A new Finnish law banning Russian and Belarusian citizens from purchasing real estate took effect July 15, part of a broader effort to bolster Finland's national security amid Russia's increasingly aggressive posture in the region.
The measure was announced on X by Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen. Originally passed by Finland's parliament in April, the law allows the Ministry of Defense to block property transactions involving nationals from countries considered a potential security threat.
"I am extremely pleased that this law has finally been enacted and comes into effect today. It is about strengthening Finland's security and preparing for all means of influence," Hakkanen wrote on X.
He added that the "important reform" should have been introduced earlier, even before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Under the law, the Finnish government has identified Russia and Belarus as the countries to which the new regulation applies. The designation was made through a government resolution following the law's passage.
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