Experts in immigration and integration are sounding alarms over Finland’s forthcoming citizenship test, a key element of the government’s latest strategy to tighten the immigration process. This test, which will serve as the final component of a three-part approach to securing a Finnish passport, follows earlier changes aimed at residency duration and financial independence. In December, the Interior Ministry circulated the proposal for public comment, with the feedback window closing on February 6. While some contributors offered cautious support, many voiced serious reservations. The government aims to present the bill to Parliament in April, intending to implement the new regulations…
Author: Finland Review
At the Saivo sauna nestled within the serene Finnish Nature Center Haltia in Nuuksio National Park, visitors can now partake in a rejuvenating sauna experience guided by an expert—our own Master of Sauna. The Silent Sauna offers a two-hour, holistic, multi-sensory journey, where a carefully curated steam ritual combined with the peaceful ambiance of the sauna allows participants to unwind and release the burdens of stress. Mark your calendars for the inaugural Silent Sauna event on Outdoor Saturday, March 7. Whether you wish to reserve a spot for yourself or bring along a friend, we invite you to join us.…
In a striking turn of events, the injury tally for Kuopio’s hockey team has reached unprecedented heights. In tonight’s lone league match, HPK takes on KalPa in what is being dubbed a “special game” due to the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the visiting team. KalPa finds itself facing a daunting challenge, with a staggering nine of its top eleven scorers sidelined. This season, the squad has netted a total of 152 goals, but today, they are without 91 of those essential contributions. Among the missing forwards are notable names such as Teemu Hartikainen, Patrick Curry, Jaakko Rissanen, Juuso Mäenpää, Andreas Okany,…
Finland Declines Invitation to Trump’s Board of Peace Meeting On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly established Board of Peace is poised to convene for its inaugural meeting in Washington D.C. According to sources within the Trump administration, as noted by CNN, the president anticipates a robust attendance from various nations, either through official representatives or as observers. While Finland has received an invitation to participate, it has chosen to decline and will instead align with the broader stance of the European Union, opting to observe the proceedings from a distance. CNN has reported a list of countries invited to…
Nestled in the heart of Eastern Lapland, Salla proudly showcases Finland’s latest jewel—Salla National Park. This stunning park is adorned with a network of exceptional walking trails, and thoughtfully constructed weather shelters that invite visitors to bask in the beauty of the Northern Lights. During our visit, the overcast skies and the snow-laden landscape cast the surroundings in muted shades of black and white. Yet, it was the sight of the newly crafted Aurora shelters that truly captured my admiration. On the map, you’ll find the Kaunisharju Shelter. And nearby, the Ämmin Polku Shelter awaits. Just a short distance away,…
A Challenging Day for the Finnish Team at the Men’s Double Relay In an exhilarating yet turbulent Men’s Double Relay event, Finnish skier Joni Mäki found himself at the center of a dramatic incident as competitors rushed into the finish area. During the chaotic finale, Mäki collided with fellow skiers, notably Italy’s bronze medalist, Federico Pellegrino. Lauri Vuorinen, a teammate, recounted the commotion that ensued, noting the intrigue among reporters over the seemingly innocuous situation. “Everyone is asking why Joni collided with Pellegrino at the finish,” he observed. “I was watching from the sidelines, and it didn’t strike me as…
Voter approval for the opposition Left Alliance has surged to its highest level in 15 years, according to a report by Helsingin Sanomat. Minja Koskela, who has spearheaded the Left Alliance since 2024, has successfully kept the party’s support above nine percent for an entire year—a remarkable feat in the ever-shifting landscape of Finnish politics. In contrast, support for the ruling National Coalition Party (NCP) has dipped below 18 percent, marking its weakest performance during Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s administration. This decline aligns with the latest voter sentiment survey, which reveals that if a parliamentary election were held today, the…
Mikael Granlund Addresses Concerns Surrounding the Lions In a candid moment, Mikael Granlund addressed the ongoing chatter about the performance of the Lions, Finland’s ice hockey team, which is seeking Olympic glory. On a promising note, the team trained at full capacity on Tuesday. Earlier in the week, there was some unease regarding the health of the squad, particularly after standout player Anton Lundell missed Monday’s match against Italy. Granlund made a noticeable impression during that practice, stepping up in Lundell’s absence. “Everything is fine now,” Granlund reassured. “I had a bit of soreness yesterday that kept me from training,…
In a telling reflection of its financial struggles, a once-thriving pizza chain that has recently declared bankruptcy revealed that it faced significant challenges in relinquishing a third of its business operations. The company, whose name was synonymous with late-night cravings and family gatherings, found itself grappling with the harsh reality of a shrinking market share and mounting debt. As it navigated the turbulent waters of financial strain, the decision to cut back proved to be more difficult than anticipated. This heart-wrenching acknowledgment underscores the broader issues facing not only this chain but the industry as a whole, as consumer preferences…
By Timo Kunnari, Journalist Today at 13:53 Despite the disappointing performances at the Olympic Games, Finnish sports enthusiasts can look forward to thrilling moments ahead, thanks to the talents of Eduard Hallberg and Elian Lehto. Eduard Hallberg faced significant setbacks during the Olympics, failing to make his mark in both the giant slalom and slalom events. Fortunately, the 22-year-old alpine skier from Sipo did contribute in the team competition, where he and his teammate Elian Lehto from Rovaniemi secured a ninth-place finish in the combined team alpine event. The slalom race in Bormio was marred by poor conditions, casting a…