Ukraine Support: Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed bolstering Ukraine’s air defences and speeding up shelter construction. Zelenskyy said new Finnish support is expected this month. Russia and Security: Orpo criticized the US deal easing sanctions on Russian diesel, saying it makes no sense as Russia continues its war. Finland has also restricted airspace in the eastern Gulf of Finland and submitted a proposal for a new defence inventions act. Cost of Living: The government agreed on a €60 million package to ease fuel costs, including tax relief and support for transport, agriculture and forestry. Preparedness: Mobile emergency alerts are due to begin in November, with printed preparedness guides set to reach households in January. Court Ruling: Finland’s Court of Appeal cut Simon Ekpa’s prison sentence from six years to four, while upholding his terrorism conviction.
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Fuel Relief: Finland’s government has agreed on a €60 million package to cushion rising fuel prices, including lower vehicle tax, a larger commuting deduction and subsidies for transport, farming and forestry. It rejected the Finns Party’s call for a broader cut to renewable-fuel requirements. Ekpa Appeal: Finland’s Court of Appeal upheld Simon Ekpa’s terrorism convictions but reduced his prison sentence from six years to four. Public Safety: From November 1, authorities will be able to send emergency warnings directly to mobile phones through the new FI-Alert system. Digital Services: Helsinki is expanding trials of an AI tool that drafts health and social-care records from appointments; staff will review drafts before saving them. Housing Policy: Finland has urged changes to the EU’s proposed Affordable Housing Act, saying it could encroach on member states’ powers. Gambling Regulation: Wildz Group has become the first operator approved to serve Finnish players under the re-regulated market, set to open in July 2027.
Environment: Google’s Finland chief apologised after about 530 hectares of forest were cleared for data-centre projects in Muhos and Kajaani before environmental assessments were completed. Regulators have suspended preparatory work at both sites. Courts: Finland’s Court of Appeal upheld Simon Ekpa’s terrorism-related convictions but cut his prison sentence from six years to four. Gambling: Police reiterated that Finland will act against illegal promotion of unlicensed gambling, including on social media and livestreams. EU Policy: Prime Minister Petteri Orpo rejected handing frozen Russian assets held in Europe to the US, saying they should remain in Europe and be used to support Ukraine. Culture: Nightwish and singer Floor Jansen announced an amicable split after more than a decade together; the band says it will continue.
Preparedness: Finland will send 3.5 million printed emergency guides to households and businesses in January, covering crisis readiness and drone threats. The Interior Ministry says advice should remain accessible if power or internet fails. Nordic security: President Alexander Stubb and Estonia’s new president, Ülle Madise, met in Helsinki to discuss European defence and cooperation. Madise backed Finland’s push for an EU-wide ban on Russian tourist visas. Energy: Fingrid now requires large new wind and solar plants in weak-grid areas to provide grid-forming support, using equipment such as batteries or synchronous condensers to help stabilize the network. Jobs: Ubisoft plans to close Helsinki-based RedLynx, creator of the Trials games, putting 52 jobs at risk pending negotiations. The company is also cutting 70 positions in Singapore. Economy: OP Financial Group forecasts 2% growth for Finland this year and next, driven by exports and investment. Nordea, meanwhile, warned that sharply higher interest rates could dampen consumer confidence after quarterly profit fell short of forecasts.
