COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 2025 Rule of Law Report Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Finland Accompanying the document Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions 2025 Rule of Law Report The rule of law situation in the European Union

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COMMISSION
Strasbourg, 8.7.2025
SWD(2025) 926 final
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT
2025 Rule of Law Report
Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Finland
Accompanying the document
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the
European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions
2025 Rule of Law Report
The rule of law situation in the European Union
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ABSTRACT
The level of perceived judicial independence in Finland continues to be very high. The
working group aiming to strengthen the independence of the justice system proceeded
with their work, and limited steps were taken on the issue of the appointment of lay
judges. The reliance on the appointment of non-permanent judges is a concern for
stakeholders. The Government took steps to strengthen victim protection in the context of
alternative dispute resolution in criminal cases. The project of digitalising case
management for general courts was concluded in 2024, with a further development of the
system ongoing. The level of legal aid fees for private legal practitioners was increased.
While the justice system functions efficiently overall, the latest figures indicate a slight
increase in the length of proceedings in certain areas.
The perception among experts, citizens and business executives is that Finland is one of
the least corrupt countries in the world. The new anti-corruption Action Plan for 2024–
2027 was approved in 2025. Cooperation between the police and prosecution continues
smoothly, with adequate resources allowing them to efficiently perform their tasks. The
government is planning to propose legislation to criminalise trading in influence and
revise the foreign bribery offence once the proposed EU Directive against corruption is
agreed. Further initiatives are taking place to potentially further strengthen the integrity
framework for Ministers with a Code of Conduct. The Transparency Register Act is
reported to function well. A legislative proposal on limiting ‘revolving doors’ for
Ministers has been submitted to Parliament and legislative amendments on developing
transparency in political party financing legislation entered into force. New initiatives are
aimed at tackling corruption risks in the public procurement area, which remains a high-
risk area for corruption, just as urban and land use planning.
The national media regulatory authorities are undergoing structural changes while their
independence remains stable. The updates of ethical rules for the press have started to
apply and the self-regulatory Finnish Council for Mass Media continues to deal with a
high number of complaints about journalistic ethics. The government has proposed new
legislation to further strengthen the independence of the public service media while also
reducing its funding. Some steps have been made to strengthen the right of access to
information. The framework for the protection of journalists has remained stable.
The law-making process is overall inclusive, though stakeholders highlight areas for
improvement, such as ensuring that the minimum length of consultation periods is
observed in practice. The civil society framework remains open, although some
stakeholders continue to report a change in the narrative concerning the role of civil
society actors.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Overall, concerning the recommendations in the 2024 Rule of Law Report, Finland has
(made):
• Fully implemented the recommendation to continue the work of the working group
‘Rule of Law Guarantees and Development of the Judicial System’ with a view to
strengthen the independence of the justice system and increase the quality of legal
protection.
• Limited progress on reforming the appointment of lay judges, taking into account
European standards on judicial independence.
• Limited progress on adopting legislation on trading in influence and proposing a
revision on the criminal offence of foreign bribery.
• Limited progress on strengthening the integrity and accountability framework
applicable to ministers and other persons entrusted with top executive functions by
adopting a code of conduct for them.
• Some further progress on further advancing with the reform of the Act on the
Openness of Government Activities to ensure effective and wider access to
documents taking into account the European standards on access to official
documents.
On this basis, and considering other developments that took place in the period of
reference, it is recommended to Finland to:
• Advance the reform of the appointment of lay judges, taking into account European
standards on judicial independence.
• Take forward the revision of the criminal offence of foreign bribery.
• Continue efforts to strengthen the integrity and accountability framework applicable
to ministers and other persons entrusted with top executive functions by adopting a
code of conduct for them.
• Advance with the reform of the Act on the Openness of Government Activities to
ensure effective access to documents taking into account the European standards on
access to official documents.
I. JUSTICE SYSTEM1
Independence
The level of perceived judicial independence in Finland continues to be very high
among both the general public and companies. Overall, 89% of the general population
and 90% of companies perceived the level of independence of courts and judges to be
‘fairly or very good’ in 20252
. The perceived judicial independence among the general
public has increased in comparison with 2024 (83%), as well as with 2021 (83%). The
perceived judicial independence among companies has slightly decreased in comparison
with 2024 (91%) and has increased in comparison with 2021 (86%).
The recommendation to continue the work of the working group aiming to
strengthen the independence of the justice system was fully implemented3. The
working group ‘Rule of Law Guarantees and Development of the Judicial System’4
continues with its project to strengthen the independence of the judiciary and promote
high-quality, user-oriented legal protection5
. The comments received on the preliminary
proposals, presented by the working group in 2024, will be further examined in 2025 and
20266
. In order to properly assess the necessary constitutional and other legislative
changes required to strengthen the independence of courts and judges, a dedicated
‘Independence working group’ was established7
. The working group is focused on
identifying possible constitutional and/or legislative amendments, in particular with
regard to the number of judges in the highest courts, the appointment process for judges,
judges’ right to remain in office, and judicial misconduct. Stakeholders welcome the
objectives of the working group and emphasise notably the importance of addressing the
number of judges in the highest courts, and the appointment process for permanent and
fixed-term judges, as well as for lay judges. They also note that instead of preparing a
legislative draft, as originally envisaged, the working group will issue a memorandum,
which may delay the process of adoption of the proposals8
. Since the working group
continues with its project and is envisaged to issue a memorandum proposing legislative
changes to strengthen the independence of the justice system, this recommendation has
been fully implemented.
1
An overview of the institutional framework for all four pillars can be found here.
2
Figures 50 and 52, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard and Figures 49 and 51, 2023 EU Justice Scoreboard.
The level of perceived judicial independence is categorised as follows: very low (below 30% of
respondents perceive judicial independence as fairly good and very good); low (between 30-39%),
average (between 40-59%), high (between 60-75%), very high (above 75%).
3
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Finland to “[c]ontinue the work of the working group
‘Rule of Law Guarantees and Development of the Judicial System’ with a view to strengthen the
independence of the justice system and increase the quality of legal protection.”
4
The working group consists of six subgroups, with a working plan for the years 2023–2027.
5
2024 Rule of Law Report, Finland, p. 4.
6
Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 7. The conclusions of the whole project are expected to
be presented in 2027.
7
The mandate of this working group ‘Constitutional guarantees for the independence of the judiciary‘
runs until the end of 2026.
8
Country visit Finland, Supreme Administrative Court, Supreme Court, Chancellor of Justice, Finnish
Bar Association.
