Government Grants €35 Million in Conditional Funding for Helsinki Garden Arena Amid Competition Concerns and Lobbying Scandal

The Finnish government has approved €35 million in conditional state aid for the Helsinki Garden arena project, a multi-purpose venue planned for the site of the old Helsinki ice rink. The funding, granted in April 2025, requires approval from the European Commission, as it may constitute state aid under EU competition rules. The Ministry of Education and Culture (OKM) has submitted a notification to the Commission, arguing that the project cannot proceed without public support.