The Government proposes to designate the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) as the centralised national contact point in matters related to the EU’s Digital Markets Act. The FCCA would also assist the European Commission in inspections, for example.

All Finnish ministries will begin to apply the ‘one-in, one-out principle’ in order to lighten the administrative burden on companies. According to the principle, Government-proposed increases in regulatory burdens on companies must be matched by equal reductions in regulatory burdens elsewhere. The work will begin immediately after the start of Parliament’s spring session.

Together with 14 other Member States, Finland has published views on the development of the EU Single Market in the coming years. The European Commission and EU Member States agree that the Single Market faces increasing expectations, including due to the digital and green transitions.

The EU ministers responsible for competitiveness will meet at informal meetings in Stockholm in early February 2023. Thematically, the internal market and industrial policy meeting will focus on the ongoing debate on the EU economy and global competitiveness, especially as concerns the internal market and green transition. The research and innovation meeting will discuss research infrastructures and scientific publication.

The Commission will have extensive powers to investigate the effects of subsidies from third countries on the internal market. In addition, the Commission must be notified in advance of major acquisitions and public procurement contracts. The aim is to ensure a level playing field for companies in the EU’s internal market. The regulation entered into force on 12 January 2023 and its application will begin in stages.