The parliament of Finland voted unanimously on for a new law that bans Russian nationals from purchasing property in the country.
The Finnish news site YLE reports the new law does not cite Russia specifically but prohibits real estate transactions involving “persons whose country of nationality has been found by the European Union to be in violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of another country and whose country of nationality may be a threat to Finland’s national security.”
“I consider it very important and I was very pleased that Parliament so comprehensively supported this proposal, which aims to strengthen national security,” said Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen. “This decision sends a clear message — we will not allow Finland to be undermined.”
The law will not impact Russian nationals who are permanent residents of Finland – however, they will need to gain government permission if they plan to buy local real estate.
“Legislation is also being prepared to enhance the means of intervening in properties that have already been acquired,” Häkkänen added.
