Security Strategy for Society

On 16 January 2025, the Government adopted, as a resolution, the Security Strategy for Society prepared by the Security Committee. The purpose of the strategy is to provide a common concept for comprehensive security for society as a whole, which serves as a framework for safeguarding the vital functions defined in the strategy. In addition, the strategy establishes sets of tasks for ministries in their respective administrative branches. Taking care of these tasks is essential for safeguarding vital functions during disruptions in normal conditions as well as emergency conditions under the legislation on emergency powers. There are 56 strategic tasks, and the ministries participate in safeguarding them in accordance with the division of tasks defined in the strategy.

• Government resolution: Security Strategy for Society 
• Security Strategy for Society | turvallisuuskomitea.fi

The strategy thus also guides the administrative branch of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in carrying out the strategic tasks for which it is responsible in all situations. The Security Strategy for Society complements the Government Decision on the Objectives of Security of Supply (568/2024). Security of supply is part of comprehensive security in accordance with the Security Strategy for Society. The decision is not legally binding, but it lays down guidelines for the authorities on the management and development of security of supply in their respective administrative branches.

• Government Decision on the Objectives of Security of Supply (568/2024) | Finlex.fi (in Finnish)

Tasks of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment's sector in accordance with the Security Strategy for Society

Safeguarding energy supply

Safeguarding energy supply requires the following:

• stockpiling fuels at the company and state levels
• the state's control over critical infrastructure
• the capacity to repair damaged energy connections
• the capability to regulate energy use
• skilled workforce and adequate equipment

Energy supply is based on sufficient procurement and distribution of different forms of energy, the functioning and recoverability of the infrastructure, domestic energy sources and preparedness planning. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is in charge of safeguarding energy supply, but the practical measures are implemented by companies in the sector. Preparedness by the business community is guided by the National Emergency Supply Agency.

Securing the availability of workforce

Securing the availability of workforce requires the following:

• preparedness for directing workforce in emergency conditions
• anticipating education and training needs in critical sectors
• ensuring the usability of persons in non-military national service and foreign workers
• reserving personnel in accordance with the Conscription Act
• up-to-date legislation on directing workforce

The availability of workforce is secured for companies that are vital for the functions of society, public administration, national defence and sectors related to the basic security of the population. The objective is to regulate the use of workforce first by means of regular job intermediation measures also in emergency conditions. The functioning of electronic operating environments must also be ensured.

Safeguarding vital industries and services

Safeguarding vital industries and services requires the following:

• stockpiling of critical raw materials, components and other production inputs, and securing their import
• cooperation and contractual arrangements between the public and private sectors
• developing and supporting companies' continuity management
• creating and sharing centralised situational awareness

Preparedness by companies is primarily based on their independent risk management and the voluntary pool operations of the National Emergency Supply Organisation. From the perspective of security of supply, it is key to safeguard essential production, distribution, infrastructure and export industries. Safeguarding industries and services also ensures that the capacity to maintain and repair the materiel of the Finnish Defence Forces is preserved.

Ensuring the availability of space services

Ensuring the availability of space services requires the following:

• the national capacity to process satellite signals and terrestrial infrastructure
• active participation in international cooperation on space services and seeking contractual arrangements
• harnessing the national special characteristics to offer something in return for access to services

The aim is to strengthen Finland's national competence in space-based services and access to international capabilities. Society and security, defence and security of supply actors must, in all situations, have access to services that are key with regard to security of supply.

Securing the supply of food and daily consumer goods

Securing the supply of food and daily consumer goods requires the following:

• safeguarding the continuity of production through emergency stockpiling and securing the availability of foreign production inputs
• promoting the profitability of domestic food production and ensuring the functioning of logistics and retail trade
• adaptation to the changes arising from climate change
• securing foreign trade under all circumstances

Securing food supply ensures the availability, quality and safety of nutrition for the population. The aim is to secure, in all security situations, the availability of food products and other staples important for the wellbeing of the population, as well as the operating conditions for mass catering.

Other tasks of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment

In addition to the tasks mentioned above, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment also participates in the following tasks:

• ensuring the functioning of Finland’s foreign trade,
• combatting social exclusion and inequality,
• securing immigration processes,
• combatting and preventing environmental damage,
• preparedness for biological threats,
• preparedness for radiation hazards,
• preparedness for chemical threats,
• securing transport networks and transport, and
• ensuring the functioning of the social welfare and healthcare information systems and the availability of critical supplies.