The Finnish Ministry of Defence announced that on Friday, April 11, the parliament unanimously approved the government’s proposal for a complete ban on real estate purchases by Russian citizens.
This was reported by Yle.
"I consider it very important and feel great satisfaction that the parliament fully supported this proposal aimed at strengthening national security. This decision sends a clear message: we will not allow Finland to be destabilized," said Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.
The law prohibits Russian citizens from buying real estate in Finland.
Under the new legislation, permission to purchase property will not be granted to a person whose country of citizenship is waging an aggressive war and may pose a threat to Finland’s national security.
The adoption of the law was prompted by the deterioration of the security situation.
The Ministry of Defence had previously stated that Russia poses a long-term security threat in Europe, and that real estate is one form of hostile influence.
"Risk minimization related to property and national security will now continue to the next stages. We are preparing a government decree to designate countries that are waging aggressive wars and may pose a threat to Finland’s national security. Legislation is also being prepared to strengthen tools for intervening in property already acquired," Häkkänen added.