Limited progress has been made to reform the appointment of lay judges9. Lay
judges, who participate in certain non-criminal cases and in serious criminal cases where
the maximum penalty exceeds two years of imprisonment, are currently appointed by
political parties, with the number of appointments allocated according to the results of
the local elections. The Ministry of Justice issued an assessment memorandum in April
2025, comments were received on the assessment memorandum and a summary of
opinions will be prepared later in 202510
. The matter is also under assessment in the
working group on ‘Rule of Law Guarantees and Development of the Judicial System’.
While there is broad consensus among stakeholders on the need to revise the selection
procedure for lay judges11
as the involvement of political parties raises independence and
impartiality concerns, some have called for the abolishment of the institute of lay judges
altogether12
. In light of the current situation, limited progress has been made on the
recommendation.
The reliance on the appointment of non-permanent judges is a concern for
stakeholders due to perceived challenges for judicial independence. The current
system of selection of judges allows for appointing judges for a fixed term of service,
which allows for a faster selection and appointment procedure as opposed to permanent
judges13
. The possible extension of the term of a non-permanent judge depends on the
assessment of his or her performance, effectiveness and social skills, carried out by the
supervising head of department or President of the court14
. In 2024, 16 % of the total
number of judges in Finland held a non-permanent position, while in the District Court
Helsinki they constitute approximately a third of the total number of judges15
. Non-
permanent judges may also be appointed to the highest courts. Stakeholders perceive
potential challenges for judicial independence in this regard, also due to the
interconnectedness of the design of the appointments and the court’s budget16
. They
noted that a more comprehensive reform of the procedure of selection of judges would be
instrumental in achieving a better balance between permanent and non-permanent
posts17
.
Quality
The Government took steps to strengthen victim protection in the context of
alternative dispute resolution in criminal cases. Mediation between the suspect and the
victim is possible when certain conditions are met18
, aiming to reconcile the two sides
while alleviating the workload of courts and law enforcement authorities. Mediation is
voluntary, free of charge, conducted by local mediation offices and subject to the consent
of both parties19
. Mediation is available for all types of crimes, including serious offences
9
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Finland to “[r]eform the appointment of lay judges,
taking into account European standards on judicial independence.”
10
Country visit Finland, Finnish Government.
11
Country visit Finland, National Courts Administration.
12
Country visit Finland, Parliamentary Ombudsman, Association of Judges.
13
Court’s Act.
14
Country visit Finland, Association of Judges.
15
National Administration of Courts, additional written input. Country visit Finland, Association of
Judges.
16
Country visit Finland, Association of Judges, Supreme Administrative Court.
17
Country visit Finland, National Administration of Courts, Association of Judges.
18
This matter is stipulated in the Act on the Mediation of Criminal Matters and Certain Civil Matters.
19
Mediation may be initiated by the victim, the suspect, but also ex officio by the police officer or public
prosecutor, with a wide margin for discretion. The initiation of mediation may lead to mitigating
punishment, limiting pre-trial investigation, discontinuing prosecution and is considered as a factor in
and, in some cases, crimes against minors. Despite legal safeguards in place, stakeholders
raised concerns that the use of mediation may be promoted to avoid fully-fledged
criminal investigations, and that mediation is not suitable for assault or serious crimes
against life and health20
. In response, an amendment excluding cases of domestic
violence from mediation entered into force in January 2025, which was welcomed by the
stakeholders21
.
The project of digitalising case management for general courts was concluded in
2024, with a further development of the system ongoing. The project aimed at
digitalising case management in general courts and prosecutors’ offices (‘AIPA’), was
concluded in 2024, marking the end of an intensive project phase. In the final stage of
implementation, the system was introduced also for criminal cases at district courts and
rolled out to appellate courts as well22
. A transitional period remains for prosecutors, who
currently operate two parallel systems, with full integration expected by late 202523
.
While stakeholders welcome the progress achieved, they also note that there is room for
further improvement24
. There has been no development on the envisaged electronic
portal for attorneys and other legal representatives which is considered an important tool
to increase transparency, equality of arms and overall efficiency in court proceedings25
.
The level of legal aid fees for private legal practitioners was increased. In January 2025, the
Ministry of Justice increased the level of legal aid fees for private legal practitioners,
which had remained unchanged since 201426
. Following the reorganisation of the legal
aid and public guardianship districts carried out by the Ministry of Justice, a National
Legal Services Authority became operational on 1 January 202527
. Stakeholders
generally welcome this development. As regards the level of court fees, some
sentencing. Parties to the mediation may reach an agreement, or the process may be interrupted in
favour of going to court, or there might be no agreement.
20
Deputy Chancellor of Justice(2020), p. 143.
21
Country visit Finland, National Prosecution Authority, Supreme Court, Parliamentary Ombudsman.
22
Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 11.
23
Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 11. Country visit Finland, National Prosecution
Authority.
24
Country visit Finland, Supreme Court, National Courts Administration, National Prosecution
Authority. Supreme Administrative Court noted positive experience with the system for administrative
courts (‚HAIPA‘), with some room for improvement.
25
Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (2025), written input, p. 2. Country visit Finland,
Association of Judges.
26
The Supreme Court concluded in 2024 (KKO:2024:71) that the previous amount applicable since 2014
was no longer reasonable and disapplied the Government decree setting the fee which was in force at
the time. However, the Supreme Administrative Court issued a diverging ruling (KHO:2024:129) and
continued to apply the said decree. Subsequently, the Ministry of Justice amended the decree
increasing the hourly fee to 120 euro. This new amount was considered to be insufficient by some
stakeholders. Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (2025), written input, p. 2. The new
amount was below the threshold set by the Supreme Court ruling, which temporarily contributed to a
continued lack of uniform application. Finnish Bar Association (2025), written input, p. 2. Country
visit Finland, Finnish Bar Association, Supreme Court, Supreme Administrative Court. However, in
April 2025, the Supreme Court found the new fee compatible with the Legal Aid Act (KKO:2025:38),
removing the need for further legislative amendments. Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 9.
stakeholders pointed out that in intellectual property matters at the Market Court28
, the
levels amount to EUR 2 440, which could affect access to justice29
.
Efficiency
While the justice system functions efficiently overall, the latest figures indicate a
slight increase in the length of proceedings in certain areas. The disposition time in
civil and commercial cases at first instance saw an increase from 327 in 2022 to 349 days
in 2023. For administrative cases at first instance, the disposition time was lower and
decreased from 281 in 2022 to 263 in 2023. Some stakeholders continue to see room for
improvement as regards the length of proceedings30
, including business stakeholders with
respect to commercial matters31
. The Supreme Court has now the possibility, since April
2025, to issue preliminary rulings on cases referred to it by lower courts, with the aim to
steer legal questions of a precedential nature more effectively32
. This step is generally
welcomed by stakeholders, who view this as a way to unify jurisprudence across the
country. They also note that while this institute limits the parties’ right to appeal, consent
of the parties is required for such referral33
. In 2024, the Ministry of Justice closed down
three venues of district courts, and the closing of three more detached court premises is
under consideration, with the aim to increase the efficiency of the judicial system34
.