Baby Box: Finland’s 2026 maternity package has begun distribution with 52 items, including a toy ball made in China for the first time. The grant has risen from €170 to €210. Regional Security: President Alexander Stubb met Estonia’s new president, Ülle Madise, in Helsinki to discuss defence, NATO cooperation and Ukraine. Estonia also backed Finland’s call for an EU-wide halt to Russian tourist visas. Finance: Kraken’s parent company agreed to buy Saldo Finance, a Finnish holding company that owns a Lithuanian-licensed bank. The deal requires regulatory approval and is expected to close in 2027. Schools: Helsinki and five other Finnish cities want school attendance made compulsory, except in exceptional cases such as health needs. Environment: Finland halted Google’s construction work after 530 hectares of forest were cleared without completed environmental impact studies.**
Data-centre dispute: Google Finland chief Antti Järvinen apologised for forest clearances at sites in Muhos and Kajaani, where nearly 530 hectares have been cleared. Authorities have ordered work to stop amid questions over environmental assessments. Families: Finland’s new baby box contains 52 items, up from 38 last year, following an increase in the maternity grant. THL is also developing support for families as the country’s birth rate remains historically low. Jobs: Ubisoft has proposed closing Finnish game studio RedLynx, potentially affecting up to 52 positions as the company restructures. Russia and Ukraine: Prime Minister Petteri Orpo condemned a US-Russia diesel deal, saying it helps fund Russia’s war, while Finland is seeking an EU-wide ban on Russian tourist visas. Turku: The €90 million Fuuga music centre opens on 26 October, with concert halls, a restaurant and public spaces along the Aura River.
Ukraine and Russia: Finland’s prime minister condemned a US-Russia diesel deal, saying it would help fund Putin’s war. Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen also urged an EU-wide ban on tourist visas for Russians, arguing national restrictions leave gaps in the Schengen zone. Space Security: A Russian satellite has moved into nearly the same orbit as ICEYE-X36, a Finnish-American radar satellite whose imagery has supported Ukraine. Integrity ISR says the Russian craft is closing in and could approach as early as October 29. Birthrate: THL is developing national support for family planning and childbirth, including help for miscarriage and fear of childbirth, as Finland’s fertility rate fell to 1.25 in 2024. Cost of Living: Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the government is discussing a fuel subsidy package of about €60 million, focused on commuters and professional transport. Nature: Finland’s “quietest festival” is under way at Valkmusa National Park, inviting visitors to listen to wildlife and the landscape through October 31.
Russia Policy: Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen urged the EU to stop issuing tourist visas to Russians until the war in Ukraine ends and criticised the US decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel. Technology Ties: Finland and Singapore agreed to deepen cooperation on AI, quantum technology and digital infrastructure, with a focus on making the benefits of emerging technologies broadly accessible. Jobs: Telia plans to cut about 900 positions across its markets, including 280 in Finland, as it restructures. Environment: Finland has halted work on two Google data centres after concerns over forest clearing and incomplete environmental impact studies. Ukraine Support: Finland is preparing to supply ammunition for Ukraine’s F-16 fighters as Russian attacks on energy infrastructure continue.
Data Centre Halt: Finnish authorities have ordered Google to stop work at planned data centres in Muhos and Kajaani after more than 300 hectares of forest were cleared without a required environmental assessment. Google says it fell short of its standards. Russian Visas: Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen is urging EU countries to ban tourist visas for Russians while the war in Ukraine continues. Schengen states issued nearly 500,000 Russian tourist visas in 2025, she said. Ukraine Support: Finland is preparing to supply ammunition for Ukraine’s F-16s and has approved its 35th military aid package. Cancer Care: Yle’s MOT reports Finland lacks nationwide data on cancer-treatment delays. A study found lung-cancer patients wait an average of 155 days from symptoms to treatment, compared with 107 days in Sweden and 67 in Denmark. Finnish Industry: Steerprop has won a contract to equip three new Royal Danish Navy vessels with propulsion systems.
Ukraine Ceasefire: President Donald Trump announced an immediate energy truce with Russia, but offered few details. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy backed the proposal while awaiting clarification, as Russian attacks on energy sites continued. Finnish President Alexander Stubb was among leaders consulted. Support for Kyiv: Finland is preparing ammunition for Ukraine’s F-16 fighters and has approved another military aid package. Russian Travel: Finland’s prime minister wants Europe to suspend tourist visas for Russian citizens, citing security concerns. Data Centre Halt: Finnish authorities have stopped work at two Google data-centre sites over forest clearing and environmental review concerns. Citizenship Rules: Finland plans to introduce a citizenship test for foreign applicants in 2027.
