I have tried to read about it, but the news seems to be selling it as if all of it was clearly illegal.

But I have also seen a slightly different perspective that cutting down the forest was legal and that google notified the Finnish Forest Centre, but that removing the topsoil, creating roads and setting up storage areas was illegal.

It even seems that it might be illegal to cut down the forest, if the INTENTION of cutting down the forest is construction, and based on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), construction isn't permitted.

But that would mean that it would be illegal to cut down the forest, then conduct an EIA and depending on the EIA, construct or replant. Which seems crazy as the outcome would be the same either way (assuming you would legally cut down and replant).

I tried asking opus 5.5, but it keeps doing motte-and-bailey about EIA and legality, so not much help there on the overall question, although it did point out that it would be silly if you were to cut down the forest, then get permission for part of the construction, but only if a certain amount of forest remains (which there wouldn't be as you have cut down the part that should have remained).

TLDR: can someone explain what exactly happened with the google deforestation?

Note: I hate google, I don't use their search and I use adblocker on youtube. I just want to get the facts straight

Im southeast asian woman moved here 2021 to join my Finnish husband. We have a child together and had gotten vanhempainvapaa etu from kela. Also before that I used the labour employment support and studied lähihoitaja . I finished it just before giving birth that was in may 2024. I placed my child in daycare and I’m now employed contract but at least fulltime since feb this year. Has anyone has similar situation and how fast did you get Finnish citizenship application? The automated decision is a slightly vague but anyone gotten an automated decision on similar situation? If so, how long was your application took before a decision has been granted?

I have not yet visited your country, but I intend to do so and the discussion following a recent post I made on this sub has increased my interest in doing so. I have, however, visited Sweden - and I have visited Russian-ruled Karelia during a Volga cruise in the far-off time when it was safe to visit Russia!

My question is based on an impression or vibe and from meeting and talking to a number of Finns over the years. I have the impression that your society is more small-c conservative than Sweden and Norway. By this I do not mean more ‘right wing’, just more traditionalist.

Am I thinking on the right lines here or have I, to use a popular British expression, ‘got the wrong end of the stick’?

Hi!

I have stayed in places where a building has normal apartment buildings and hotels as well and I am wondering. If a local resident walks past me on the stairs then should I just say "Terve" or should I say nothing at all?

For reference, I do not speak Finnish but the few words I do speak tend to be with very little accent as I am an Estonian.

Hey all a group of around 14 adults are heading to Levi for a week for a 30th birthday in January. Can anyone recommend any pubs/bars that would be willing to accommodate us for the evening for some drinks as we won’t be able to gather in our cabins (too small )

Hi! I would like to ask about the electricity and home insurance costs when renting a private apartment.
I have been living alone in a student apartment for two years, paying €487 per month, including everything (water, internet, and electricity). So, I don’t really know how much electricity and home insurance usually cost separately.
I am planning to move to a private apartment, but I noticed that tenants usually need to make their own electricity contract.
Can anyone give me an idea of how much I might need to pay monthly for electricity and home insurance? I have normal electricity consumption. I use the washing machine in the building for free, cook sometimes, use the microwave occasionally, boil water in an electric kettle every day, charge my gadgets, and use a refrigerator. I don’t have a TV.
I just want to have an idea of the average costs so I can plan my budget for the whole year and compare the total expenses before deciding to move. Thank you!

Is a net salary of €3,000–€4,000 per month considered high in Finland, or not? What salary is considered above average?

Hi, Does anyone know or have experience applying for Finnish citizenship before you meet the Residence Time Requirment? Even if you haven't met the requirement by a couple of months, for example?

The website states that if you apply before you meet the requirement, you may get your application denied. But since the waiting time is so long, I was wondering if, by the time they might pick up an application, the time requirement has been met.

thanks in advance :)

Hi everyone,

I'm a 24-year-old Bangladeshi currently living in Australia. I graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor's in Accounting and Finance and currently work full-time in business development. I've become quite disillusioned with Australia's uncertain PR pathways and am considering pursuing a two-year master's in Finland in 2027, with the ultimate goal of settling permanently.

I've read about Finland's new January 2026 PR rules, which potentially allow graduates of eligible Finnish degrees to apply for permanent residence without meeting the usual residence-duration requirement.

However, I'm confused about a few things:

1. Can I apply for PR immediately after completing an eligible master's and meeting the Finnish language requirement (A2 or 15 credits)?

2. Would a post-study job-seeking A permit satisfy the PR requirements, or would I need employment or another qualifying residence basis?

3. How difficult is finding employment in Finland for non-EU graduates, particularly in business, finance or marketing?

4. Has anyone gone through a similar pathway? How has your experience been with immigration, social integration and overall quality of life?

My budget is around A$15,000–25,000, with possible family support. I'm willing to learn Finnish and integrate into society.

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who's been in a similar situation. I'm simply looking for a realistic pathway to build a stable future rather than spending more years navigating immigration uncertainty.

Thanks!

Hello everyone! I've got a very odd question.

I'm from Prague, Czech Republic and I collect license plates (mostly foreign) from all over the world. I know some people import a vehicle from Åland to Finland and I would really love to have one of your beautiful license plates. If anyone has any deregistered Åland license plates, or if you might know someone who has one, is there any way you could send me one? I will cover all of the shipping costs and I would pay extra.

Wishing everyone a very nice day!

Hi,

I’ve been learning Finnish for a bit now and finished the Duolingo course but I’m unsure what to do from here? I’d like to learn as fast as possible so really appreciate any recommendations here. I’m from the UK and trying to learn for my Finnish partner.

Thanks!

Source: Taideteollinen korkeakoulu, Aalto-yliopiston arkisto

Hi, I know it may seem stupid, but it is driving me crazy so I have to ask. I have been buying kylmäsavu lohi filets for a good few years, but recently, maybe in the past few months it seems like there are fewer slices in the packaging, even though the weight is the same, because they are cutting them thicker than before (maybe so you eat them faster and buy more?). The brand in question is Kalaneuvos and I prefer them over other brands, but this is just not as enjoyable as a nice thin slice of salmon. Am I going crazy or has anyone else noticed something similar?

I have been trying to study Finnish for a while and due to circumstances, it was never easy. The first in-person class was basically like; "Open the book on page X and try to solve it. Ask me if you have any questions"

Then I tried to do an online class. There the teacher was often silent for a long time and it looked like she had another job on the side...

(Sounds like I put the blame on others, but I am well aware, that I could study more...)

Now finally I found a course, I am actually excited to go to!

The teacher is awesome and it is very interactive. We are encouraged to talk a lot and I feel I really made some progress.

Last week she told us that we need more students in order to continue with the course. We are 6 at most, but there were also just 2 of us a few times.

So, if you are looking for an in-person course in Lohja, and you are at the beginning of your journey to learn this language, please let me know!

It is the beginners course A1.

https://uusi.opistopalvelut.fi/hiidenopisto/en/course/14505/

Btw. I am not affiliated in any way with the school, I am just glad to have found a course that works for me and I would like to continue that.