Security of supply and securing of vital functions in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is responsible for developing security of supply and coordinating preparedness measures. Each ministry is responsible for developing security of supply within their respective mandates. Securing a sufficient labour workforce supports the security of supply. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is responsible for issues concerning supply of daily consumer goods, industrial production, and security of energy supply.

Security of supply refers to the safeguarding of the basic needs for economic continuity, material conditions and infrastructure vital to the livelihood of the population, the national economy and the national defence. The National Emergency Supply Agency operates under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Its task is to develop and maintain security of supply in Finland. The National Emergency Supply Agency also coordinates preparedness cooperation between the authorities and business and industry and is responsible for state emergency and security stockpiling.

The Government sets general targets for security of supply, defining the necessary level of preparedness based on the basic needs. The current targets are based on a Government decision issued in 2018. The decision serves primarily as a target-setting document for the ministries and their administrative branches with regard to security of supply. The targets also serve as a foundation for the securing of sufficient labour force.

The necessary degree of security of supply depends on the threats and risks in society. Safeguarding security of supply in all conditions requires a reliable and maintainable preparedness to produce consumer goods and to direct production, distribution, consumption and exports and imports.