Ukraine Support: Finland is preparing to send ammunition for Ukrainian F-16s, which Kyiv says it needs to counter jet-powered drones. Helsinki has also approved its 35th military aid package, worth about €1 million. Energy Truce: President Alexander Stubb joined talks with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Donald Trump’s claimed Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire. Kyiv says it supports a truce but is awaiting details, while Russian attacks on energy sites continue and Moscow has not confirmed a deal. Russian Visas: Prime Minister Petteri Orpo plans to urge European countries to stop issuing tourist visas to Russians, citing sabotage concerns. Citizenship Test: Finland will introduce a civic knowledge test for most citizenship applicants aged 18 to 64 from March 2027, covering society, rights, history and culture. Data Centres: Authorities have halted work at two Google data-centre sites over forest clearing and unresolved environmental reviews.
Russia Policy: Prime Minister Petteri Orpo called the Trump–Putin diesel deal a “terrible disappointment” and urged Europe to consider tougher sanctions. Finland also plans to ask the EU to suspend tourist visas for Russians, citing sabotage risks. Ukraine Support: Finland approved its 35th military aid package, worth €1 million, and is sending ammunition for Ukraine’s F-16s to help counter jet-powered drones. Citizenship: A new civic-knowledge test will be required for most citizenship applicants aged 18–64 from March 2027. Data Centres: Finnish authorities halted work at Google data-centre sites over forest clearing and incomplete environmental assessments. Politics: A new Yle poll puts the Finns Party ahead of Prime Minister Orpo’s National Coalition Party.
Ukraine Support: Finland approved its 35th military aid package for Ukraine, worth about €1 million, bringing total assistance to €3.6 billion. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said Finland will send F-16 ammunition in the coming days to help intercept Russian drones. Russia Policy: Prime Minister Petteri Orpo plans to urge European leaders to stop issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens, citing fears of sabotage. He also called the US-Russia diesel deal a “terrible disappointment,” warning it could boost Moscow’s war revenues. Google Projects: Finnish authorities halted work at two Google data-centre sites after forest clearing — reportedly covering 530 hectares — proceeded without completed environmental impact studies. Nuclear Dispute: Russia’s Rosatom says an arbitration ruling found Finland’s 2022 cancellation of the Hanhikivi-1 plant contract unlawful; the company says it will pursue the case to the end.
Climate and Tech: Helsinki has voted to ban fossil-fuel advertising, but implementation could be delayed by as much as 10 years. Finland has also halted work at Google data-centre sites over alleged forest damage, as French firm Sesterce proposes a €10 billion Finnish AI campus. Security: Finland approved its 35th aid package for Ukraine, worth €1 million, and is set to join NATO’s nuclear deterrence exercise this month. The country has also welcomed its first F-35A fighter jets. Politics: The Finns Party has overtaken Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s National Coalition Party in a new Yle poll. Economy: The United States has surpassed Sweden as Finland’s largest export partner. In Hyvinkää, Syklo has opened a €70–80 million recycling hub, including a plastics plant expected to lift Finland’s recycling capacity by 50%.
Research and Skills: Finland’s share of PhD graduates who are international rose from 21% in 2015 to 32% in 2024, with foreign nationals earning nearly half of Finnish STEM doctorates. Support for Ukraine: President Alexander Stubb approved Finland’s 35th military aid package, worth about €1 million, as preparations continue for a broader delivery. Trade: The United States overtook Sweden as Finland’s largest export partner in August, as exports to the US more than tripled year on year to €1 billion. Data Centres: Finnish authorities halted Google’s work at two sites over forest clearing and environmental concerns, intensifying scrutiny of the country’s fast-growing data-centre sector. Helsinki: The city approved restrictions on outdoor ads for flights, cruises and fossil-fuel cars, though the rules are expected to take effect only as contracts are renewed after 2035. Citizenship: Applicants will need to pass a civic knowledge test from March 2027. Politics: Yle’s latest poll put the Finns Party ahead of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s National Coalition for the first time this parliamentary term.