Stakeholders view these changes as generally acceptable but note the need to maintain a
sufficient level of access to courts35
.
II. ANTI-CORRUPTION FRAMEWORK
The perception among experts, citizens and business executives is that Finland is
one of the least corrupt countries in the world. In the 2024 Corruption Perceptions
Index by Transparency International, Finland scores 88/100 and ranks 2nd
in the
European Union and 2nd
globally36
. This perception has been relatively stable over the
past five years37
. The 2025 Special Eurobarometer on Corruption shows that 21% of
respondents consider corruption widespread in their country (EU average 69%) and 9%
of respondents feel personally affected by corruption in their daily lives (EU average
30%). As regards businesses, 28% of companies consider that corruption is widespread
(EU average 63%) and 18% consider that corruption is a problem when doing business
(EU average 35%). Furthermore, 49% of respondents find that there are enough
successful prosecutions to deter people from corrupt practices (EU average 36%), while
28
A specialised court with exclusive jurisdiction over certain commercial matters, specifically
procurement, competition and supervision matters, market law matters and intellectual property rights
matters. Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 12.
29
Finnish Chamber of Commerce (2025), written input. Country visit Finland, Supreme Administrative
Court.
30
Country visit Finland, Human Rights Centre.
31
Finnish Chamber of Commerce, Confederation of Finnish Industries (2025), additional written input.
32
Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 9.
33
Once the lower courts refer the preliminary question to the Supreme Court, the lower courts are bound
by its decision.
34
Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 12.
35
Country visit Finland, Finnish Bar Association, Association of Judges.
36
The level of perceived corruption is categorised as follows: low (the perception among experts and
business executives of public sector corruption scores above 79); relatively low (scores between 79-
60), relatively high (scores between 59-50), high (scores below 50).
37
In 2020 the score was 85, while, in 2024, the score is 88. The score significantly increases/decreases
when it changes more than five points; improves/deteriorates (changes between 4-5 points); has been
relatively stable (changes from 1-3 points) in the last five years.
62% of companies believe that people and businesses caught for bribing a senior official
are appropriately punished (EU average 33%)38
.
The new anti-corruption Action Plan for 2024–2027 was approved in 2025. The final
implementation report of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and 2021–2023 Action
Plan, expected in July 2024, were postponed to 2025. The new 2024–2027 Action Plan
of the national anti-corruption strategy was approved in June 2025. It is based on the
already established anti-corruption strategy, with a focus on the regional and local levels,
as well as on the recommendations of international bodies and risk areas (i.e. public
procurement)39
. Civil society has been involved in the design of this new Action Plan40
.
The 2024 Anti-corruption policy of the police, recommended by GRECO41
, has been
supplemented by an implementation plan in the summer of 2024 and is reported to be
well implemented. It includes trainings in every unit of the police as well as
incorporating an ethical code which has been valid since 201842
.
Cooperation between the police and prosecution continues smoothly, with adequate
resources allowing them to efficiently perform their tasks. The police considers its
current level of resources and expertise to deal with anti-corruption cases as adequate. In
corruption investigations, the police is able to engage investigators allocated to
dermanding financial crime investigations, when necessary. The police benefits from
specific trainings for the National Bureau of Investigation, local police stations and the
Financial Intelligence Unit43
. The Anti-Corruption Cooperation Network, gathering
ministries, prosecution and police services, is reported to provide fruitful exchanges
regarding the fight against corruption44
. The cooperation with the EPPO is reported to be
efficient45
.
There has been limited progress on the recommendation to adopt legislation to
criminalise trading in influence and revise the foreign bribery offence46
. The Finnish
Government is planning to launch the legislative process once the forthcoming EU
Directive on combating corruption is adopted and enters into force. As already reported
in previous years, the Ministry of Justice prepared a draft proposal on criminalising
trading in influence in 2022, which would now be considered as a part of the reform
38
Data from special Eurobarometer 561 (2025). Flash Eurobarometer 557 (2025).
39
Finnish Government (2025), Government Resolution on the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and
Action Plan 2025-2027. Country visit Finland, Ministry of Justice. Finnish Government (2025),
written input, p. 15. 2024 Rule of Law Report, Finland, p. 11.
40
Country visit Finland, Ministry of Justice and Transparency International Finland.
41
GRECO (2023), recommendation vii, p. 9.
42
Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 16. Country visit Finland, National Police Board. Police
of Finland (2024), Police Anticorruption Policy. This Anticorruption Policy includes 1) Maintaining
high trust in the police, 2) The police has zero tolerance to corruption, 3) We are aware of, recognise
and manage corruption risks, 4) We ensure the detection and reporting of misconducts, and 5) Faced
with any corruptive features, we take immediate action.
43
Country visit Finland, National Prosecution Authority, NBI and National Police Board. Within the
NBI, one national coordinator is responsible for the fight against corruption, and two detectives are
charged with anti-corruption tasks.
44
Country visit Finland, National Police Board.
45
Prosecution services received 10 cases of corruption cases from the police in 2024, compared to 9 in
2023. Country visit Finland, National Prosecution Authority. No EPPO corruption cases have been
reported in Finland in 2024. EPPO (2024), p. 29.
46
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Finland to “[a]dopt legislation on trading in influence
and propose a revision on the criminal offence of foreign bribery.”
expected with the future EU directive47
. This would also cover reforms to laws on
bribery48
. The study “Development Needs for Legislation on Bribery Offences”,
published by the Ministry of Justice in May 2024, proposes alternative models for
simplifying the essential elements, criminalising trading in influence, improving the
effiency of imposing confiscation in bribery of a foreign party, and clarifying the
definition of a foreign official49
. The revision of the foreign bribery offence has also been
recommended in previous reports, and by the OECD. In 2022, the Government published
an independent study covering foreign bribery50
, and the new independent study
published in 2024 analysed possible needs for amendments51
. The police reports that the
Criminal Code’s threshold for sufficient evidence makes it sometimes difficult to bring
some cases forward, especially related to bribery involving international elements and the
trading of influence52
. Overall, as the government is planning to take steps to criminalise
trading in influence and revise the provisions on foreign bribery once new EU legislation
enters into force, limited progress has been made on this recommendation of the 2024
Rule of Law Report.
