

The acts concerning the Methane Regulation are scheduled to enter into force on 1 January 2027. The intention is that the amendments to the Electricity Market Act would enter into force as soon as possible.

Inquiries:
Daniela Karlsson, Senior Officer, Legal Affairs, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 371

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Legislation on European Digital Identity Wallets enters into force in October

Ministry of Finance — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 06:02:00 GMT

The national legislation required to allow the use of European Digital Identity Wallets will enter into force on 1 October 2026. The new legislation supplements the EU’s amended eIDAS Regulation, which governs cross-border electronic identification, trust services for electronic transactions and European digital identities.

It will be possible to use wallets both with online and in-person services everywhere in the EU. Digital wallet users will be able to decide how their personal information is used, and that use will be more transparent. For example, users will be able to decide what information they want to keep in their wallet and who they want to share that information with. Only the user will be able to monitor the use of their wallet. It will be possible to incorporate a wide variety of digital certificates into wallets, such as mobile driving licences or customer loyalty cards.

“Digital wallets will make using services in the EU even easier. Wallets will also be more secure, as they will give people better control of their personal information,” said Minister of Local and Regional Government Anna-Kaisa Ikonen.

Digital identification solution to be included in wallet applications

Under the eIDAS Regulation, every EU Member State must offer a digital wallet to its citizens. In Finland, a wallet will be provided at least by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. Private sector companies will also be able to offer wallets as long as they meet the requirements set for wallet providers. The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom will supervise the provision of digital wallets and electronic trust services. Traficom will also establish a register for services that accept digital wallets.

Finland will also offer a digital identification solution, which will be the first digital certificate available for digital wallets in Finland. It will be granted based on a valid passport or identification card. The digital identification solution will make everyday services easier to use by providing a practical and reliable method for proving your identity.

The wallet and digital identification solution are expected to become available in 2027. The agencies responsible for them will announce their launch at a later date.

An updated description of the national ecosystem for European Digital Identity Wallets will be published at the same time as the new legislation enters into force. The description outlines the roles, responsibilities and service packages that are developing around digital wallets.

Security and data protection key priorities for digital wallets

Digital wallets will contain many types of personal information, which means that they have to be very secure. Digital wallets will be required to use new technologies to improve the protection of personal information. For example, you will be able to choose what information to display. This means that you will be able to only show certain pieces of information, such as that you are over 18, without sharing other information, like your name or exact age.

The EU is working on common legislation on European Business Wallets for companies, organisations and public administration. Business wallets are intended to make it easier for companies and authorities to exchange information.

Improved security for national strong identification

Amendments to the national act governing strong identification will enter into force at the same time as the legislation on digital wallets and the digital identification solution. All national legislation supplementing the eIDAS Regulation will be in the new act, which would only apply to national strong identification. The act has also been amended to improve the security of national strong identification. The provisions on the obligation of providers of electronic means of identification to ensure that the passport, identification card or digital identification solution used for initial identification is valid and on the obligation to inform the provider of the identification means that it was used for the initial identification of a person will enter into force later, on 1 January 2027.

Inquiries:
Laura Kolinen, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 530 403, laura.kolinen(at)gov.fi
Riikka Noponen, Project Manager, tel. +358 295 530 508, riikka.noponen (at)gov.fi
Katja Väänänen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Head of Unit, tel. +358 295 530 245, katja.vaananen(at)gov.fi
Nea Nordman, Senior Officer, tel. +358 295 342 317, nea.nordman(at)gov.fi

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Lithuanian Foreign Minister Budrys to visit Finland

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen and Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys will discuss the bilateral relations between Finland and Lithuania, current foreign and security policy issues and the objectives of the upcoming Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

After their bilateral meeting, the foreign ministers will attend the opening of the Helsinki Security Forum.

“In recent years, our cooperation with Lithuania has deepened and taken on new, concrete forms. This is particularly evident in the defence industry, where artificial intelligence and drone technology are adding new dimensions to our cooperation and creating novel opportunities,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Valtonen.

Inquiries

Matilda af Hällström, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 50 476 9575
Kirsi Lipponen, Counsellor, Euro-Atlantic Department, tel. +358 295 351 145
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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