Politics
The Centre Party’s parliamentary group convened in Kuopio this week, where party leaders presented a series of policy proposals aimed at reforming social security, job-seeking obligations, regional economic development, and public administration. The party emphasised the need for growth measures to curb unemployment, particularly in eastern Finland, while
Economy
SOK, the Central Organization of Finnish Cooperative Societies, has announced the start of change negotiations that will impact approximately 900 employees. The negotiations, set to begin on 25 August, are part of a broader restructuring effort within the company’s grocery and consumer goods retail operations (Ilta-Sanomat). According to
Economy
The Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has appointed a working group to prepare a time-limited pilot project for a special economic zone in eastern Finland. The initiative aims to attract investments, improve access to skilled labour, and accelerate project launches in the region, which has faced economic
Economy
Finnish housing costs are set to increase significantly this year, with homeowners facing steeper rises than tenants, according to a report by the Finnish Real Estate Federation and the Finnish Homeowners’ Association, conducted by Pellervo Economic Research (PTT). The report forecasts an average increase of just under three percent in
Society
The Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) has significantly intensified its efforts to recover basic social assistance, leading to a sharp rise in cases before administrative courts. This shift has placed a substantial burden on the judicial system, with judges reporting an unprecedented workload due to the surge in recovery
Economy
A pig farm in Lappeenranta has received approval to resume slaughter and meat transport operations after weeks of restrictions due to an outbreak of African swine fever in nearby Virolahti. Entrepreneur Timo Ikonen confirmed that an exceptional two-month permit was granted by the Finnish Food Authority, allowing operations to
Economy
An explosive rupture and subsequent fire occurred at Stora Enso’s Kaukopää mill in Imatra during the night between Monday and Tuesday. The incident involved a tank containing pine or tall oil, which burst open and ignited following a process disturbance. The South Karelia Rescue Department received an alarm around
Economy
A recent study by Finnish researchers has concluded that protection components in unemployment benefits and housing allowance—abolished by the current government in 2024—significantly increased part-time work among the unemployed without reducing their chances of later securing full-time employment. The findings have reignited debate over the policy’
Economy
Teollisuuden Voima (TVO) has announced that the Olkiluoto 3 (OL3) nuclear power plant unit will operate at reduced capacity for the coming weeks due to a technical fault in two of its main circulation pumps. The plant is currently producing electricity at approximately 1,300 megawatts, which corresponds to about
Economy
Finland’s annual inflation rate remained unchanged at 2.1% in July, matching the level recorded in June, according to Statistics Finland (Yle reports). The stability in inflation was driven by rising consumer prices for gasoline, electricity, and diesel, which offset declines in the cost of owner-occupied housing and
Economy
The Ministry of Finance has initiated an assessment procedure with the city of Pyhäjärvi due to its critically deficit-ridden financial situation. MTV Uutiset reports that the decision follows concerns over the city’s ability to meet its statutory obligations. The procedure will examine whether Pyhäjärvi can independently ensure the
Economy
Finland is contributing EUR 28.5 million from its development cooperation funds to support the reconstruction of Ukraine’s war-damaged energy infrastructure. The funding will finance the delivery of power plant engines manufactured by Wärtsilä Finland Oy, with the total project value amounting to EUR 45.6 million. Ukraine