Finland's national risk assessment lists 24 threats, naming military force as most serious
First published Mon, Nov 2
Finland's national risk assessment sets out 24 threats the country must prepare for, and the use of military force is described as the most serious of them. The assessment is presented as a document that supports society's preparedness and maps possible risks.12
The Ministry of the Interior urged preparedness for terrorist attacks targeting data centres. The ministry published the risk assessment on Thursday.34
A specialist researcher at Supo, the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service, described Russian cyber operations against Finland as "continuous". The assessment's list of new dangers was reported as bringing three critical points to the fore.51
2
US strikes island in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran fires at a fighter jet
First published Tue, Nov 3
The United States struck an island in the Strait of Hormuz that the reports describe as critical, according to accounts carried by Finnish outlets citing The Wall Street Journal. The strike followed an Iranian launch toward a fighter jet, to which the United States responded with the attack. The island's role in the strait is not specified beyond the description of it as critical.123
President Donald Trump said the war with Iran may end. He gave no timetable in the cited account, and no other outlet in the cluster reported terms for an end to the fighting.4
Saudi oil giant Aramco is planning a new oil pipeline to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a route the strikes have put at the centre of the week's news. The plan was reported alongside the military developments.5
3
Stubb says his call with Putin was part of Finland's deterrence
First published Tue, Nov 3
President Alexander Stubb said his telephone call with Vladimir Putin was part of Finland's deterrence, in remarks reported on Monday. Stubb described the call as an opportunity to hear the views of Russia's leader directly. He said the call was made at the request of Ukraine and the United States, and that all Nordic countries were informed of it.123
Stubb opened the national defence course, course number 258, on Monday morning and raised Finland's military deterrence in the speech. He said Finland must "force hostile actors to pay a price for their actions." Iltalehti broadcast the speech live.4
Stubb also telephoned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Satakunnan Kansa reported under its coverage of the war in Ukraine.5
Ilta-Sanomat published a commentary arguing that Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and the National Coalition Party are being pushed to the edge of embarrassment, President Stubb included, under the line "We're in a pit..."6
4
US pushes to restore Russian gas flows to Europe via Ukraine, Kremlin calls it impossible
First published Mon, Nov 2
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
The United States wants to bring Russian gas deliveries back to Europe through Ukraine, a plan reported by The Wall Street Journal and carried by Finnish outlets. The Kremlin rejected the idea, with Russian officials calling it impossible.1234
Finnish coverage presented the plan as a US-driven effort to reopen Russian gas exports to the European market. Demokraatti.fi described it as Washington scheming to get Russian gas back into EU markets.24
Attributed claim: The reports put the United States and Russia on opposite sides of the question: Washington is pushing the reopening of the export route, while Moscow says a return of Russian gas to Europe cannot happen.23
5
Bomb threats target two Finnair flights from Helsinki; Rome threat declared false
First published Thu, Nov 5 · Updated Fri, Nov 6
Bomb threats were made against two Finnair flights that departed Helsinki, according to Finnish outlets. A threat against a Finnair flight to Rome was declared false, while a plane in Vienna was still being checked, Helsingin Sanomat reported.12345
Italian media obtained the threat message sent about the Finnair aircraft, which Iltalehti quoted as saying: "Today your sky will be dyed red." Ilta-Sanomat reported that the message, written in Italian, said explosives had been smuggled onto flights and was signed by "the fighters of the man-state."67
An expert said Russian influence cannot be ruled out as an explanation for the bomb threats, Iltalehti reported. Etelä-Suomen Sanomat carried the expert's assessment that the threats against flights were the work of a coordinated operation.89
UPDATES
· New development
At least 30 flights have been hit by bomb threats within a few days, Ilta-Sanomat reported.10
New threats were reported against flights in at least Prague and Copenhagen, according to Yle.11
Also this week
Published earlier this week and since overtaken by bigger stories. Open one to read it in full.
New bomb threats disrupt European air traffic; traces point to Russian extremist group and ColombiaA fresh wave of bomb threats disrupted air traffic across Europe, with the traces of the threat messages sent to airports appearing to lead to a Russian extremist group and to Colombia, Helsingin Sanomat reported. The threats were sent to airports, and the resulting disruption spread across the continent's skies.
New bomb threats disrupt European air traffic; traces point to Russian extremist group and Colombia
First published Fri, Nov 6
A fresh wave of bomb threats disrupted air traffic across Europe, with the traces of the threat messages sent to airports appearing to lead to a Russian extremist group and to Colombia, Helsingin Sanomat reported. The threats were sent to airports, and the resulting disruption spread across the continent's skies.123
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the bomb threats may be linked to hybrid influence activity. "There were quite a lot of them at once," Orpo said.4
A passenger described the moment a fighter jet appeared outside the window as the threats scrambled European air traffic.5
An expert said Russian influence cannot be ruled out as an explanation for the bomb threats, and Etelä-Suomen Sanomat carried an expert assessment that the threats against flights were the work of a coordinated operation.6
Finland's government proposes restoration plan without forcing landowners outside protected areasFinland's government has decided on a disputed restoration plan that does not impose obligations outside protected areas, while a decision on forests is still pending. The proposal now goes forward as the government's answer to the EU restoration regulation, and the question of what it will cost landowners remains open.
