Draft budget for the Ministry of Transport and Communications and its administrative branch for 2026

The Ministry of Transport and Communications proposes that EUR 3.78 billion be allocated to its administrative branch for 2026. This is about EUR 60 million less than in the 2025 Budget.

The Ministry proposes that around EUR 2.12 billion be allocated to the transport and communications networks, around EUR 843 million to transport and communication services and around EUR 817 million to administration and joint expenditure for the administrative branch. A majority of the appropriations proposed for transport and communications networks, approximately EUR 1.41 billion, would be allocated to the basic transport infrastructure management of roads, railways and waterways.

Of the appropriations under the main expenditure title, the maintenance and development of transport and communications networks account for 56% and transport and communication services for slightly over 22%. Just under 22% will be used for the operating expenses of the government agencies and joint expenditure for the administrative branch.

Permanent funding is necessary for implementing the Cyber Security Strategy

Finland’s Cyber Security Strategy has been revised to respond to the changed operating environment. The strategy aims to make cyber security an integral part of Finland's concept for comprehensive security. 
•    The Ministry of Transport and Communications proposes a permanent increase of EUR 4.7 million from 2026 onwards for measures under the Cyber Security Strategy. 
•    The appropriation proposed for the implementation of the Cyber Security Strategy will be used, among other measures, to develop the situation picture with respect to cyber security and to ensure a national detection capacity and the continuity of cyber security exercises. The appropriation is also necessary for ensuring smooth and effective implementation of the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).

Additional funding is proposed for the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency for implementing the EU AI Act and Data Act

The Ministry of Transport and Communications proposes a permanent increase to the operating expenditure of the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency for implementing official duties related to the EU AI Act, and the AI testing environment and EU Data Act. 
•    The Ministry proposes EUR 4.55 million in 2026 and EUR 3.28 million annually from 2027 onwards for the implementation of the EU AI Act.
•    EUR 1.0 million per year is proposed for the implementation of the EU Data Act.

Smooth and safe connections are ensured by maintaining and developing transport infrastructure

New road projects worth over a billion euros have already been launched during this government term, and several new projects were agreed on in the Government’s mid-term policy review session in spring 2025. 

In addition, a total of EUR 450 million has so far been allocated to reducing the backlog of road repairs, and an additional EUR 120 million is proposed for 2026. The increase of road repair backlog has now been halted, but efforts must continue in the coming years.

Decisions on new rail transport projects worth over a billion euros have also been made during this government term.

The draft budget of the Ministry of Transport and Communications includes two new rail projects. 
•    The Savo rail line between Kouvola and Kuopio will be developed to shorten travel times and improve traffic flow. The Ministry proposes a budget authority of EUR 40.8 million and an appropriation of EUR 1 million for the project in 2026. The Ministry proposes that the project be implemented as part of the Government's fixed-term investment programme.
•    The main rail line will be developed by launching the refurbishment of the Riihimäki–Tampere sidings and the main line. The Ministry proposes a budget authority of EUR 100 million and an appropriation of EUR 5 million for the project in 2026.

In addition, a budget authority of EUR 95 million and an appropriation of EUR 14 million is proposed for continuing the implementation of the Digirail project in 2026. Digirail will modernise and repair the rail traffic control system.

Regional flights will continue, an increase is proposed for the appropriation for passenger rail transport

The Ministry of Transport and Communications proposes public funding of EUR 10.6 million for air transport connections between regional airports and Helsinki Airport.
•    The appropriation will be allocated to support air service connections between the airports of Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kajaani, Kemi–Tornio, Kokkola–Pietarsaari and Pori and Helsinki Airport until 27 February 2028.
•    The Government decided to ensure the continuation of regional flights until early 2028 in its mid-term policy review session in spring 2025.

The Ministry proposes increasing the appropriation for passenger rail transport services by EUR 10.3 million in 2026.
•    The proposal is based on the Government Programme entry according to which the Government will promote effective competition and market access in the rail transport sector.
•    For this purpose, a public rolling stock company will be established for procured services that are publicly supported.

Consideration of the draft budget to continue in September 

The Government will discuss the draft budget during its budget session on 1–2 September. The Ministry of Finance then finalises the Government’s budget proposal, which will be submitted to Parliament on 22 September. Parliament approves the Budget in December.

Inquiries:

Sanna Ruuskanen, Director of Unit, tel. +358 295 342 122, firstname.lastname(at)gov.fi