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.
The acts regulating the powers of national authorities supervising the provisions of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act will enter into force on 1 January 2026. The President of the Republic approved the legislative amendments on the proposal of the Government on 22 December 2025.
As of 1 January 2026, an employment relationship may be terminated on less weightier grounds if the employee violates the obligations arising from the employment relationship. Whether sufficient grounds for dismissal exist will continue to be based on a comprehensive consideration, and dismissal may not take place for a minor or discriminatory reason.
Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen and Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto
Finland has decided to apply for support from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to reduce the impact of terminations announced by the paper industry in October. Finland will submit an application to the European Commission in early 2026 after the number of people being made redundant is known. Funding will be used for services promoting re-employment.
Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala and Estonia’s Minister of Energy and the Environment Anders Sutt discussed future opportunities for Finnish-Estonian energy cooperation in Helsinki on 18 December 2025. The countries have so far had successful collaboration on developing the transmission networks for electricity and gas, protecting critical infrastructure and creating a common electricity market.
The responsibility for organising public employment services was transferred from the state’s employment and economic development offices to municipalities and municipal co-management areas on 1 January 2025.
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 23 government agencies subject to performance guidance. In addition, five companies and three off-budget State funds belong to the administrative branch.
