Here is a selection of what the international press has published about Finland in the last week:
Santa lives in Rovaniemi, Finland. Some of his neighbors are not thrilled.
Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village and the booming tourist industry around it was covered in an article by The New York Times on April 15.
The article explores the growing tension among residents in Rovaniemi as a consequence of the town’s Santa-fueled identity.
The story begins with a local law student, Mariel Tähtivaara, whose everyday errands are routinely interrupted by confused international tourists asking for help in supermarkets. Her mild annoyance signals a larger frustration among many residents. Rovaniemi, once a peaceful town with a strong local identity and tight-knit community, now feels overwhelmed by waves of tourists who visit between October and March. The influx brings noise, congestion, and significant disruptions to daily life.
The article traces the evolution of Rovaniemi’s transformation, beginning with its total destruction by retreating Nazis during World War II. After the war, famed architect Alvar Aalto was commissioned to redesign the town, choosing a reindeer-head layout as a nod to local culture. Decades later, in the 1980s, Santa Claus emerged as a central marketing figure when a Soviet missile misfire attracted media attention.
Santa Claus Village is now an international attraction, bringing in tourists from across the globe and generating over 400 million euros annually, employing nearly 2,000 people. But beneath the festive surface lies growing discontent. Locals like Taina Torvela, a retired advertising executive, recounts how Airbnbs have overtaken her residential building, leading to disturbances, safety concerns, and even incidents involving fire and illegal activity. Housing prices have soared, with students and residents often priced out or forced to leave during tourist surges. The rise in short-term rentals has significantly altered the housing market and the town’s social fabric.
This tension mirrors a global pattern seen in cities like Venice and Barcelona, where tourism-driven gentrification has triggered public backlash. Protests have begun to emerge in Rovaniemi, with locals carrying signs like “Dear Santa, I Want a Home.” Beyond the town center, rural areas are feeling the spillover. Remote locations once known only to locals—like lakeside homes of retirees—are now overrun at night by tourists seeking the northern lights, often leaving behind trash and damage.
Original story was published by The New York Times on 15.04.2025 and can be found here.
Finland’s bid to win Europe’s start-up crown
Finland’s efforts to establish itself as Europe’s leading start-up hub was covered in an article by BBC on April 14. The article highlights the country’s bid to lead the start-up race, with a particular focus on the expansion of Maria 01 — a startup campus in Helsinki that’s rapidly becoming a symbol of the country’s innovation-driven future.
Built on the grounds of a former hospital, Maria 01 already houses around 240 start-ups working in health tech, AI, cybersecurity, gaming, and defence. With plans to triple its size by 2028, it aims to become the largest start-up campus in Europe. Its success is fueled by a strong sense of community, support from the city of Helsinki, and a culture that blends business with uniquely Finnish lifestyle perks, such as saunas and ice bathing clubs.
“The whole place is really based on community,” Sarita Runeberg, Maria 01’s CEO said. “We bring people together so they can network… and find different kinds of resources to grow their businesses,” Runeberg added.
The expansion of Maria 01 reflects Finland’s broader strategy to nurture its tech ecosystem. The government, particularly through its innovation agency Business Finland, has increased investment in start-ups and launched accelerator programs to boost growth. In 2024 alone, Business Finland invested €112 million in start-ups, marking a 30% increase from the previous year.
Although Finland’s start-up scene isn’t as globally recognized as those in Sweden or the UK, it has seen steady growth over the past two decades. The country, with a population of just 5.6 million, has produced 12 unicorns, including big names like Supercell, Rovio (Angry Birds), and Wolt. Its ecosystem is praised for being open, transparent, and low-ego, making it easier for entrepreneurs to connect and collaborate. Events like Slush — a massive international start-up conference held annually in Helsinki — also add to its credibility.
Despite these advancements, Finland still trails behind Sweden, the current Nordic leader in the start-up world. Sweden boasts over 40 unicorns and has attracted far more investment capital in the last decade. Critics argue that Finland is only now implementing strategies Sweden adopted years ago, such as building co-working hubs and fostering collaborative ecosystems.
