Government proposes EUR 3.34 billion for the Ministry of Transport and Communications budget

Ministry of Transport and Communications
Publication date 19.9.2022 18.58
Press release
Budjet 2023 (Photo: Finnish Government)
Budjet 2023 (Photo: Finnish Government)

The Government proposes that EUR 3.34 billion be allocated to the administrative branch of the Ministry of Transport and Communications for 2023.

It is proposed that EUR 1.85 billion be allocated to the transport and communications network, EUR 828.5 million to transport and communication services and EUR 656 million to administration and joint expenditure for the administrative branch.

Rise in costs to be considered in basic transport infrastructure management

A majority of the appropriations to transport and communications networks, approximately EUR 1.29 billion, would be allocated to the basic transport infrastructure management of roads, railways and waterways.

In transport infrastructure maintenance, priority would be given to the infrastructure that is vital for business and industry and for society at large. The draft budget also prioritises traffic safety and the opportunities offered by digitalisation.

All measures will take into account the objectives of the parliamentary Transport 12 plan concerning sustainability, efficiency and accessibility.

In keeping with parliamentary consensus, the level of appropriations for basic transport infrastructure management, increased during this government term, will be maintained. The EUR 15 million cut in basic transport infrastructure management, announced in the previous decision on spending limits, will be cancelled, and an increase of EUR 50 million is proposed for basic transport infrastructure maintenance due to increased costs.

New development projects to support Eastern Finland and investments

As part of boosting the vitality of Eastern Finland, EUR 31.1 million is proposed for the Karelia rail line improvement project.

A budget authority of EUR 30 million and an appropriation of EUR 15 million are proposed for 2023 for the Poikkimaantie road project in Oulu, which requires Stora Enso's decision to invest in a factory.

EUR 2.6 million is proposed for the Hyryntie road project in Kuhmo. EUR 3.5 million is proposed for the intensified maintenance of the Seinäjoki-Kaskinen rail line in 2023.

The Government proposes that the budget authority for the Western Helsinki tramways (incl. the Vihdintie light rail) should be increased to EUR 105 million, however to a maximum of 30 per cent of the planning and construction costs.

An appropriation of EUR 23 million is proposed for private road grants.

Additional investments needed in cyber security

The increases announced in the General Government Fiscal Plan in spring 2022 will be made to improve cyber security in all administrative branches in question.

An increase of EUR 1.3 million is proposed for Traficom, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency. The appropriation would be used to increase the provision of citizens' advice on cybersecurity, develop society's cybersecurity preparedness and support a range of sectors. The provision of situation awareness concerning cybersecurity would also be improved.

As part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, EUR 1.5 million would be reserved for cybersecurity research investments and EUR 1 million for cybersecurity exercises.

Transport and communication services

An appropriation of EUR 100.7 million is proposed to be allocated for purchasing and developing public transport services. The appropriation would be used for the purchase of train transport services, the purchase and development of regional and local traffic services, the support of public passenger transport in large urban regions and medium-sized towns, the purchase of air transport services, and for climate-based measures, development projects and mobility management.

It is proposed that EUR 89 million be allocated to improving the competitiveness of vessels in maritime transport.

An allocation of EUR 17.9 million is proposed for the purchases and development of archipelago and ferry transport services.

EUR 17 million from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility is proposed for continuing the broadband project.

A total of EUR 28.1 million is proposed for transport and communications grants.

Inquiries:

Mikko Nygård, Director of Finance and Administration, [email protected], tel. +358 50 341 1548