Finland

A proposal to reduce and clarify the goals of Finland’s basic education curriculum has drawn resistance from politicians, business representatives and municipal leaders, who warn that falling learning results must not lead to lower standards in schools

Kruunuvuori Bridge in Helsinki opened to pedestrians and cyclists: it is the first public use of the structure that city leaders say will change daily travel between Laajasalo and inner city; crowds of visitors filled the full length of the new crossing

A legionella pneumonia warning has been issued focusing on the risks tied to handling dry soil and compost; 2025 counted the highest annual total of legionella infections, with authorities linking many cases to contact with soil and compost products

Non-biometric passports issued by the Russian Federation will no longer be accepted in Finland starting 1 June, with a few exceptions, foreign affairs ministry announced

The lowest number of job vacancies since 2016 were recorded in Finland at the end of 2025; Statistics Finland reported that employers posted 34.100 open positions-22% on 2024

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

The Left Alliance has formally supported full legalisation of cannabis, going beyond itsposition of decriminalising personal use and minor possession; new party program supports legalisation of use, sale in state-owned shops, limited personal cultivation

Two forestry companies registered in Sotkamo are under criminal investigation for suspected large-scale human trafficking, aggravated extortion, and illegal immigration for misuse of work-based residence permits and visas issued to 180 foreigners