Austerity measures to be implemented also in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Transport and Communications 

The Ministry of Transport and Communications proposes that around EUR 3.3 billion be allocated to its administrative branch for 2024.

It is proposed that around EUR 1.8 billion be allocated to the transport and communications networks, around EUR 833 million to transport and communication services and around EUR 670 million to administration and joint expenditure for the administrative branch.

The goal is to strengthen general government finances by EUR six billion during this parliamentary term. In the draft budget of the Ministry of Transport and Communications for 2024, the savings are mainly directed at transport and communications networks.

A majority of the appropriations proposed to transport and communications networks, approximately EUR 1.28 billion, would be allocated to the basic transport infrastructure management of roads, railways and waterways.

In transport infrastructure management, priority will be given to measures ensuring the daily functioning of the transport network and the good condition of the network that is busy and important for business and industry, to transport safety and to the opportunities provided by digitalisation. 

The Ministry will focus on halting the deterioration of roads and improving their condition. The financing of transport infrastructure projects started in previous years will be continued. The Ministry will submit its proposals for any new transport infrastructure projects later in the budget preparations. 

The Ministry will be more careful in the use of the funds than before. “We seek to restore financial discipline and expect it from our entire administrative branch and agencies,” says Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne. 

To support growth, the Government will implement a transport investment programme totalling nearly EUR three billion. The investment programme will be financed by selling central government assets. Projects under the investment programme are not yet included in the draft budget of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

Next steps

The Ministry of Finance will hold bilateral discussions with the ministries on 5–6 September to agree on the details. The government budget session will take place on 19–20 September. The budget proposal will be submitted to Parliament on 9 October.

Inquiries:

Mikko Nygård, Director of Finance and Administration, tel. +358 50 338 1548, [email protected]