Google is actively lobbying Finland's top political leaders to maintain electricity tax discounts for data centers. The tech giant has threatened to cancel billion-euro investments if the tax breaks are removed.
Government transparency records show Google met with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and two other ministers during the first half of 2025. The company also held meetings with several officials from the Ministry of Finance.
Google established its Hamina data center in 2011 and has expanded it six times since. The company now warns it may freeze planned server center investments in Muhos and Kajaani if tax conditions change.
The government had planned to remove the special electricity tax rate for data centers and mines. This decision was scheduled for Thursday's government session but might be postponed due to hesitation within the ruling coalition.
Google stated in official comments that tax increases would directly impact operational costs. The company said this would require reevaluating Finland's attractiveness as an investment destination.
This marks the second time this year the government faces corporate pressure over tax policies. In March, officials reversed a candy tax increase after strong lobbying from confectionery company Fazer.
The government now faces competing pressures - maintaining promised tax reforms while keeping major international investments. The data center tax break reversal was intended to help balance state finances.
Transparency records don't show how many times each official was met. The register also doesn't include recent lobbying activities during budget negotiations, as second-half meetings won't be recorded until early 2026.
Google maintains it hasn't made final investment decisions for the Kajaani and Muhos projects. The company says regulatory stability and predictable operating conditions rank among its top criteria for global investments.
The government's dilemma reflects the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with business attraction. Corporate lobbying appears increasingly effective in shaping Finnish tax policy decisions.