Under the proposal, a fixed-term employment contract could be concluded without a justified reason for a maximum of one year if certain conditions are met. The Government also proposes to shorten the notice period for lay-offs and to limit the employer’s obligation to re-employ dismissed employees. The proposal for the amendments was submitted to Parliament on 15 January 2026.
In order to promote the capture of biogenic carbon dioxide, the Government has decided to grant investment aid totalling EUR 90 million for the construction of capture capacity. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has now launched a call for applications for the competitive bidding process for the investment aid. Applications can be submitted at Business Finland’s e-service portal no later than 31 March 2026.
Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto is pleased with the agreement on icebreaker cooperation between the United States Coast Guard and the Rauma shipyard, according to which two icebreakers will be built at the shipyard. Negotiations between the Coast Guard and the Helsinki shipyard are also likely to be concluded in the near future, bringing the number of icebreakers to be built in Finland up to four.
On 22 December 2025, the Government adopted a decree on a new grant that employment authorities can use to help companies hire unemployed young people under 30 years of age. This grant is also known as the employment voucher or recruitment subsidy.
At the beginning of 2026, a reform entered into force where the operations of regional state administration were organised into ten Economic Development Centres with offices in each region.
The Sustainable Growth Programme boosts competitiveness, investment, research, development and innovation, as well as measures to raise skill levels. On our website you can find information on funding that the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the government agencies under its purview provide to companies, including calls for applications.
The sectoral low-carbon roadmaps prepared in 2020 are updated in accordance with Prime Minister Orpo’s Government Programme. Roadmaps will pave the way for a low-carbon future.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment creates the conditions for economically, socially and ecologically sustainable growth. It comes from skilled people in high-quality jobs, productivity growth and increasing employment.
The administrative branch of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment comprises 18 government agencies subject to performance guidance. In addition, five companies and three off-budget State funds belong to the administrative branch.
