On 12 February 2026, the Government decided on the allocation of funds for 2026 under the EU’s Regional and Structural Policy Programme, ‘Innovation and Skills in Finland 2021–2027’, and on the allocation of funds from the 2021–2027 Interreg programmes.
Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto is pleased with the icebreaker agreement between the United States Coast Guard and the Helsinki shipyard published today. The Coast Guard and the Rauma shipyard announced their agreement already on 29 December 2025. With the agreements, the building of four icebreakers will begin at the shipyards in Helsinki and Rauma.
The demand for skilled labour in the maritime industry is growing. Competence requirements in the sector, especially for highly skilled tasks, are changing. This is the conclusion of a report on the skills needs of the maritime industry published by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment on 11 February 2026.
The Government aims to increase fair and open competition. For this reason, it proposes several amendments to increase competition in public procurement and limit the use of in-house entities.
Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto will visit the United Arab Emirates, Zambia and South Africa from 2 to 10 February 2026. The purpose of the visit is to promote exports of Finnish companies and to strengthen Finland’s role in the mineral value chains.
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.
