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European Commission wishes to reform emissions trading – changes for maritime transport and aviation
On 17 July 2026, the European Commission gave a proposal to amend the EU Emissions Trading Directive. According to the proposal, the scope of emissions trading in both aviation and maritime transport would expand. The reform is based on the EU’s decision on the 2040 climate target. The EU ‘s net emissions will be reduced by 90 per cent by 2040, compared to 1990.
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Council of International Maritime Organization emphasised the protection of vital shipping lanes and seafarers
The International Maritime Organization IMO convened at its 137th regular session in London on 6–10 July 2026. A particular focus was on the need to protect seafarers and the freedom of merchant shipping. The Council also decided on a number of questions related to the administration and strategic development of the IMO.
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Government sets out its positions on EU Passenger Package
On 9 July 2026, the Government submitted a Union communication to Parliament concerning the European Commission’s proposals for a Passenger Package. Finland takes a largely positive view of the proposals included in the package.
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Finland among top EU countries in digitalisation
On 17 June 2026, the European Commission published the annual State of the Digital Decade report. According to the report, Finland is a digital frontrunner with strong digital skills, agile enterprises and leadership in artificial intelligence and supercomputing. On 7 July 2026, the Digital Decade Board published its opinion ‘A common orientation for the review of the Digital Decade Policy Programme’. The process to prepare certain sections of the opinion was led by Finland.
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Government proposes amendments to Private Roads Act
On 2 July 2026, the Government submitted to Parliament its proposal for amending the Private Roads Act. The amendments would simplify the administration and operations of private road maintenance associations, strengthen road shareholders' protection under the law and promote road safety on private roads. More broadly, their aim is to clarify, specify and harmonise certain provisions of the Private Roads Act.
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Finland joins international convention on compensation for damage due to carriage of hazardous substances by sea
.jpg/8b83d33f-fb8e-a8ea-fb24-76ef9973ef6a?version=1.0&t=1782821577654 "Photo: Mika Pakarinen, Keksi")
On 30 June 2026, Finland deposited its instrument of accession to the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea (HNS Convention). The Convention strengthens the right of injured parties to compensation for damage caused by the carriage of hazardous and noxious substances by sea and complements the international maritime liability and compensation regime.
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Public consultation: Cross-border cooperation on traffic offences to be strengthened within the EU
The Ministry of Transport and Communications is requesting views on the draft government proposal that would implement the EU's new legislative provisions concerning cross-border cooperation related to traffic offences. At the same time, regulation concerning the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities would be implemented nationally. Responses may be submitted until 28 August 2026.
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Distribution infrastructure programme to be updated in line with European Commission recommendations
On 25 June 2026, the Government adopted a national programme on distribution infrastructure for alternative transport fuels. The programme, originally published in 2024, has been updated in line with recommendations from the European Commission. No changes have been made to its core content.
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Government submits amendments to taxi legislation for approval, first changes to take effect in September
On 25 June 2026, the Government submitted a proposal to amend taxi legislation for approval. The aim is to increase trust in the taxi services sector. The amendments are due to come into force in stages, from 1 September 2026 and from 1 January 2027.
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Finnish operators apply for more than EUR 26 million of EU funding for digital infrastructure projects
A total of approximately EUR 17.6 million in funding from the European Commission’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is being sought for Finnish-led projects. In addition, approximately EUR 8.6 million in funding is being sought for Swedish-led projects that involve Finnish operators. The Ministerial Finance Committee decided in favour of the applications on 25 June 2026.
