Helsinki correspondent covering Finnish politics, EU relations, and Nordic cooperation
A leaked parliamentary report reveals Finland may need 15 billion euros in budget cuts over the next electoral term to comply with EU fiscal rules, far exceeding earlier estimates and threatening the Nordic welfare model.
Finland will launch its EU digital identity wallet by December 2026, storing identification documents on phones rather than cloud systems. The DVV-developed app provides granular data control and cross-border authentication, but early adopters may face compatibility issues.
St1 seeks to demolish Helsinki's protected 1955 Shell station designed by Aarno Ruusuvuori, citing structural contamination that cannot be remediated without full demolition. The case tests whether Finnish heritage protection laws can withstand environmental safety challenges, potentially setting precedent for similar industrial buildings nationwide.
A car left the road in Jämsä on Sunday afternoon, but no injuries were reported. Emergency services responded to the scene on Pääskysmäentie around 5 p.m., though the cause remains unknown.
A truck driver in Äänekoski extinguished a fire under his trailer using snow, aided by a passerby. Emergency services arrived but found the situation already under control, with no major damage or traffic disruption reported.
The Kangasniemi Unemployed Association has ceased operations, closing its thrift store due to financial unsustainability. Operations manager Taina Turunen cited lack of staffing and funding as key reasons.
Twenty ninth-graders in Laukaa can now try running their own summer business through a new voucher program. The initiative requires no prior experience and includes hands-on 4H business training in April.
The Finns Party in Central Finland has named Janne Luoma-aho and Henri Sorvali as its first candidates for the 2027 Eduskunta elections. Both are active in local governance and emphasize regional development and national values.
A Finnish couple in Kitee received a court summons over an unpaid electricity bill from a company they say they've never used. They are contesting the claim in Kymenlaakso District Court.
A strike is set to begin Tuesday in parts of Finland's private social services sector after both JHL union and employer group Hyvinvointiala Hali rejected a conciliation proposal. Affected services include units of Attendo, Esperi Care, and Mehiläinen in Northern Finland, as well as several child protection facilities nationwide.
A woman from Mikkeli received a suspended sentence after punching her cohabiting partner following a comment another woman made about his jeans. The incident led to a domestic dispute and subsequent assault charges.
The Finnish Army is running the Mighty Stone 26 exercise in Central Finland from March 2–6. The drill involves troops, equipment, and civilian authorities working together to protect critical infrastructure.
Eine Sorakari, 88, was told she had terminal pancreatic cancer and spent over eight months awaiting death. New tests later revealed she never had cancer—only chronic pancreatitis, which mimics tumors on scans.
A three-day strike begins Tuesday in selected private care homes in Lapland and North Ostrobothnia. The action follows the rejection of a wage agreement by both employers and the JHL union.
Helsinki city confirms walking on ski trails is not allowed, as they’re classified as sports facilities outside everyman’s rights. Locals in Keskuspuisto report inconsistent signage and overlapping summer-winter paths, leading to occasional trail conflicts.
A father and son received upheld sentences for assaulting a cleaner in Porvoo in March 2023. The Helsinki Court of Appeal confirmed the original verdict in full after thorough review.
A pipe burst flooded the basement of an apartment building in Äänekoski, Finland, with about 10 cm of water. Emergency crews responded Sunday afternoon, and the cause remains under investigation.
A gasoline-powered car caught fire in the Flamingo Hotel parking hall in Vantaa, Finland. Seven rescue units responded, but the fire didn't spread and no injuries were reported.
A car fire broke out Sunday morning in the Flamingo hotel parking hall in Vantaa, Finland. The blaze was contained quickly with no injuries, and the vehicle—a 2004 Citroen C5—was declared a total loss.
Crime-related legal inquiries involving Finnish teachers have surged by 60% annually, according to the education union OAJ. Cases range from assault allegations during classroom management to online threats and physical attacks on staff.
The Järvi Group, a major Porvoo-based company, is ending consumer car sales. Its Loviisantie dealership will close in late February as the firm shifts entirely to business leasing.
The Joutseno Institute has cut youth music courses from its Art Summer program due to rising costs. Parents and teachers say they weren’t consulted despite having solutions to continue the popular courses.
Two late-night cooking mishaps in Jyväskylä triggered fire alarms but no actual fires. In both cases, residents were unharmed, though one person fell while silencing the alarm.
Two Jämsä businesses received recognition for long-term employment of people with intellectual disabilities through Finland’s open employment model. Employees report greater well-being and inclusion thanks to structured work routines shared between employers and Avitus.