There has been limited progress on the recommendation concerning the integrity
framework for Ministers and top executive functions, with Ministers still not
covered by the Code of Conduct53
. A Code of Conduct for civil servants and top
executive functions is in place since 2021, which however does not apply to Ministers54
.
The Minister’s Handbook, updated in 2023, includes principles of good governance55
. A
dedicated Code of Conduct for Ministers would address other sensitive integrity related
areas, as also recommended by GRECO56
. The new Action Plan of the National Anti-
Corruption Strategy 2024-2027 adopted by the Government contains a measure whereby
a document outlining the key guidelines for ministers concerning the prevention of
corruption and the promotion of integrity will be compiled into a single document.57
.
Overall, as reflections are still ongoing, limited progress has been made on this
recommendation of the 2024 Rule of Law Report58
.
The Transparency Register Act, establishing an electronic transparency register
and upgrading the lobbying framework, is reported to function well. Overall, the
47
2024 Rule of Law Report, Finland, pp. 11-12. Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and
of the Council on combating corruption, COM(2023) 234 final. The Proposal is currently under
discussion.
48
Finnish Government (2025), written input, pp. 14-15.
49
Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 6; p. 14.
50
Government Office (2022), Corruption in international business, Current state of regulation,
application practice and training and needs for change. The study shows that there is a need to develop
the supply of education, trainings as well as legislation and application practice.
51
Country visit Finland, Ministry of Justice. Finnish Government (2025), written input, pp. 14-15. 2024
Rule of Law Report, p. 12.
52
National Police Board (2025), additional written input, p. 2.
53
2024 Rule of Law Report, Finland, pp. 13-14. The 2024 Rule of Law report recommended to Finland
to “[s]trengthen the integrity and accountability framework applicable to ministers and other persons
entrusted with top executive functions by adopting a code of conduct for them.”
54
It covers senior officials in central government, who are subject to financial disclosure requirements.
55
It includes legal and political responsibility of ministers, declaration of private interests and rules on
receiving hospitality, benefits and gifts.
56
GRECO (2023), recommendation i, paras. 17, 96. 2024 Rule of Law Report, pp. 13-14. Investigations
of corruption by members of the Government follow a different procedure than normal corruption
investigation. The Minister’s Handbook is generic, and no enforcement mechanism is in place.
GRECO (2023), recommendation iv and v, paras. 28-41.
57
Finnish government (2025), Government Resolution on the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and
Action Plan 2025-2027, p.20. Country visit Finland, Ministry of Justice.
58
Country visit Finland, National Prosecution Authority.
framework for lobbying is composed of several acts and administrative guidelines. The
2024 Transparency Registry Act lays down the obligation to register influencing
activities and related professional advice by legal persons and private traders59
. Lobbying
activities targeted at Parliament and ministries must be reported to the Transparency
Register, managed by the National Audit Office. In 2024, the Ministry of Justice
organised targeted awareness raising and training campaigns60
, and recommendations on
good practices on lobbying in connection with the Register are being implemented. In
December 2024, the National Audit Office issued a decision expanding the reporting
requirement to financial aspects of lobbying activities, effective since the beginning of
the year61
. While the Government will evaluate the Transparency Register towards the
end of the Government term (2026–2027), it has not so far identified any particular
challenges regarding its implementation62
. For its part, civil society considers the
Register to be an important tool for increasing transparency of administration, while
advocating for an expansion of the register to local levels as well as for more dissuasive
sanctions63
.
A government legislative proposal on limiting ‘revolving doors’ for Ministers has
been submitted to Parliament in September 2024. A new legislative initiative has been
included in the 2024 Government legislative plan and submitted to Parliament in
September 202464
. Under this new initiative, the right of both the Prime Minister and
other ministers to move to another position after their term could be restricted for a
maximum period of up to 12 months. These measures aim at preventing conflicts of
interest and would also apply to former ministers within 12 months after their
resignation. A person falling within the scope of the draft Act would have to notify a
suspension board of his or her intention to transfer to a new position, and that board
could impose a suspension period. The draft Act contains provisions on the status of the
suspension board as well as its duties and powers. Consideration of the proposal in
Parliament is ongoing65
.
The election and party funding legislation was amended. A legislative proposal,
included in the 2024 Government legislative plan, was submitted to Parliament in
November 2024, and the Parliament adopted the proposal in June 2025. The legislative
amendments entered into force on 1 July 2025. The amendments aim to improve the
provisions and practices regarding the disclosure of electoral and party funding. The
amended legislation also includes the requirement of public disclosure of any individual
support above EUR 2,000 (EUR 1,100 in municipal elections), in order to create the
same level of transparency for subsidies and loans, given that the latter would under the
59
Transparency Register Act. 2024 Rule of Law Report, Finland, pp. 14-15.
60
Country visit Finland, Ministry of Justice.
61
Country visit Finland, Ministry of Justice. Transparency Register (2025). Transparency International
Finland (2025), written input, p. 12.
62
Country visit Finland, Ministry of Justice. 2024 Rule of Law Report, Finland, pp. 14-15.
63
Country visit Finland, Transparency International Finland. Transparency International Finland (2025),
written input, p. 12.
64
Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 17.
65
These obligations would apply extensively to transfers to private sector operators, but not to public
bodies, the European Union, an international organisation, an international body or a political party
referred to in the proposal. Government proposal HE 90/2024 vp. Finnish Government (2025), written
input, p. 17. 2024 Rule of Law Report Finland, p. 15. Country visit Finland, Prime Minister’s Office
and Transparency International Finland.
new proposal be notified to the National Audit Office.66
. Some stakeholders have
underlined the lack of credible sanctions in the legislation, as well as issues regarding the
ability of the general public and NGOs to audit the data submitted67
.
Awareness-raising activities help bring attention to the Whistleblower Act. The
national law aiming at transposing the Directive on whistleblower protection entered into
force in 2023. The Ministry of Justice continued a training project to increase knowledge
of the Whistleblower Act, which ran until end of April 2025. The project offered
trainings to experts responsible for handling the whistleblowing reports, since citizens
can report misconducts through different channels to authorities or electronically to the
police68
. Transparency International acknowledges the effectiveness of the channels,
while emphasizing the limited scope of the legislation in force, which does not include
complaints made in the workplace69
.
