Regional transport subsidies to continue in 2026‒2028: Aim is to keep all of Finland viable

On 22 December 2025, the Government issued a decree under which regional transport subsidies will continue in 2026‒2028. The subsidy will remain largely the same as before.

Regional transport subsidies reduce the freight costs caused by long transport distances of products manufactured by SMEs operating in sparsely populated areas. This improves the competitiveness of companies and supports their business activities.

The budget proposal for 2026 proposes an appropriation of EUR 3.7 million for regional transport subsidies. The appropriation proposed for 2026 is EUR 1.6 million less than in 2025. Reducing the appropriation is part of the savings measures in the Budget.

Transport subsidy can be granted to SMEs operating in sparsely populated areas

Regional transport subsidy may be granted for the long-distance transport of products by small and medium-sized companies in the municipalities of Lapland, North Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, North Karelia, North Savo, South Savo and Central Ostrobothnia, the subregion of Saarijärvi-Viitasaari and the municipalities of Imatra, Ruokolahti, Rautjärvi and Parikkala.

Depending on the length of the journey, the subsidy for road and rail transport will be 7‒15 per cent of the transport costs, down from the current subsidy of 9‒20 per cent.  In addition, the lower limit of the subsidy will be raised so that the subsidy can be granted only if it amounts to at least EUR 5,000 during the application period (a calendar year). The current minimum amount is EUR 1,000 per application period. The subsidy for port operations will remain unchanged and be EUR 1 or 2 per tonne shipped, depending on the location of the port.

The application period for transport subsidy is a calendar year and the subsidy is applied for within three months after the end of the application period. Applications will be submitted electronically to the Economic Development Centre of Northern Finland, which will be the authority responsible for granting the subsidy from 1 January 2026.

Transport subsidy is a discretionary government grant and the granting of the subsidy must comply with the European Union’s rules on state aid. The decree will enter into force on 1 January 2026.

Inquiries:
Lotta Laitinen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs, tel. +358 295 049 058 and email lotta.laitinen(at)gov.fi 
Mikko Ojala, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 063 506 and email mikko.j.ojala(at)gov.fi 
Jaakko Pulkka, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 063 613 and email jaakko.pulkka(at)gov.fi 0295 063 613 ja sposti: jaakko.pulkka(at)gov.fi