Finnish residents forced out near military sites amid NATO tensions
The Finnish military has ordered residents to leave homes adjacent to key military facilities. This decision affects several dozen families in Lapland and central Finland, and the homes will be demolished. Many residents are in shock, reports PAP.
This order concerns several dozen families living near airports in Lapland and central Finland. According to Yle radio, which is cited by the Polish Press Agency, these homes will be demolished.
Finland: Over 120 people must leave their homes
Residents from Rovaniemi, near Jyvaskyla, and around Kuopio have received lease termination notices. Within six months, they will have to leave their semi-detached and row houses. The reason for this decision is the strategically important location of the areas, reports Yle. The termination of leases affects over 60 homes and more than 120 people.
Most residents who received correspondence about the termination of leases at the end of November are surprised and shocked by the decision. Some have lived there for several years, while others planned to raise their children there. The premises must be vacated by June 2025.
Finland: Leaving homes. What is the reason?
In Tikkakoski near Jyvaskyla, where the air force academy base is located, and in Siilinjarvi near Kuopio, residents had a direct view of the control towers. Tikkakoski became well-known when "Helsingin Sanomat" revealed the existence of a secret military intelligence center specializing in monitoring signals, mainly from Russia. Journalists who disclosed this information were taken to court.
International military maneuvers are regularly held at the Rovaniemi airport. Since Finland joined NATO in April 2023, the intensity of exercises, including those with fighter jets, has increased.
According to Yle, the procedure for the military forces to take over the areas began back in 2019, but residents only recently became aware of it. Authorities expected tenants to move out more quickly, even before the end of 2024. In Rovaniemi, officials are trying to help find new housing, but the situation is complicated by a lack of available properties in the area.