New initiatives and legislation address public procurement and urban and land use
planning as high risk sectors for corruption. Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption
in the EU shows that 21% of companies in Finland (EU average 25%) think that
corruption has prevented them from winning a public tender or a public procurement
contract in practice in the last three years70
. 85% of businesses perceive the level of
independence of the public procurement review body (The Market Court) as very of
fairly good when it is reviewing public procurement cases71
. Public procurement
(including bid rigging) remains the main high-risk sector of corruption72
. The Single
Market and Competitiveness Scoreboard on access to public procurement in Finland
reports 15% of single bids for 2023 (EU average 29%). Amendments to the Procurement
Act took effect in July 2024 and enhanced the Finnish Competition and Consumer
Authority (FCCA)’s competences regarding illegal direct procurements. Another
amendment is being prepared to expand the FCCA’s competences to national
construction contracts. In contrast, business stakeholders highlight the lack of timely and
decisive enforcement of the FCCA’s rulings, undermining the credibility of the
institution and increasing risks of corruption. In January 2025, the Ministry of Finance
initiated a project to establish a procurement information repository, to increase
transparency in the public sector’s purchase invoices. Other risk sectors include urban
and land use planning, specialised procurement (such as for example healthcare supplies)
as well as critical functions and trading of confidential information73
. Through the project
“Strengthening the fight against corruption” launched in April 2024, the Ministry of
66
Government proposal HE 190/2024 vp. The legislation amends the Candidate’s Election Funding Act,
the Electoral Act and the Citizens’ Initiatives Act. Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 18.
Country visit Finland, Ministry of Justice. 2024 Rule of Law Report, Finland, p. 16.
67
Country visit Finland, Transparency International Finland.
68
As of January 2025, the project’s trainings and other awareness raising events have reached
approximately 6 500 persons. Country visit Finland, Ministry of Justice and National Prosecution
Authority. Finnish Government (2025), written input, pp. 16-17. 2024 Rule of Law Report, Finland, p.
17.
69
Country visit Finland, Transparency International Finland.
70
Flash Eurobarometer 557 on Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU (2025). This is 4
percentage points below the EU average.
71
Figure 59, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
72
Country visit Finland, National Police Board, Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority,
Confederation of Finnish industries, Finnish Chamber of Commerce and National Prosecution
Authority. Finnish Government (2025), written input, pp. 18-20.
73
Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 18. Country visit Finland, National Police Board and
Transparency International Finland. National Police Board (2025), additional written input, pp. 2-3.
Confederation of Finnish Industries (2025), written input, pp. 2-3.
Justice is developing a regular situational report which would serve as a tool for
monitoring the corruption situation and as a basis for planning anti-corruption
measures74
.
III. MEDIA PLURALISM AND MEDIA FREEDOM
The national regulatory authorities are undergoing structural changes while their
independence remains stable. Since the publication of the 2024 Rule of Law report,
there has been an internal restructuring of the national regulatory authority Traficom. The
aim is to be as clear as possible in terms of both subject areas and management to ensure
efficient implementation of tasks75
. Traficom has taken over all media accessibility
supervision from the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland in
January 2025 and expects to receive new tasks linked to the implementation of the
European Media Freedom Act. Its resources have been stable amidst the Government’s
general austerity measures but given the new tasks, its workload is growing76
. The
second national regulatory authority, the National Audiovisual Institute, will merge with
another institution, the Arts Promotion Centre Finland, in January 2026. The reform aims
to strengthen the quality of the two institutes’ services, operations, and governance
without affecting their tasks77
. A working group has discussed possible changes
concerning age limits for accessing audiovisual media services that would fall within the
remit of the National Audiovisual Institute78
. The institute has had to cut some tasks
related to supervision of audiovisual media services due to its limited resources79
. No
developments have been noted regarding the authorities’ independence and the Media
Pluralism Monitor (MPM) 2025 finds a very low risk in this field80
.
The updates of the ethical rules for the press have started to apply and the self-
regulatory Finnish Council for Mass Media continues to deal with a high number of
complains about journalistic ethics. The ethical rules for the press have been reviewed
and they have become applicable in October 202481
. The purpose is, among others, to
take account of changes brought by the digital environment and to make the rules easier
to use82
. The ethical rules contain new sections on, for example, external funding and
removing editorial content online83
. The Finnish Council for Mass Media has published a
guidebook84
on the application of the new rules and training has been organised for
journalists to become familiar with the rules. The self-regulatory Council continues to
report a high number of complaints alleging violation of journalistic ethical rules in
journalistic content. The funding that it receives from the Ministry of Justice has been
slightly reduced85
. To address the longer processing periods, the Council has deployed
74
Country visit Finland, Ministry of Justice. Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 17. The
Ministry of Justice aims to repeat the analysis every two years. As planned, the Ministry of Justice
recruited project officers in 2024 to carry out this project.
75
Traficom (2024).
76
Country visit Finland, Traficom; Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), p. 19-20.
77
2024 Rule of Law Report, Finland, p. 18; Arts Promotion Centre Finland (2025); Country visit
Finland, National Audiovisual Institute.
78
2024 Rule of Law Report, Finland, p. 18.
79
Country visit Finland, National Audiovisual Institute.
80
Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), p. 19.
81
Finnish Council for Mass Media (2024).
82
2024 Rule of Law Report, Finland, p. 18.
83
Finnish Union of Journalists (2024); Finnish Council for Mass Media (2025).
84
Finnish Council for Mass Media (2024).
85
Finnish Council for Mass Media (2025); Country visit Finland, Finnish Council for Mass Media, and
Ministry of Justice; Finnish Union of Journalists (2024a).
temporary workforce and is working on an AI project86
. MPM 2025 considers that media
market pluralism continues to be an area of very high risk driven by the extensive
combined market share of the largest media owners87
.
The Government has proposed new legislation to further strengthen the
independence of the public service media, though it faces funding constraints. The
Parliamentary working group, which examined the need to amend the existing legislation
regarding the Finnish Broadcasting Company’s (Yle) independence and editorial
neutrality, published its report in September 2024. Based on the recommendations made
in the report88
, the Government has proposed new legislation regarding the criteria for the
selection and dismissal of executives involved in decision-making and editorial policy of
the public service media. The proposed rules aim to take into account the obligations of
the European Media Freedom Act. The working group also agreed to add a provision
requiring the public service media to promote transparency in its finances and operations.
The relevant proposal was submitted to the Parliament in April 202589
. The independence
of the public service media is generally considered to be high90
. The MPM 2025
continues to report a low risk regarding the independence of public service media91
. In
parallel, to improve operational efficiency, the funding for the public service media has
been limited by freezing the annual index adjustment for the period 2025-2027. In
addition, the value-added tax paid by public service media will be permanently increased
from 10 to 14 percent as of 202692
. The changes have led to decisions to reduce more
than 300 employees due to lay-offs and retirement of staff93
. Journalists and the public
service media have criticised the amendment, as it is affecting not only jobs but the
production and availability of particularly local and regional media content in Finland94
.
