Finland’s Last Landlines: A Historic Shift
By this summer, Finland will officially retire its last remaining landlines, marking the end of an era in telecommunications that has lasted more than 200 years. The telecommunications company Elisa will shut down its legacy network on June 30, as reported by Iltalehti.
This significant transition will impact both households and businesses. In late April, those affected will receive letters informing them of the shutdown and outlining available replacement services.
The decline of landline usage began in earnest in the early 2000s, as mobile phones rapidly gained prominence. Even so, many may still fondly recall the fixed numbers of family members and friends long after the familiar dial tones fade away.
A Provocative Perspective on European Diplomacy
In a recent interview that captivated readers, Helsingin Sanomat features Italian foreign policy expert Nathalie Tocci, who offers a pointed critique of European leaders — including Finns — who seem overly reliant on former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The interview delves into the NATO mutual defense clause, where Finnish political figures assert that Article 5 is robustly upheld, ensuring solid security assurances from the United States. Tocci, however, responded candidly, saying, “I don’t want to be disrespectful, but it sounds pathetic.”
Her comments extended to Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s ‘golf diplomacy’ with Trump. “I find it deeply embarrassing,” she stated, though she acknowledged a personal friendship with Stubb.
Tocci didn’t shy away from critiquing other European leaders either, pointing to Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who appeared flattered by Trump’s accolades. She also took aim at NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte for calling Trump “daddy” and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz for gifting him his grandfather’s birth certificate, describing such acts as equally undignified.
A New Beginning in Bromarv
In an effort to invigorate the quiet village of Bromarv, Magnus von Knorring is offering a house rent-free for an entire year. The initiative aims to draw attention to the region and ideally entice someone to settle there for good, as reported by Hufvudstadsbladet.
The house spans approximately 100 square meters, featuring two bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. While there are no stringent criteria for applicants, preference will be given to younger individuals eager to contribute to the community.
Interestingly, the idea to offer a house rent-free did not originate with von Knorring himself; it emerged from Bromarv’s village council, which hopes that this gesture will elevate the area’s profile and attract new residents to the picturesque village near Tammisaari.