Finland blocks six foreign real-estate deals over national security concerns

Antti Häkkänen, Finland's defence minister, confirmed that six foreign-owned real-estate transactions were blocked in Kotka, Viitasaari, Miehikkälä and Imatra. Applicants included citizens of Russia, Montenegro and Israel, as well as a company registered in Italy whose ultimate owner lies outside the EU and EEA. The Kotka parcel on Mussalo island was highlighted as especially sensitive because the island hosts a port, container and liquid terminals and other industrial zones crucial to national supply chains.

The ministry argued that ownership could allow monitoring or interference with these operations and pose a threat to national security and resilience. The decision also cited non-compliance by the other applicants, who did not supply further documentation after reminders.