The ZES Pilot: A Cargo Ship’s Troubles in Dutch Waters The ZES Pilot, a Finnish-owned cargo ship, finds itself marooned at a port in the Netherlands, a troubling situation that has left its crew facing unpaid wages. The ship’s predicament has been highlighted by reports from Dutch media, detailing the financial strain experienced by its sailors. One crew member, a Finnish-Cameroonian national, disclosed to NRC that he is owed nearly €10,000 in back pay, a staggering amount that underscores the financial woes onboard. Registered to RB Maritime Oy—essentially a small Finnish shipping company based in Southwest Finland and sailing under…
Author: Finland Review
The influx of foreign workers into Finland’s healthcare sector has sharply declined in recent months, a significant shift from previous years that raises concerns over staffing shortages. In the first four months of this year, only 32 foreign applicants, primarily from the Philippines and Sri Lanka, were approved for their initial residence permits to work in health and social care. This is a stark contrast to the same period last year, when over 570 permits were granted, and follows a record-breaking 2022, which saw more than 2,000 foreign healthcare professionals receive work permits. Despite Finland’s ongoing battle with labor shortages…
In a disconcerting trend revealed by Helsingin Sanomat, a surprising number of students at Albert Edelfelt School in Porvoo are struggling to read analogue clocks—skills typically expected of much younger children. Reports indicate that many of these lower secondary students, spanning grades 7 to 9, faced challenges completing time-telling exercises aimed at second graders. Ripsa Heiskanen, a dedicated teacher of math, physics, and chemistry at the school, first grew suspicious when her students repeatedly inquired about how much longer until their next break, despite the presence of analogue wall clocks in every classroom. Determined to gauge her students’ time-reading abilities,…
HIFK Faces Goalless Streak Ahead of Crucial Match In a grim trend for HIFK, the team has gone five consecutive away games without finding the back of the net. Their struggles have intensified the anticipation surrounding tonight’s matchup against SaiPa, marking it as the most compelling game of the evening. Remarkably, HIFK’s last recorded away goal in the League dates back over 17 games. With a goalless streak that echoes through recent matches against teams like K-Espoo (1–0 loss on October 24), Aces (5–0 on October 18), Lynx (3–0 on October 10), KalPa (3–0 on October 4), and JYP (6–0…
Oulu Shines as a Premier Travel Destination for 2026 In an exciting development for Finland, Oulu has been named the only Finnish destination on National Geographic’s prestigious list of the best places to travel in 2026. This endorsement from the renowned American magazine highlights Oulu’s unique blend of culture, nature, and community spirit. The list showcases 24 global destinations, including iconic cities and breathtaking natural locales, such as Brazil’s vibrant Rio de Janeiro and the captivating landscapes of Rwanda’s safaris. Other notable entries include Morocco’s Rabat, Spain’s Basque Country, South Korea’s rugged hiking trails, the picturesque Quebec in Canada, and…
Anni Jämsä Takes on New Role at Yleisradio Anni Jämsä, a familiar face from Warner Bros. Discovery and Sanoma’s sports broadcasts, is embarking on an exciting new chapter in her career. She has been appointed as the new sports editor for Yleisradio’s sports department, where she will also take on presenting duties for various programs, including the well-known Urheiluruutu. This transition feels like a homecoming for Jämsä. “I am extremely happy to embrace such a significant opportunity at the country’s largest sports organization,” she shared, reflecting on her initial steps in the industry. “My first assignments were with Yle during…
Spain: A Top Destination for Finnish Tourists Spain continues to capture the hearts of Finnish travelers, emerging as a vibrant favorite among their destinations. According to Statistics Finland, last year, it secured the position as the third most popular foreign destination for Finns, right behind Sweden and Estonia. However, when gauging overnight stays, Spain takes the gold medal, indicating a deeper commitment to exploration. Recent data from the Spanish tourism promotion center Turespaña reveals that Spain not only topped the chart for overnight visits last year but has maintained its position as the go-to locale for Finnish tourists in early…
EU and US Ramp Up Sanctions Against Russia Amid Ongoing Conflict In a concerted effort to weaken the financial underpinnings of the Kremlin, both the European Union and the United States have unveiled new sanctions targeting Moscow over the past day. These measures predominantly focus on Russian energy companies deemed instrumental in funding Russia’s military operations. Finland’s Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, speaking with reporters on his way to an EU summit in Brussels, emphasized the significance of these sanctions. He described the joint actions by the US and the EU as a potential turning point in the ongoing war in…
Alpine Skiing World Cup Kicks Off in Sölden, But Finnish Male Skiers Are Absent The Alpine Skiing World Cup is set to launch this weekend in Sölden, Austria, a prominent venue for winter sports enthusiasts. However, this year’s opening race will unfold without Finland’s male skiers, a fact that has cast a shadow over the event for former world champion Kalle Palander. Palander, reflecting on the situation, expressed his disappointment: “It’s embarrassing. This would have been an invaluable opportunity for our young skiers to gain experience in a competitive environment. I’m genuinely surprised they chose not to seize it.” The…
Valo Hotel & Work Clinches Finland’s Top Hotel Title for Third Consecutive Year In a testament to its unique hospitality approach, Valo Hotel & Work in Helsinki has once again been recognized as Finland’s leading hotel, marking its third consecutive victory at the prestigious World Travel Awards. The accolades were unveiled during a ceremony held on Wednesday in the picturesque backdrop of Sardinia, Italy. “We’re more than just a hotel; we’re a community where work, leisure, events, and well-being harmoniously coexist,” said Minna Hurme, Valo’s Head of Design, in a press release. “This blend fosters unique encounters and innovations that…