F
inland's government has proposed a new law to prevent Russian citizens and companies from acquiring real estate in the country due to security concerns. The legislation is aimed at protecting Finland's domestic political landscape from potential interference by foreign entities. The proposed law would deny permits for real estate acquisition to individuals or entities from any country found to be in violation of another country's territorial integrity, sovereignty, or independence. However, citizens of European Union or European Economic Area (EEA) states with permanent residency in Finland or another EEA state are exempted from this new regulation.

    The proposal is a result of a working group's inquiry into the necessity and feasibility of such a ban in light of security concerns over Russian property acquisition in Finland. The country's Minister of Defense, Antti Häkkänen, confirmed in a recent interview that Russian influence was the driving force behind this legislation. Häkkänen explained that foreign ownership could pose a risk of interference in Finland's domestic affairs, and the proposed law would limit the possibility of a foreign state exerting hostile influence on Finland.

    This proposed legislation is part of a series of measures taken by Finland to escalate border tensions with Russia since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In July, Finland's Parliament passed a controversial law allowing law enforcement and border agents to refuse entry to migrants and asylum seekers at the Russian border. Additionally, Finland joined NATO in April 2023 in response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the changing geopolitical landscape.