Private media, on the contrary, considers that the changes are proportionate to the
Government’s general austerity measures and take into account financial restraints that
the private media is facing95
.
Some further progress has been made on the recommendation to strengthen the
right of access to information96. Due to changes in the national security environment,
the Finnish Government has decided to assess the need for changing secrecy provisions
in the Act on the Openness of Government Activities. The assessment involves
consulting stakeholders, possibly carrying out external studies, and setting up a new
working group. Based on the findings of the previous working group97
and the new
preparatory work, the aim is to finalise a new proposal in the next Government term98
. A
86
Country visit Finland, Finnish Council for Mass Media.
87
Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), pp. 23-24.
88
Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 23.
89
Government proposal HE 34/2025 vp.
90
Country visit Finland, Finnish Union of Journalists, Finnish Media Federation and Finnish Council for
Mass Media.
91
Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), pp. 36-37.
92
Act amending section 3 of the Act on the State Television and Radio Fund; Act amending the Act on
the Value Added Tax; Country visit Finland, Ministry of Transport and Communications; Public
Media Alliance (2024).
93
Yle (2025a); Yle (2025b).
94
Finnish Union of Journalists (2024b), Finnish Union of Journalists (2025). Country visit Finland,
Public Service Broadcaster.
95
Finnish Media Federation (2024); Country visit Finland, Finnish Media Federation.
96
2024 Rule of Law Report recommended Finland to “[f]urther advance with the reform of the Act on
the Openness of Government Activities to ensure effective and wider access to documents taking into
account the European standards on access to official documents.”
97
2024 Rule of Law Report, Finland, pp. 19-20; Ministry of Justice (2023).
98
Finnish Government (2025), written input, pp. 20-21.
dedicated working group already made recommendations in December 2023 regarding
increasing the effectiveness of the Act on the Openness of Government Activities99
.
Finland has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official
Documents100
. Media stakeholders have welcomed the electronic transparency register
established by the Transparency Register Act, considering that it improves access to
information about lobbying activities and can facilitate journalistic work101
. Given that
further assessment will be conducted and the transparency register improves access to
certain information in the meanwhile, there has been some further progress on last year’s
recommendation.
The framework for the protection of journalists has remained stable. Since the 2024
Rule of Law Report, no new alerts for Finland have been published on the Council of
Europe’s Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists102
.
Ten incidents have been reported in the Media Freedom Rapid Response platform. The
majority of them concern politicians discrediting media, including the public service
media103
. A recent survey shows that 72% of journalists in Finland have experienced
verbal harassment104
. Work is ongoing to transpose the EU Anti-SLAPP Directive105
while no SLAPP cases or systematic political pressure have been recently identified in
Finland106
. Media companies typically have clear practices on how to defend their
employees from SLAPP cases107
. Stakeholders mostly highlight challenges stemming
from the dominance of global online platforms on advertising markets and its impact on
the economic sustainability of media companies108
. As regards the Supreme
Administrative Court’s ruling whereby a compensation by a media company of
journalists’ costs of a criminal procedure would be accounted as part of their taxable
income109
, the Finnish Government is currently preparing to change the law from 2026
onwards to make the legal expenses paid by an employer exempt from tax if the
employee’s act occurred as part of their work duties110
.
IV. OTHER INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES RELATED TO CHECKS AND BALANCES
The law-making process is overall inclusive, though stakeholders highlight areas for
improvement. In 2024–2025, the Government carried out a survey on quality indicators
for legislative drafting, with preliminary results indicating that the quality of the process
in different thematic areas remained comparable to previous years111
. The works on
updated guidelines on stakeholder engagement in legislative drafting are being finalized,
with expected adoption later in 2025112
. While there is a robust framework for impact
99
2024 Rule of Law Report, Finland, pp. 19-20; Ministry of Justice (2023).
100
The Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents (CETS No. 205), also known as
the Tromsø Convention, entered into force on 1 December 2020.
101
Country visit Finland, Finnish Media Federation, Finnish Union of Journalists.
102
Council of Europe, Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists, Finland.
103
Media Freedom Rapid Response (2025).
104
Journalisti (2025).
105
Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 24.
106
Country visit Finland, Finnish Media Federation, Council for Mass Media, Finnish Union of
Journalists, Ministry of Justice and Transport and Communications, Traficom and the National
Audiovisual Institute.
107
Country visit Finland, Finnish Union of Journalists.
108
Country visit Finland, Public Service Media, Finnish Media Federation, Finnish Union of Journalists.
109
2024 Rule of Law Report, Finland, pp. 20-21.
110
Yle (2024).
111
Country visit Finland, Ministry of Justice.
112
Country visit Finland, Ministry of Justice; Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 25
assessments of legislative proposals, stakeholders report an increased practice of
submitting several partial proposals rather than a complete one, limiting the possibility to
properly assess the cumulative impact of the amendments113
. Civil society stakeholders
also reported instances where they were contacted in later stages of the legislative
procedure, with less time to respond in comparison to previous years114
. In practice,
instead of a minimum of 6 weeks115
, the consultation may be as short as two weeks or
even several days, which can be challenging especially when consulting on important
pieces of legislation116
. At the same time, business stakeholders reported that
consultations on laws affecting areas of their work are sufficient117
.
Almost eight in ten companies surveyed in Finland express confidence in the
effectiveness of investment protection. 79% of companies are very or fairly confident
that investments are protected by law and courts118
. Business stakeholders perceive the
legal framework favourably as regards investment protection119
. As regards authorities
relevant for economic operators, 82% of companies perceive the level of independence of
the national competition authority (the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority) as
very or fairly good120
. There are no judicial mechanisms in place at the level of the
Supreme Administrative Court to ensure the implementation of administrative court
judgments121
.
On 1 January 2025, Finland had 1 leading judgment of the European Court of
Human Rights pending implementation, a decrease of 1 compared to the previous
year122. Finland did not have any leading judgments from the past 10 years pending
implementation123
. The only leading judgment, pending implementation for more than 12
years, concerns the violation of the right not to be punished twice124
. As regards the
respect of payment deadlines, on 31 December 2024 there were no cases awaiting
confirmation of payments (same as in 2023)125
. On 16 June 2025, the number of leading
judgments pending implementation had remained 1126
.
The civil society framework remains open, although some stakeholders continue to
report a change in the narrative concerning the role of civil society actors. Civic
113
Country visit Finland, Parliamentary Constitutional Committee, Chancellor of Justice, Advisory Board
for Civil Society Policy, Demla, Human Rights Center.