Finland's government proposes restoration plan without forcing landowners outside protected areas
First published Fri, Nov 6
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
Finland's government has decided on a disputed restoration plan that does not impose obligations outside protected areas, while a decision on forests is still pending. The proposal now goes forward as the government's answer to the EU restoration regulation, and the question of what it will cost landowners remains open.12
The forest industry called the restoration plan a step in the right direction but said the costs remain enormous. The sawmill industry put the plan's costs at up to 30 billion euros, describing the sum as "money larger than fighter jet purchases."34
A civil servant believes the worst-case cost scenarios for Finland under the restoration regulation can be avoided, Ilta-Sanomat reported. The government's proposal is being presented as an answer to whether landowners will escape a giant bill.2
Attributed claim: Kauppalehti, a centre-right business outlet, framed the plan as a step in the right direction while stressing that the costs are still enormous. Yle, a centre outlet, led instead on the government's decision that there is no compulsion outside protected areas and that no decision on forests has yet been made.51
Yle poll puts National Coalition at 15.4 percent, its lowest in over 30 yearsPrime Minister Petteri Orpo's National Coalition Party has fallen to 15.4 percent support in Yle's latest monthly poll, the lowest level in more than 30 years. The figure is down 0.9 percentage points from September's measurement. Yle's survey also shows the Social Democratic Party remaining the most popular party.
Yle poll puts National Coalition at 15.4 percent, its lowest in over 30 years
First published Thu, Nov 5
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's National Coalition Party has fallen to 15.4 percent support in Yle's latest monthly poll, the lowest level in more than 30 years. The figure is down 0.9 percentage points from September's measurement. Yle's survey also shows the Social Democratic Party remaining the most popular party.12
Yle's political correspondent Ari Hakahuhta writes that the party's drop behind the Finns Party was not a statistical anomaly, and that on this trajectory the countdown to Orpo's exit from the National Coalition leadership has begun.3
The result was reported as a historic collapse for the governing party, with the left overtaking the Centre Party in the same measurement.45
Finnish court jails Fitburg captain for 3 years 6 months over Baltic cable damageA Finnish court sentenced the Russian captain of the cargo ship Fitburg to 3 years and 6 months in prison and the Azerbaijani boatswain to 2 years and 10 months, both unconditional terms, for cable offences. The Fitburg cut telecommunications cables in the Gulf of Finland with its anchor.
Finnish court jails Fitburg captain for 3 years 6 months over Baltic cable damage
First published Thu, Nov 5
A Finnish court sentenced the Russian captain of the cargo ship Fitburg to 3 years and 6 months in prison and the Azerbaijani boatswain to 2 years and 10 months, both unconditional terms, for cable offences. The Fitburg cut telecommunications cables in the Gulf of Finland with its anchor.12
The captain said he was disappointed with the verdict, stating he is "not satisfied with the outcome."3
Helsingin Sanomat, Ilta-Sanomat and Iltalehti reported the same unconditional prison sentences for the captain and boatswain.45
Democrats win full control of US Congress in midterm elections, Yle reportsDemocrats won control of the entire US Congress in the midterm elections, Yle reported. The victory brought forward a series of historic firsts among the candidates elected.
Democrats win full control of US Congress in midterm elections, Yle reports
First published Wed, Nov 4
Democrats won control of the entire US Congress in the midterm elections, Yle reported. The victory brought forward a series of historic firsts among the candidates elected.12
Billionaire Elon Musk, who lives in Texas, backed Republicans generously in the midterms and has commented on the result on X, the messaging service he owns. Iltalehti reported that Musk, who pumped hundreds of millions of dollars into the midterms, does not appear especially satisfied with the outcome.3
Former foreign minister Timo Soini said Donald Trump's time is beginning to be over and that this decided the elections. Soini described the result as "the rye bread of politics rather than identity politics," Ilta-Sanomat reported.4
Helsingin Sanomat's column argued that corruption brought down the Republicans and that Jesus showed the Democrats a new path. Keskisuomalainen reported that Barack Obama has now spoken on the result.25
Aalto University professor Vesa Puttonen charged with market manipulation over 2021–2022 tradesAalto University professor Vesa Puttonen faces a charge of market manipulation, filed in Helsinki District Court in October. The suspected offence is said to have taken place in 2021 and 2022.
