A major change to the way welfare regions receive state funding has been proposed; the draft legislation, to take effect at the beginning of 2027, would reduce allocations to large population centres and shift emphasis on assessed service needs

New national digital guidelines set stricter limits on children’s use of smartphones, social media and screens during free time: authorizes smartphones and all social media use for children above 13, calling for no screen time at all for those under two

Tax and price changes that came into force in 2026 affecting consumers, income taxation and social support include a rise in prices of tobacco, nicotine products, and alcohol, while minor relief is expected in food, fuel and medical costs

The Director General of Finland’s Social Insurance Institution Kela has taken extended medical leave until the end of May 2026 after being diagnosed with a serious illness while on a work trip to Brussels

Over 700 students and staff at the University of Helsinki walked out of classes to protest academic cooperation with Israeli universities; similar demonstrations took place at universities in Tampere, Turku, Kuopio, Jyväskylä, Oulu and Rovaniemi