Finland

The share of foreign workers almost doubled in the last ten years, reports a survey by ETLA Economic Research, which positively assessed the effects of this trend

The Finnish parliament overwhelmingly supported its application for NATO membership, with 184 members of the 200-seat parliament voting in favour, seven against and one abstention

Last year, Russian citizens bought property in Finland at a record rate, up 64%, managing to circumvent new rules that do not allow them and other non-EU citizens to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Defence

2 pandas that China loaned to Finland 5 years ago could have a major impact on trade relations if Helsinki does not find the funds to maintain them, since the pandemic has dashed all hopes of the expensive animals becoming lucrative tourist attractions

A 75% increase in wind power capacity has led to an increase in foreign investment in the country, bringing it closer to its green transition goals; 437 new wind turbines went into operation last year

A four-billion-euro investment is planned for a green steel plant in Inkoo; decarbonized steel is a critical material for green energy production

Christmas cards and greetings messages are important to recipients: over 50% thinks cards, letters and parcels sent for Christmas are the most popular postal items, shows a survey by Posti, Finland's leading postal service

Finns searched for info associated with Russian invasion of Ukraine, with Google stating 'Ukraine', 'Russia', 'Nato', 'Putin', 'ruble exchange rate' were the most popular search terms and 'why is Russia invading Ukraine' one of most popular questions

The Finnish Nature Conservation Association and Greenpeace claim that the government has not met its carbon neutrality target and will take the matter to the Supreme Administrative Court

In its concluding statement on the country's economic outlook, the International Monetary Fund recommended that Finland pursue structural reforms to stimulate long-term growth