Finland set to ban Russian citizens from buying property
Finland will prohibit Russian citizens from purchasing real estate in the country. "The government has just decided to submit a proposal to parliament to ban real estate transactions by Russians in Finland," said Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen on Thursday. The parliament is expected to address this issue closer to the spring.
Russians will not be able to purchase real estate in neighboring Finland. According to the Finnish service Iltalehti.fi, the country's authorities want to "prevent hostile, large-scale influence" through this measure. They emphasize that by acquiring real estate, Russians may use it for reconnaissance or sabotage purposes.
Finland will prohibit Russians from buying real estate
The authorities in Helsinki highlight that two conditions have been met to implement such a ban. First, the European Union states that Russia is currently conducting an "aggressive war." Second, the Kremlin poses a direct threat to Finland's security.
No citizens or companies from any other country have been subjected to such a ban. In the case of China and North Korea, the second criterion (the threat to Finland) is not met. In practice, the ban currently applies exclusively to Russia, explained the Finnish minister.
When the new regulations come into effect, the Finnish Ministry of Defense will be able to start an investigation at the suspicion stage itself. The independent publication "The Moscow Times" reported that last year, Finland blocked several real estate transactions by Russian companies and individuals, citing a threat to national security.
Finland joined NATO in April 2024 after several decades of neutrality, despite being within an area of significant Moscow influence. Helsinki's decision was influenced by Vladimir Putin's regime initiating a full-scale war in Ukraine. By joining the alliance, Finland, a country with over an 800-mile border with Russia, became a member. The country has memories of conflicts with the USSR, such as the Winter War in 1939-1940 and the Continuation War in 1941-1944. Despite its challenging geographical position, Helsinki consistently advocates for a tougher stance in dealing with the Kremlin, yet without escalating tensions.
