Additional Coverage:
- Finland has pledged to ban Russians from buying property in the country on security grounds (newsbreak.com)
Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen announced at a press conference in Helsinki on December 12, 2023, that Finland intends to restrict most Russian citizens from purchasing property within the nation. This measure comes amid escalating tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, prompting Finland to strengthen its ties with Western nations, including joining NATO in April 2023.
Though the proposed legislation doesn’t explicitly single out Russia, Häkkänen emphasized that the ban would target citizens from any country found to compromise the “territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of another state and could pose a threat to Finland’s security.” He described the initiative as a response to Russia’s aggressive actions.
The Defense Minister also noted that Finnish authorities are currently monitoring approximately 3,500 properties in Finland owned by Russian nationals. The strained relations between Finland and Russia, who share an 830-mile border, have notably worsened since Russia’s military actions in Ukraine in 2022. Interestingly, this situation has led to what President Joe Biden referred to as the “NATO-ization of Finland,” contrary to Russia’s expected “Finlandization” of NATO, a term historically used to describe a smaller country’s neutral stance toward a larger, dominant neighbor to avoid conflict.
Häkkänen stated that the draft law is slated for parliamentary consideration by the end of the year. The restrictions, however, will not apply to dual citizens or Russians permanently residing in EU countries, and are strictly focused on preventing future property acquisitions.
The Finnish Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, had previously expressed concerns to Bloomberg about the potential security risks posed by Russian ownership of property near critical Finnish infrastructure. In response, Finland enacted legislation in 2020 allowing the government to intervene in real estate transactions that could threaten national security.
Recent measures also include the passage of a temporary law in July, empowering Finnish border guards to prevent migrants from crossing the border from Russia, amidst accusations of Russia intentionally sending large groups of asylum seekers.
This series of legislative actions underscores Finland’s increased vigilance and proactive stance in safeguarding its national security in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.