If You are a person living outside of Finland, You might wonder how it is in Finland now. Is it still a country where You could bring Your family and start a life? Or is it still a country where Your business can operate safely? This is a short read for You.

Finland is a safe country. We have a long tradition in domestic security cooperation with different law enforcement agencies, armed forces, NGO's and private sector partners. Mutual training for large scale emergencies, environmental disasters, major cyber incidents and military threats is frequent and efficient.

The will to defend Finland is high among the Finnish people. The war in Ukraine prompted many to join reservist groups. Almost all the Finnish men and increasingly more women have done their military service and are reservists after their active duty.

I use to work for the law enforcement and I was convinced of the quality of the Finnish security sector and the criminal justice system. Only major problem is the funding of these services, but I am hopeful funding will be corrected.

Finland is a country with a long border with Russia. That has always been an issue in Finland. We have expected something to happen and we have prepared for it the whole time since the birth of Finland. 

Finland is safe and we are prepared. After the meeting of our president Sauli Niinistö and president Joe Biden, we are even more prepared. 

Petri Launiainen
​Gestion Communications

​War against Ukraine affects the security environment in Finland and future is difficult to predict. This is a list of five different scenarios companies should prepare for.

1. Sense of security gets lower
 
Sense of security doesn’t always relate with the actual security situation. People have irrational fears which still affect their behavior.
 
Now the actual security situation has changed, and it can have real consequences. It can influence behavior and movement of customers. It can also influence investments.
 
Sense of security can be strengthened by frank talk. Companies should increase the communication with the personnel and stakeholders.

2. Internal security phenomenon

Threat of a military conflict combined with economic problems can change interna security situation. Non-wanted phenomenon can gain ground and influence companies. Property crime, more ostracized people, more drug use and other crime affecting street security can have negative influence on business.

3. Refugees, migration

Military conflicts, war, and economic problems cause people to leave their countries. These are people leaving on their own, but also people forced to leave by the state. They can be unwanted workers or asylum seekers.

Finnish legislation is changed as we speak, but legislation itself is unable to stop people coming across the border. If large groups of people come to Finland, it has an effect on many things.

4. Finland’s self defense
 
If the security situation gets worse, some of the Finnish personnel may be needed in the military. Companies should check how many staff members have to join the military if needed.

5. Situational picture more important than ever
 
Situational picture must be formed intensively, including official communications. Situational picture must be at every key personnel’s disposal.

Petri Launiainen
Gestion Communications