114
Demla (2025), written input, pp. 1-2; Country visit Finland, Advisory Board for Civil Society, Human
Rights Center.
115
As stipulated in the current version of the guidelines on stakeholder engagement in legislative drafting.
116
For example the Border Security Act.
117
Finnish Chamber of Commerce (2025), written input, p. 1; Confederation of Finnish Industries (2025),
written input, p. 1.
118
Figure 54, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
119
Finnish Chamber of Commerce (2025), written input, p. 2; Confederation of Finnish Industries (2025),
written input, p. 2.
120
Figure 60, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
121
Figure 49, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard. The data presented reflects exclusively the mechanisms in
place at the level of the highest administrative jurisdictions; the same or other mechanisms may be in
place at lower instance administrative courts.
122
For an explanation of the supervision process, see the website of the Council of Europe.
123
All figures calculated by the European Implementation Network (EIN) and based on the number of
cases that are considered pending at the annual cut-off date of 1 January 2025. EIN (2025), written
input, pp. 3-4.
124
Judgment of the ECtHR, 11828/11, Nykanen v. Finland, pending implementation since 2012.
125
Council of Europe (2025), p. 156.
126
Data according to the online database of the Council of Europe (HUDOC).
space in Finland remains to be considered “open”127
. In the context of austerity measures,
the Government has envisaged cuts in governmental grants for 2025128
, reaching up to
30% in certain sectors129
. Stakeholders expressed concerns in this regard, noting that civil
society organisations depend, to a large extent, on public funds130
. The Government has
expressed its readiness to further engage in a dialogue in this regard, which is seen as
positive by stakeholders131
. The budget allocated to the National Human Rights
Institution for 2025 has slightly increased132
. Some stakeholders noted an ongoing
change of narrative on the role of civil society actors. They also reported on a recently
increasing trend of statements of some politicians openly criticising certain
institutions133
. Stakeholders welcome the fact that the idea of merging the tasks of
specialised ombudsman institutions has been abandoned since keeping them separate
will, in their view, allow for a more effective protection of rights.
127
CIVICUS (2024).
128
Finnish Government (2025), written input, pp. 31-32.
129
Country visit Finland, Advisory Board for Civil Society Policy.
130
Country visit Finland, Advisory Board for Civil Society Policy.
131
Country visit Finland, Advisory Board for Civil Society Policy, Amnesty International, Demla, Human
Rights Centre.
132
Finnish Government (2025), written input, p. 26.
133
Such as the deputy Chancellor of Justice, Equality Ombudsman and Child Ombudsman. Country visit
Finland, Parliamentary Ombudsman, Human Rights Centre.
Annex I: List of sources in alphabetical order*
* The list of contributions received in the context of the consultation for the 2025 Rule of Law
report can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2025-rule-law-report-targeted-
stakeholder-consultation_en.
Arts Promotion Centre Finland (2025), Taike and Kavi are preparing to merge (Taike ja Kavi
valmistelevat yhdistymistä), https://www.taike.fi/fi/taike-ja-kavi-valmistelevat-yhdistymista.
Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), Monitoring Media Pluralism in the
Digital Era in the year 2024,Country report: Finland, https://cmpf.eui.eu/projects/media-
pluralism-monitor/.
CIVICUS (2024), Finland, https://monitor.civicus.org/country/finland/.
Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (2025), written input for the 2025 Rule of Law
Report.
Confederation of Finnish Industries (2025), written input for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
Council of Europe (2024), The Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents
(CETS No. 205), https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list?module=treaty-
detail&treatynum=205.
Council of Europe Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists
(2025), Finland, https://fom.coe.int/en/pays/detail/11709508.
Council of Europe: Committee of Ministers (2025), Supervision of the execution of judgments
and decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, 18th
Annual Report of the Committee of
Ministers, https://rm.coe.int/gbr-2001-18e-rapport-annuel-2024/1680b4d77d.
Demla (2025), written input for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
Deputy Chancellor of Justice (2020), review of instruction to the police by the National Police
Board of Finland.
Directorate-General for Communication (2025), Flash Eurobarometer 557 on businesses’
attitudes towards corruption in the EU.
Directorate-General for Communication (2025), Special Eurobarometer 561 on citizens’ attitudes
towards corruption in the EU.
European Commission (2024), 2024 Rule of Law Report, Country Chapter on the rule of law
situation in Finland.
European Commission (2024), 2024 EU Justice Scoreboard.
European Commission (2024), 2023 Single Market and Competitiveness Scoreboard.
European Commission (2025), 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
European Court of Human Rights, judgement of 20 August 2014, Nykanen v. Finland,
11828/11.
European Implementation Network (EIN) (2025), written input for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) (2025), 2024 Annual Report, EPPO Annual Report
2024_2.pdf.
Finnish Chamber of Commerce (2025), written input for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
Finnish Council for Mass Media (2024), Journalist’s Guidelines, https://jsn.fi/en/journalists-
guidelines/.
Finnish Council for Mass Media (2024), Journalist’s Guidelines Application Guide (Journalistin
ohjeiden soveltamisopas) https://jsn.fi/journalistin-ohjeet/soveltamisopas/.
Finnish Council for Mass Media (2025), Annual Report for 2024 (Julkisen sanan neuvoston
Toimintakertomus 2024), https://jsn.fi/wp-
content/uploads/2025/03/JSN_vuosikertomus_2024.pdf.
Finnish Government (2024), Need to develop the bribery criminal code (Lahjusrikossäännöstön
kehittämistarpeita), https://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/handle/10024/165674.
Finnish Government (2025), written input for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
Finnish Government (2025), Government Resolution on the National Anti-Corruption Strategy
and Action Plan 2025-2027. https://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/handle/10024/166362.
Finnish Media Federation (2024), Yleisradio's funding should be directed to the core mission of
public service (Yleisradion rahoitus tulee ohjata julkisen palvelun ydintehtävään),
https://www.medialiitto.fi/uutiset/yleisradion-rahoitus-tulee-ohjata-julkisen-palvelun-
ydintehtavaan/.
Finnish Union of Journalists (2024), Revised Journalist Guidelines effective from the beginning
of October (Uudistetut journalistin ohjeet voimaan lokakuun alusta),
https://journalistiliitto.fi/fi/uudistetut-journalistin-ohjeet-voimaan-lokakuun-alusta/.
Finnish Union of Journalists (2024a), Union of Journalists: Government’s decision to support the
Council for Mass Media is correct (Journalistiliitto: Hallituksen päätös tukea julkisen sanan
neuvostoa on oikea), https://journalistiliitto.fi/fi/journalistiliitto-hallituksen-paatos-tukea-
julkisen-sanan-neuvostoa-on-oikea/.
