Working group to examine legislation on plants handling dangerous chemicals and explosives important for national defence

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has appointed a working group of public officials to assess legislation concerning plants handling dangerous chemicals and explosives which are important for national defence. Due to the changed security environment in Finland, the processing of licence applications, disclosure obligations and data processing of these plants will be evaluated.

“The licencing process must be quick and seamless in defence industry projects. That is why, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has launched work to ensure that legislation meets the needs of national defence in both current and future projects as well as possible,” says Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen.

At the moment, the permit procedures of production plants handling and storing dangerous chemicals and explosives only partly consider the sites important for national defence. It is necessary to assess the possible legislative amendments so that the security aspects and confidentiality of data relating to the plants can be ensured in official procedures. 

The working group will form a common view of the current situation and, if necessary, prepare a proposal for legislative amendments. The term of the working group ends on 31 December 2025. 

Inquiries:
Pauliina Kanerva, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 060 160, (available for comment 1–4 July 2025)
Mikko Holm, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 047 377 (available for comment on 7–11 July 2025)
Eriika Melkas, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 047 134 (available for comment from 14 July 2025)