NATO and Defence: Finland will take part in NATO’s Steadfast Noon nuclear deterrence exercise from October 12 to 24, sending staff officers. No nuclear weapons will be used or moved. Citizenship Rules: Applicants aged 18–64 will need to pass a civic knowledge test from March 2027. It can be taken in Finnish or Swedish. Data Centre Dispute: Finland has ordered Google to stop work at planned data centre sites in Muhos and Kajaani until environmental assessments are complete. Authorities say hundreds of hectares of forest were cleared; police are investigating. Economy and Politics: National debt reached 90.3% of GDP in the second quarter, and the government faces pressure to curb spending ahead of April’s election. A new Yle poll puts the Finns Party ahead of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s National Coalition Party. Helsinki Schools: The city will require faces to be visible during school activities for identification and safety, but rejected a blanket ban on headscarves.
Data Centre Dispute: Finland has ordered Google to halt work at two planned data centre sites in Muhos and Kajaani while environmental reviews are completed. Authorities say extensive forest clearing and other land work took place before the assessments; Google says it acted in good faith. Politics: Yle’s latest poll puts the Finns Party ahead of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s National Coalition Party. Schools: Helsinki will require faces to remain visible during school activities but rejected a blanket ban on headscarves; religious coverings that leave the face visible remain allowed. Jobs: Nokia plans to cut 253 jobs in Finland, affecting staff in Espoo, Tampere and Oulu. Security: Police are investigating suspected break-ins at the homes of around 20 Finnish lawmakers amid concerns about possible Russian involvement. Defence: Finland has received its first F-35A fighter jets for permanent basing in the country.
Google Data Centres: Finland has ordered work halted at two planned sites in Muhos and Kajaani until environmental impact assessments are complete. The order follows extensive forest clearing, and police are investigating suspected illegal logging at the Muhos site. Google says it will comply. Jobs: Nokia plans to cut 253 positions in Finland, with talks due to begin on October 12. The cuts would affect staff in Espoo, Tampere and Oulu. Party Politics: Yle’s latest poll puts the Finns Party ahead of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s National Coalition Party, though the gap is within the margin of error. The Social Democrats remain comfortably in front. Security: Finnish police are investigating suspected break-ins at the homes of nearly 20 MPs amid concerns about foreign interference. Defence: Finland has welcomed its first permanently based F-35A fighter jets.
Google Data Centres: Finland has ordered Google to halt environmentally damaging work at planned sites in Muhos and Kajaani until impact assessments are complete. The regulator says extensive forest clearing and other site preparation took place before the reviews; Google acknowledged it had fallen short of its standards. Security: Finnish authorities are investigating suspected break-ins targeting around 20 lawmakers, amid concerns about foreign interference and suspected Russian agents. Jobs: Nokia plans to cut up to 253 jobs in Finland, with change negotiations due to begin next week. Defence: Finland has welcomed its first two F-35 fighter jets at Lapland Air Wing, part of a planned fleet of 64. Gambling Rules: Health and competition authorities warn that Finland’s 2027 gambling reform may leave players exposed to harm, since spending limits will apply separately at each company.
Google Data Centres: Finland’s LVV has ordered Tuike Finland Oy to halt preparatory work at two planned Google sites in Muhos and Kajaani until required environmental impact assessments are completed, with tree felling, topsoil stripping, road building and drainage changes already reported; Google says it will comply. Energy & Industry: CRH agreed to buy NCC Industry’s aggregates and asphalt operations in Denmark and Finland, aiming to strengthen its Nordics footprint. Tech & Funding: Helsinki-based Comparables.ai raised $6m seed funding to expand its AI M&A intelligence platform used by tens of thousands of professionals. Digital Health: Finland and Vietnam are exploring smart hospital cooperation after a workshop in Hanoi focused on Finland’s digitally enabled hospital model. EU Chemicals Watch: ECHA is pushing stricter EU classification for trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), citing reproductive and water risks. Sports (Finnish spotlight): Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is expected to miss 6–8 weeks with a left leg injury. Culture: Finnish-Estonian violinist Anna-Liisa Bezrodny will headline a Norwich chamber orchestra concert in October.
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