September 6 () –
The Finnish government has announced a ban on six real estate transactions involving buyers from outside the European Union, a measure of control that once again has Russia among its targets, a country whose potential interference is closely monitored by the Finnish authorities.
Specifically, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed the ban on six contracts in the towns of Mikkeli, Imatra, Kouvola and Lieksa. In all but one of the cases, these are transactions initiated by individuals, while one of them concerns a company.
The ministry, which has identified those affected as Russians, Ukrainians and Swiss, has recalled that it is merely applying a law under which certain contracts must receive government approval, primarily in order to guarantee national security and territorial integrity.
The Finnish government announced earlier this week a reform to further limit acquisitions linked to Russia, without naming the country directly. Authorities, who estimate that around 3,500 Russians currently own property in Finland, have repeatedly raised the alarm about the possibility of “suspicious” properties owned by Russian citizens or companies, which may include fortifications or helipads.
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