The number of unemployed jobseekers rose by 29,100 from October of last year. The number of new vacancies reported totalled 27,300. In all, the number of unfilled vacancies in October was 51,300, which is 50,700 fewer than a year ago.

The Government proposes that the Integration Act, which will enter into force at the beginning of 2025, be amended to strengthen central government finances. The proposal aims to achieve the savings target set in the government session on spending limits and the government budget session.

The expected recovery of the employment rate will be delayed by the labour market downturn in autumn 2024. Long-term unemployment is projected to increase until 2026.

Finland and the United Kingdom will intensify their cooperation in a broad range of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim to establish structures for collaboration concerning nuclear energy projects, programmes, research and development, and policies.

The EU faces challenging prospects for the next five years. The geopolitical situation is uncertain, and the political landscape in several countries is unstable. There is a need to boost the economy, and clean solutions are seen as a driver of growth. However, these investments require huge capital and a stable regulatory environment. In his column, Director General Riku Huttunen reflects on the outlook for EU energy and climate policy and the choice between placing more emphasis on markets or on subsidies and regulation.