Original story was published by BBC on 14.04.2025 and can be found here.
Canada, Finland tout different paths of ‘icebreaker diplomacy’ with US
The growing competition between Canada and Finland as they offer differing proposals to build icebreakers for the United States was covered in an article by Defense News on April 14. The article highlights a broader strategic dilemma for the United States—whether to prioritize rapid delivery or the revitalization of its domestic shipbuilding industry.
U.S. President Donald Trump has shown renewed interest in enhancing the U.S. Coast Guard’s polar capabilities, with an ambitious plan to procure 40 new icebreakers. Finland, under the leadership of President Alexander Stubb, is actively pursuing what it calls “icebreaker diplomacy,” aiming to deepen ties with the U.S. by offering to build the vessels in Finnish shipyards. This option promises speed and access to Finland’s specialized expertise. On the other hand, Canada is taking a different route. Seaspan, a major Canadian shipbuilder, proposes a collaborative model where Canadian designs are adopted but the ships are constructed in American shipyards, aligning with U.S. legal requirements that favor domestic production for national security reasons.
On the other hand, Canada is taking a different route. Seaspan, a major Canadian shipbuilder, proposes a collaborative model where Canadian designs are adopted but the ships are constructed in American shipyards, aligning with U.S. legal requirements that favor domestic production for national security reasons.
“Finland is most definitely trying to build the U.S. icebreakers in Finland. … The discussions we’ve been having with the U.S. is around whether they could take our design and use it to build their icebreakers domestically in their own shipyards,” David Hargreaves, senior vice president of business development at Seaspan, told Defense News. A hybrid approach is also being considered—where initial icebreakers could be built abroad for immediate use, followed by domestic production for long-term capacity building.
All three nations—Canada, Finland, and the U.S.—are also engaged in the ICE Pact, a trilateral initiative aimed at enhancing cooperation on Arctic shipbuilding, workforce development, and polar research. The next round of talks is scheduled for May, where concrete steps toward joint development and production are expected to be discussed.
Original story was published by Defense News on 14.04.2025 and can be found here.
The role of design in Finland being named the world’s happiest country
Finland’s unique design philosophy was covered in an article by Forbes on April 13. The article explores how Finnish design with its simplicity, functionality, sustainability, and harmony with nature support a higher quality of life and collective happiness in Finland.
The article centers around an interview with Teemu Kiiski, CEO of Finnish Design Shop, who provides insight into how everyday design and architecture influence the national psyche and well-being. Finnish design is deeply embedded in daily life, with objects like Iittala tableware and Artek furniture becoming staples in Finnish homes, schools, and public buildings. Unlike luxury or exclusive design, Finnish design is accessible, durable, and timeless—qualities that ease daily routines and reduce stress. This aligns with the nation’s pragmatic approach to happiness, where ease of living and minimalism are prioritized.
“Even public buildings tend to focus on how they serve the people who use them. A good example is the Paimio Sanatorium by Alvar and Aino Aalto. It wasn’t just about creating a beautiful building; it was designed in the 1930s to support the health and mental well-being of its patients in every detail, from the placement of windows to the color of the walls. That kind of thinking feels very Finnish to me: designing for people first,” Kiiski said.
“A more recent example Is the Oodi Central Library in Helsinki. It’s such a welcoming space where you can read, work, play with your child or just hang out. What I find amazing is how it’s become a real gathering place for everyone, not just a library in the traditional sense. So rather than focusing on creating architectural “wow” moments, the emphasis here is often on how spaces can genuinely improve everyday life and bring people together,” Kiiski added.
Kiiski highlights that the design in Finland is also a reflection of the country’s strong bond with nature. Materials, colors, and forms are often inspired by natural landscapes. Nature itself plays a central role in Finnish life, with easy access to green spaces and a strong culture of spending time outdoors, especially in summer cottages. This connection is mirrored in home and product design that fosters calmness and balance.
Original story was published by Forbes on 13.04.2025 and can be found here.
HT