Finnish Union of Journalists (2024b), Union of Journalists: Yle’s layoffs have a significant
impact on media and domestic culture (Journalistiliitto: Ylen irtisanomisten vaikutus
tiedonvälitykseen ja kotimaiseen kulttuuriin on merkittävä)
https://journalistiliitto.fi/fi/journalistiliitto-ylen-irtisanomisten-vaikutus-tiedonvalitykseen-ja-
kotimaiseen-kulttuuriin-on-merkittava/.
Finnish Union of Journalists (2025), Yleradio layoffs weaken the voice of the provinces
(Yleisradion irtisanomiset heikentävät maakuntien ääntä) https://journalistiliitto.fi/fi/yleisradion-
irtisanomiset-heikentavat-maakuntien-aanta/.
Government Office (2022), Corruption in international business, Current state of regulation,
application practice and training and needs for change, (Lahjonta kansainvälisessä
liiketoiminnassa: Sääntelyn, soveltamiskäytännön ja koulutuksen nykytila ja muutostarpeet),
https://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/handle/10024/163811.
GRECO (2018), Fifth Evaluation Round – Evaluation Report on Finland on preventing
corruption and promoting integrity in central governments (top executive functions) and law
enforcement agencies, Fifth Round Evaluation.
GRECO (2020), Fifth Evaluation Round – Compliance Report on Finland on preventing
corruption and promoting integrity in central governments (top executive functions) and law
enforcement agencies, GRECO.
GRECO (2023), Fifth Evaluation Round – Second Compliance Report on Finland on preventing
corruption and promoting integrity in central governments (top executive functions) and law
enforcement agencies, GRECO.
GRECO (2024), Fifth Evaluation Round – Addendum to the Second Compliance Report on
Finland on preventing corruption and promoting integrity in central governments (top executive
functions) and law enforcement agencies, GRECO.
Journalisti (2025), Journalists experience increased harassment and pressure (Journalistit kokevat
häirinnän ja painostuksen aiempaa voimakkaammiksi),
https://journalisti.fi/artikkelit/2025/02/journalistit-kokevat-hairinnan-ja-painostuksen-aiempaa-
voimakkaammiksi/.
Media Freedom Rapid Response (2025), Monitor – Finland, https://www.mfrr.eu/monitor/.
Ministry of Justice (2023), The Working Group proposes a reform of the Act on the Openness of
Government Activities (Työryhmä ehdottaa julkisuuslakia uudistettavaksi),
https://oikeusministerio.fi/-/tyoryhma-ehdottaa-julkisuuslakia-uudistettavaksi.
National Administration of Courts (2025), additional written input for the 2025 Rule of Law
Report.
National Audit Office of Finland (2022), Report on the oversight of political party funding 2022,
National Audit Office's report to Parliament on the oversight of the funding of political parties in
2022.
National Audit Office of Finland (2022), Proposed amendments to the Electoral and Party Act
will significantly improve transparency y (Vaali- ja puoluelakiin ehdotetut muutokset parantavat
merkittävästi avoimuutta) Proposed amendments to the Election Act and the Act on Political
Parties will significantly improve transparency - National Audit Office of Finland.
National Police Board (2025), additional written input for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
Police of Finland (2024), Police Anticorruption Policy, https://poliisi.fi/en/police-anticorruption-
policy.
Public Media Alliance (2024), Yle faces structural changes and major budget cuts,
https://www.publicmediaalliance.org/yle-faces-structural-changes-and-major-budget-cuts/.
Transparency International (2025), Corruption Perceptions Index 2024.
Transparency International Finland (2025), written input for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
Transparency Register (2025), https://avoimuusrekisteri.fi/en.
Traficom (2024), The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom's organisation is
being renewed (Liikenne- ja viestintävirasto Traficomin organisaatio uudistuu),
https://www.traficom.fi/fi/ajankohtaista/liikenne-ja-viestintavirasto-traficomin-organisaatio-
uudistuu.
Yle (2024), The government intends to make employee legal expenses paid by the employer tax-
exempt (Hallitus aikoo muuttaa työnantajan maksamat työntekijän oikeudenkäyntikulut
verovapaiksi), https://yle.fi/a/74-20120436.
Yle (2025a), Yle begins new change negotiations (Yle aloittaa uudet muutosneuvottelut),
https://yle.fi/a/74-20156500.
Yle (2025b), Ylen muutosneuvottelut ohi – henkilöstömäärä vähenee lähes neljälläkymmenellä
(Yle's change negotiations over – staff numbers will be reduced by almost forty)
https://yle.fi/aihe/a/20-10008768.
National legislation
Act No. 834/2024 amending section 3 of the Act on the State Television and Radio Fund.
Act No. 691/2024 amending the Act on the Value Added Tax.
Act No. 482/2024, on Temporary Measures to Combat Instrumentalised Migration (‘Border
Security Act’).
Act No. 430/2023, Transparency Register Act.
Act No. 673/2016, Court’s Act.
Act No. 1015/2005, on the Mediation of Criminal Matters and Certain Civil Matters.
Act No. 257/2002, Legal Aid Act.
Government proposal HE 90/2024 vp.
Government proposal HE 190/2024 vp.
Government proposal HE 34/2025 vp.
Annex II: Country visit to Finland
The Commission services held virtual meetings in March 2025 with:
• Advisory Board for Civil Society Policy
• Amnesty International Finland
• Anti-corruption Cooperation Network
• Chancellor of Justice
• Confederation of Finnish Industries (replies received in writing)
• Council for Mass Media in Finland
• Demla
• Financial Intelligence Unit
• Finnish Association of Judges
• Finnish Bar Association
• Finnish Chamber of Commerce (replies received in writing)
• Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority
• Finnish Media Association
• Human Rights Centre
• Ministry of Finance
• Ministry of the Interior
• Ministry of Justice
• Ministry of Transport and Communications
• National Audiovisual Institute
• National Bureau of Investigation
• National Courts Administration
• National Police Board
• National Prosecution Authority
• Parliamentary Constitutional Law Committee
• Parliamentary Ombudsman
• Prime Minister’s Office
• Supreme Administrative Court
• Supreme Court
• Traficom
• Transparency International Finland
• Union of Finnish Journalists
• Yleisradio Oy
* The Commission also met the following organisations in a number of horizontal
meetings:
• Amnesty International
• Araminta
• Civil Liberties Union for Europe
• Civil Society Europe
• European Civic Forum
• European Partnership for Democracy
• European Youth Forum,
• International Commission of Jurists
• International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
• JEF Europe
• Philea – Philanthropy Europe Association.
• Transparency International