Aalto University professor Vesa Puttonen charged with market manipulation over 2021–2022 trades
First published Wed, Nov 4
Aalto University professor Vesa Puttonen faces a charge of market manipulation, filed in Helsinki District Court in October. The suspected offence is said to have taken place in 2021 and 2022.12
Puttonen denies the charge. "I deny it absolutely," he said in comments carried by Yle.13
The case is described as a financial crime, with the prosecution brought before Helsinki District Court. Puttonen is identified in the reports as a professor at Aalto University.45
Satakunnan Kansa identified the defendant as a millionaire professor who started out in Luvia, and mtvuutiset reported that Puttonen is suspected of market manipulation.67
Sateenkaariperheet ry dismisses entire staff over uncertainty on STEA fundingSateenkaariperheet ry, a Finnish association for rainbow families, is dismissing its entire staff. The dismissals follow the threat of cuts to STEA funding, the state gambling-machine association grants that finance social and health organisations.
Sateenkaariperheet ry dismisses entire staff over uncertainty on STEA funding
First published Wed, Nov 4
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
Sateenkaariperheet ry, a Finnish association for rainbow families, is dismissing its entire staff. The dismissals follow the threat of cuts to STEA funding, the state gambling-machine association grants that finance social and health organisations.12
The association is letting go of all its permanent employees even though next year's state grants will not be decided until early next year, Aamulehti reports. Sateenkaariperheet ry says it hopes it can still cancel the dismissals.3
Attributed claim: The cuts are being made because there is no information about future funding, Aamulehti reports. Demokraatti.fi, a centre-left outlet, frames the same dismissals around the threat of cuts taking the jobs, while the centre outlets Ilta-Sanomat and Etelä-Suomen Sanomat lead on the whole staff being dismissed and on STEA cuts as the cause.412
Finnish parliament clashes over fuel and electricity prices as opposition presses government on living costsFinland's parliament debated fuel prices and a new subsidy package on Tuesday, with the opposition pressing the government over how ordinary Finns are coping as everyday costs rise. The opposition's interpellation was announced by SDP chair Antti Lindtman in Iltalehti's Ukkola programme in October.
Finnish parliament clashes over fuel and electricity prices as opposition presses government on living costs
First published Tue, Nov 3
Finland's parliament debated fuel prices and a new subsidy package on Tuesday, with the opposition pressing the government over how ordinary Finns are coping as everyday costs rise. The opposition's interpellation was announced by SDP chair Antti Lindtman in Iltalehti's Ukkola programme in October.12
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo answered the opposition from the chamber, saying: "I hope you will come out of that potato cellar." A minister turned the question back on the opposition, asking: "With what money?"23
Iltalehti carried a sharp accusation that the government had betrayed motorists, under the line "This is brazen." The government was also answering an interpellation on the rising cost of living.14
Cyberattack on grocery stores abroad spreads, with a few hits in FinlandA cyberattack targeting grocery stores abroad is under way, and Helsingin Sanomat reports disruptions in K-store refrigeration equipment. The attack has spread, and Finland has recorded "a few hits", Ilta-Sanomat reports.
Cyberattack on grocery stores abroad spreads, with a few hits in Finland
First published Mon, Nov 2
A cyberattack targeting grocery stores abroad is under way, and Helsingin Sanomat reports disruptions in K-store refrigeration equipment. The attack has spread, and Finland has recorded "a few hits", Ilta-Sanomat reports.123
A K-store retailer said the attacks should serve as a wake-up call. "This wakes all of us up," the retailer said.4
An expert said the hacking threat is not limited to grocery stores and that all devices connected to the internet should be protected.5
Olkiluoto 3 maintenance overruns again as TVO tells Nord Pool output starts 11 NovemberTeollisuuden Voima has notified the Nord Pool power exchange that production at the Olkiluoto 3 reactor will start on 11 November, roughly two weeks later than the earlier estimate. The annual maintenance outage at the third reactor has been delayed again, and the plant now starts up later than originally forecast.
Olkiluoto 3 maintenance overruns again as TVO tells Nord Pool output starts 11 November
First published Mon, Nov 2
Teollisuuden Voima has notified the Nord Pool power exchange that production at the Olkiluoto 3 reactor will start on 11 November, roughly two weeks later than the earlier estimate. The annual maintenance outage at the third reactor has been delayed again, and the plant now starts up later than originally forecast.12
The maintenance shutdown had been due to end the following Saturday before the new postponement was announced. The completion of the Olkiluoto 3 service break is now pushed back once more.32
Separately, production at Olkiluoto 1 will be interrupted for about a day to repair a fault. The two units are reported together in the same roundup of Olkiluoto developments.4
The reason for exceptionally expensive electricity has been identified and traced to Olkiluoto, according to Stara.fi's account. The outlet links the price spike to the same site where the maintenance delay is unfolding.5
