IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE ELECTIONS intense coverage has been afforded to the issues that Finland’s incoming government faces. While many publications have highlighted the falling birth rate as a major concern, this week one international outlet went as far as describing Finland as ‘Europe’s Japan’, stressing that decades of ‘stagflation’ and decline lie ahead if current trends continue. 

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN.This week the UN’s annualWorld Happiness Report revealed that Finland has retained its top position as the “world’s happiest country” for the second year running, prompting several articles and opinion pieces about what Finland does differently. The US-based hipster bibleVicetook a slightly different approach, uploading aYouTube video questioning whether Finns are actually happy in any emotional sense.

A scheme offeringforeign professionals the opportunity to live in Finland for a fixed time received substantial international coverage this week as it garnered thousands of applications. 

Helsinki Business Hub, an international trade and investment promotion agency based in the Finnish capital region, launched the “90 Day Finn” programme in November. The programme enables U.S. tech specialists and their families to relocate to Finland for a period of 90 days.  

MUCH OF THIS WEEK’S international coverage of Finland concerned the formation of the national government, which will be bringing the first left-wing prime minister in over 20 years into power. 

Much of the coverage from major publications concerned the progressive and ambitious policy proposals of the incoming government, as well as the fact that the majority of the cabinet is female.  

THE FINNISH WEATHER was a surprise point of focus in the world press this week, following a Nordic heatwave that has shattered records and brought previously unthinkable temperatures the northernmost reaches of Lapland.

INTERNATIONAL COVERAGE OF FINLAND this week was dominated by the results of the national election, which saw the ruling conservative coalition lose its majority, whilst the far-right Finns Party crept up to second place.  

All of the major global news outlets have offered their own analysis of the shock results, with opinions ranging from incredulity to dismay to optimism. Some outlets focused on what the results signify about the future of EU elections and the entrenchment of far-right populists on the political scene.  

A MAJOR STORY concerning Finland in the international press this week centered on an upcoming white nationalist conference in Turku, which will host prominent hate figures and neo-Nazis from the US, Ukraine, Sweden, and Russia. The conference, known as ‘Awakening II’, will feature speakers from across the spectrum of the growing right-wing “identitarian movement” in Europe.  

The controversy surroundingFinnish Prime MinisterSanna Marin’sbreakfast expenses made international headlines this week, with the story being covered by newspapers in France, Sweden and Italy, as well as non-European countries. 

French daily Le Monde called the affair—dubbed breakfastgate by several newspapers—a “political conflict,” also describing it as a “storm in a glass of water” from an international perspective. US-based Politico has also been following developments on the story. 

Finland’s performanceat the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships drew significant attention from the global press this week. After suffering a heartbreaking defeat against the U.S., the team rallied to beat Russia and win the bronze medal on Tuesday.

While Russia initially gained a 0-1 lead less than seven minutes into the game, the Finns came back with four unanswered goals. 

FINLAND MADE GLOBAL HEADLINES THIS WEEKfollowing the release of a report from the National Archives that concluded it was “highly likely” that Finnish volunteers participated in the large-scale killing of Jews during the Holocaust. National newspapers and public figures in the US, UK, and Israel commented on the revelations that Finnish volunteers working for the Nazi SS participated in mass murder, while praising the decision of the National Archives to publish the findings.

The Finnish cityof Tampere has been in the spotlight after it recently announced its intention to run for the title of European Capital of Culture for 2026.

The Tampere26 application is centred on the theme of “Equality European” and will focus on the core values of equality, diversity, accessibility and sustainability. It seeks to promote equality through cultural activities and discussions.

Multiple media outletsreported that Finland is set to establish a state-owned company to help people with disabilities find employment in the country. 

The initiative, called the Work Ability Programme, is part of the country’s plan to achieve a 75 percent employment rate by 2025. It will focus on offering job opportunities to vulnerable groups and those with reduced working capacity. 

Finnish startupSolar Foods has been receiving significant attention from the international media for its attempts to create a plant-based protein “out of thin air.” 

The company has received 25 million euros in state and private funding to develop the product, which it says can be used in health drinks, yogurt and even as a meat substitute. 

ONE WIDELY-SHARED ARTICLE in the world press this week came from a popular science magazine which revealed that despite Finland’s efforts to fight climate change, the country is actually warming up at double the global average rate. They also interviewed Finland’s former environment minister to get her thoughts on the looming ecological catastrophe.  

ONE OF THE MAJOR STORIES concerning Finland in the international press this week was the revelation that it is officially the fittest country in the world, according to the latest rankings by the World Health Organization.  

VISIT FINLAND’S LATEST PR INITIATIVEgrabbed headlines around the world this week, one which promises happiness-starved travellers a chance to “rent a Finn” to show them around the country. The scheme is open to applicants from anywhere in the world,

with successful entrants being awarded an all-expenses-paid trip around the country, accompanied by a happy Finn who will show them the secret to “the Finnish way of life”.

Finnish football players were in the spotlight this week when they expressed their support for teammateGlen Kamara by wearing “I stand with Glen” t-shirts.

Kamara, who plays for the Scottish professional football club Rangers, was allegedly the target of racist comments during a Europa League match against the Slavia Prague football club last week. 

A group of volunteersin Finland have captured the attention of news desks across the globe with their attempts to create the world’s largest ice carousel. 

The giant spinning ice disk measures over 300 metres and is powered by a boat motor. It will be able to claim the Guinness world record if it can complete an entire rotation.

Since COVID- 19 restrictions across the world are compelling people to stay indoors, the Finnish activity of “Kalsarikänni,” which involves drinking alcohol in your underwear at home, attracted new proponents this week. 

Cultural and tourism websiteThis is Finland defines Kalsarikänni or “pantsdrunk” as “the feeling when you are going to get drunk home alone in your underwear—with no intention of going out.” 

Golfer Matilda Castren graced headlines this week when she became the first player from Finland to win an LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) championship.  

Castren, 26, beat Taiwan’sMin Lee to cinch the final round at the LPGA Mediheal Championship, which took place on Sunday at Lake Merced Golf Club in Daly City, California (US).