Tackling Appeal Delays – Finnish Government Launches Investigation to Curb Unfounded Appeals

Smooth permitting as a competitive advantage – this is the commitment the current Finnish government has made in its Government Programme, including streamlining permit processes and reducing any unnecessary bureaucracy that possibly delays construction and development projects in Finland.

In line with this commitment, the Finnish Minister of Justice Leena Meri, Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala and Minister of Local and Regional Government Anna-Kaisa Ikonen have announced today a joint investigation into measures that could potentially reduce the filing of appeals made on clearly unfounded grounds or even for harassment purposes. Such appeals, filed without serving any legitimate access to justice purpose, have been found to cause unnecessary delays to projects and consume court resources.

The three ministries will jointly map out possibilities within each sector's legislation to address unfounded appeals and assess the fees charged for them, whilst securing access to justice for legitimate appeals. The investigation will begin with an assessment of investigation needs, and updates will be provided as the work progresses. The aim is to complete the investigation during the current government term ending in 2027.

The proposed measures could significantly impact construction and development projects in Finland through faster project timelines. We can already see similar actions being taken in the forthcoming Finnish Land Use Act proceeding to Parliament in spring, which includes regulation limiting the right of appeal in local detailed planning to parties concerned.

Borenius will continue monitoring the investigation. If you have any questions regarding the matter, please feel free to contact any of Borenius' attorneys or those with whom you usually work.