Here is a selection of what the international press has published about Finland in the last week:
Finland's obsession with saunas is going global, but are they any good for you?
The growing popularity of Finland's rich sauna culture was covered in an article by BBC on May 21. The article explores the scientific evidence behind the purported physical and mental health benefits of sauna bathing—particularly when combined with ice-cold water immersion.
The author shares a personal experience in Oulu, Finland, combining a sauna session with a plunge into near-freezing water—a traditional Finnish practice known as contrast therapy. Finland has around 3.3 million saunas for a population of 5.5 million, and sauna use is considered integral to life and well-being. The practice has gained international attention, especially following its representation in Swedish Eurovision entry “Bara Bada Bastu.”
Some experts, including Finnish researchers Heikki Junkkari and Setor Kunutsor, note that while some studies show benefits of sauna like improved cardiovascular and respiratory health, many lack rigorous scientific standards. “When you go to the sauna, the temperature inside the body goes up slowly from 37C (99F) to as high as 39C (102F). Blood vessels dilate, you start sweating and that reduces blood pressure,” Junkkari said. “Being immersed in cold water does the opposite: blood vessels contract and blood pressure goes up.”
Observational studies suggest frequent sauna use may reduce the risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, sudden cardiac death, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. However, these studies don’t prove causality and may reflect broader lifestyle factors. Combining sauna use with exercise may enhance cardiovascular benefits. Cold-water immersion triggers a “cold shock” response, initially raising heart rate and blood pressure but potentially lowering both over time with regular exposure. It also increases neurotransmitters associated with stress regulation and mood improvement, such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and endorphins. Participants in cold-water activities report feeling more resilient and self-confident.
While the physical and psychological benefits are promising, there are risks, especially for people with pre-existing heart conditions. Experts stress the importance of gradual adaptation and caution against prolonged exposure to extreme cold.
Original story was published by BBC on 21.05.2025 and can be found here.
Sámi introduce certification to promote ethical tourism in Arctic Finland
The new initiative by the Sámi Parliament to regulate tourism in Sámi regions of Finland through a certification system was covered in an article by The Barents Observer on May 24. The article describes the move aimed at promoting sustainability, cultural respect, and authenticity.
The proposed Responsible Sámi Tourism Certificate was introduced during the Indigenous Peoples Conference held in Inari and is intended to support tourism operators who respect Sámi cultural values and environmental concerns. The initiative seeks to ensure that visitors engage with Sámi communities in an authentic and respectful manner, and that tourism benefits the local Indigenous population rather than exploiting or misrepresenting their traditions.
“The purpose of the certification work is primarily to clarify the current situation of Sámi tourism, so that we can better support those who operate correctly and sustainably,” Tauno Ljetoff, a member of the Sámi Parliament, said.
The certification system Is still in its draft stage and under review, with final approval expected later in the year. It will apply to tourism businesses that meet specific criteria aligned with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. The project is funded by the European Union and aims to provide a structured framework for businesses to follow in order to operate in harmony with Sámi principles. Project planner Kirsi Suomi emphasized the importance of clear guidelines that help tourism enterprises align their operations with Indigenous values.
Tourism is a vital economic sector for many Sámi people, and the certification is expected to help ethically operating businesses stand out in an increasingly competitive market. This certification effort builds on earlier Sámi initiatives such as the 2018 Principles of Responsible Sámi Tourism and the 2022 Guidelines for Tourists. These were developed in response to a surge in tourism that brought with it several challenges, including cultural appropriation, environmental damage, and violations of personal privacy, such as tourists photographing Sámi children or schools without consent.
The Indigenous Peoples Conference, where the draft certification was presented, was organized in collaboration with the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance and the University of Lapland. It focused broadly on ethical and sustainable tourism and explored how Indigenous communities worldwide can ensure respectful and responsible tourism practices on their lands.
Original story was published by The Barents Observer on 24.05.2025 and can be found here.
Finland’s Stora Enso to sell 12.4% of Swedish forests for about $1 billion
Finnish forestry giant Stora Enso divesting 12.4% of its Swedish forest assets in a deal valued at €900 million (about $1 billion) was covered in an article by Reuters on May 22. The article gives details of the divestiture — a part of the company's broader plan to strengthen its financial position, particularly by reducing debt and enhancing its balance sheet.
Following the move, Stora Enso's net debt will decrease by €790 million, although it will also result in an annual reduction of €25 million in adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization). The ownership structure of the newly created entity receiving the forest assets includes Stora Enso retaining a 15% stake, while Soya Group takes 40.6%, and a consortium led by MEAG, the asset management arm of Germany’s Munich Re, holds 44.4%. As part of the agreement, Stora Enso and the new entity will enter a 15-year wood supply contract, with an option to extend for another 15 years. This ensures continued access to raw materials for Stora Enso’s operations in Sweden.
The company had first announced its intent to pursue such a sale back in October 2024, and this sale marks the execution of that strategy. Despite the asset reduction, Stora Enso appears to be in a strong financial position, having surpassed earnings expectations in the first quarter of 2025. The company reported €175 million in adjusted EBIT, outperforming analysts’ expectations of €124.9 million, according to data from Vara Research.
Original story was published by Reuters on 22.05.2025 and can be found here.
Finnish icebreaker builders make push for North American market with merger of two major players
The merger of Finnish shipbuilders Aker Arctic and Bluetech to form a new corporate entity, Arctic Marine Technology Group Oy, was covered in an article by gCaptain on May 19. The article provides details of the significant merger in the global icebreaker industry, aimed at bolstering their competitive edge, particularly in the North American market.
The move comes amid rising global demand for ice-capable vessels due to climate change, increased Arctic navigation, and geopolitical shifts in the High North. Aker Arctic, globally recognized for its expertise in designing icebreakers and ice-class ships, has long collaborated with Bluetech, another Finnish leader in ship design. Their formal unification under a shared parent company marks a strategic consolidation of Finnish maritime engineering talent. Importantly, both brands will retain their identities while operating under this umbrella corporation.
The ownership of the new entity will be shared by ABB, a Swedish-Swiss technology corporation, and Tesi (Finnish Industry Investment), reflecting both national and international confidence in the venture. This merger is expected to further consolidate Finland’s reputation as a hub for polar vessel innovation.
The merger comes at a time when several nations are investing heavily in their icebreaker fleets. Canada has awarded contracts for two new Polar Class 2 icebreakers, with one being largely built at Helsinki Shipyard in Finland. Germany has contracted Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to construct its new research vessel, Polarstern 2. In the United States, the Coast Guard has begun full-scale production of its first new heavy icebreaker in five decades and is planning to procure additional medium-sized vessels. Reports suggest that Finland’s Rauma Marine Constructions is in discussions to supply up to five icebreakers to the U.S.
With this merger, Aker Arctic and Bluetech aim to capitalize on the demand for advanced, polar-capable vessels, especially those that can be delivered rapidly—within 2 to 3 years. Their long-standing history in designing icebreakers—Aker Arctic and its predecessors are credited with designing over half the world’s icebreaking ships—gives the new group significant leverage in upcoming contracts.
Original story was published by gCaptain on 19.05.2025 and can be found here
HT
