The draft budget for 2026 shows that Finland plans to allocate EUR 6 billion for defense orderswhile in 2025 it was only EUR 0.4 billion.
According to Petteri's government, these funds will allow modernization of the armed forcesin particular land forces, and replacement of outdated systems.
In the spring, the government in Helsinki undertook to increase defense expenditure to 3 percent GDP before 2030and in the next decade – to 3.5 percent GDP (2035)according to NATO.
Cuts in other sectors
Finance Minister Riikka Purra emphasized: “Expenses for reinforcement become huge”while explaining the need for savings in other areas.
Reductions will include:
- innovation policy,
- housing,
- climate programs,
- discounts and subsidies for enterprises,
- Material support for immigrants.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the deficit in 2026 will be EUR 8.7 billion with expenses of 90.3 billion euros and revenues of EUR 81.6 billion.
“The future of citizens is drawn in gloomy colors, especially since the current unemployment rate (over 10 %) is one of the highest in the EU and is expensive,” writes “Iltalehti”. According to the journal, the government budget draft confirms that “Finland is preparing for war.” “It's not just about maintaining his defense, but about preparing for Russia's attack. This threat is not theoretical, but real” – sums up” Iltalehti “.
