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16.10.2023 | The EU ministers responsible for the environment and climate change issues will meet in Luxembourg on 16 October to discuss the EU’s objectives for the negotiations at the UN Climate Change Conference to be held in Dubai. The conclusions to be adopted by the Environment Council will constitute the EU’s objective for the Climate Change Conference. Finland’s representative at the Environment Council will be Minister of Climate and the Environment Kai Mykkänen.

12.2.2026 | On 12 February 2026, the Government submitted three communications concerning proposals included in the European Commission’s Automotive Package to Parliament. On 30 January 2026, the Government also submitted a Europe communication regarding the Commission’s proposal to amend the EU Regulation on the CO2 emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles.

17.12.2025 | On 16 December 2025, the European Commission published the Automotive Package to promote the automotive industry’s competitiveness and support the transition to clean vehicles. The package includes several legislative proposals.

23.7.2020 | The requirements for professional qualifications training for lorry, bus and coach drivers will be specified by amendments to the decree on professional qualifications. The amendments relate to the implementation of Directive (EU) 2018/645. The amendments required by the Directive have been partly implemented by the amendments to the Driving Licence Act and the Act on Transport Services that entered into force in mid-July.

23.7.2020 | The requirements for professional qualifications training for lorry, bus and coach drivers will be specified by amendments to the decree on professional qualifications. The amendments relate to the implementation of Directive (EU) 2018/645. The amendments required by the Directive have been partly implemented by the amendments to the Driving Licence Act and the Act on Transport Services that entered into force in mid-July.

12.11.2020 | In future, it will be possible to pass the initial qualification requirements for lorry, bus and coach drivers by completing a qualification examination only. Further provisions on the completion of the examination will be laid down in a decree that will enter into force on 16 November 2020. The decree also lays down further provisions on, for example, the organisers and evaluators of the examination as well as on the requirements for simulators to be used in the examination.

25.5.2020 | The exemptions to driving times and rest periods issued for heavy transport due to the coronavirus epidemic will expire. Normal driving times and rest periods will apply again as of 1 June 2020.

12.11.2020 | In future, it will be possible to pass the initial qualification requirements for lorry, bus and coach drivers by completing a qualification examination only. Further provisions on the completion of the examination will be laid down in a decree that will enter into force on 16 November 2020. The decree also lays down further provisions on, for example, the organisers and evaluators of the examination as well as on the requirements for simulators to be used in the examination.

25.5.2020 | The exemptions to driving times and rest periods issued for heavy transport due to the coronavirus epidemic will expire. Normal driving times and rest periods will apply again as of 1 June 2020.

10.12.2025 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications has launched a legislative project to introduce a comprehensive reform of the Driving Licence Act, as the new Driving Licences Directive and the updated driving disqualifications rules of the EU shall be transposed into national legislation. The Directive calls for amendments to the driving licences regulation throughout the EU.

22.6.2023 | Finland has successfully applied for EU funding. The European Commission awarded funding under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to seven projects in Finland. Funding was received for rail transport and port projects. They include central government projects and projects by other operators.

29.3.2023 | On 29 March 2023, the Ministry of Transport and Communications published a distribution infrastructure programme for new fuels in road transport. The programme extends to 2035.

12.5.2021 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications is launching a law‑drafting project to prepare purchase subsidies for electric and gas‑operated vehicles. The aim is to renew the vehicle stock, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport. New subsidies would include support for buying electric and gas‑operated vans and electric heavy‑duty vehicles.

12.5.2021 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications is launching a law‑drafting project to prepare purchase subsidies for electric and gas‑operated vehicles. The aim is to renew the vehicle stock, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport. New subsidies would include support for buying electric and gas‑operated vans and electric heavy‑duty vehicles.

13.2.2020 | On 12 February 2020, the Ministry of Transport and Communications invited comments on draft amendments to a decree that specify the provisions on a test model for qualifications for lorry and bus drivers. The amendment aims to remedy the shortage of heavy vehicle drivers and to ensure the provision of transport services.

28.5.2025 | On 28 May 2025, the Finnish Government submitted a Union communication to Parliament regarding the European Commission’s proposal for the so-called Roadworthiness Package. In principle, the Government supports the proposal’s aim to promote road safety and reduce the negative environmental impacts of transport.

13.2.2020 | On 12 February 2020, the Ministry of Transport and Communications invited comments on draft amendments to a decree that specify the provisions on a test model for qualifications for lorry and bus drivers. The amendment aims to remedy the shortage of heavy vehicle drivers and to ensure the provision of transport services.

12.3.2018 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications proposes that longer combined vehicles than currently be allowed in road transport. The longest permitted dimension would be extended to 34.50 metres from the current 25.25 metres.

27.6.2018 | The European Commission has proposed limits to carbon dioxide emissions from new heavy-duty commercial vehicles. So far no such limits have been set on the EU level.

31.1.2018 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications has launched a project to develop the weights and dimensions of heavy-duty vehicles. The aim is to improve cost efficiency and energy efficiency and to reduce the emissions from transport.