Minister Häkkänen: Real estate transactions posing security risks must also be prevented in Åland

It is proposed that the Act on Expropriation of Real Property and Special Rights for the Purpose of Ensuring National Security, which falls within the remit of the Ministry of Defence, be amended so that real estate acquisitions posing a threat to national security can also be prevented in Åland.

“In future, it must also be possible to intervene in real estate transactions that threaten Finland’s security in Åland. This concerns the security of the entire country. Real estate may be used for hostile activities aimed at destabilising our nation, and such attempts must be prevented in advance,” said Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The Ministry of Defence has contributed to the reform of the Self-Government Act of Åland by drafting, in cooperation with the Government of Åland, a legislative provision under which the Act on Expropriation of Real Property and Special Rights for the Purpose of Ensuring National Security (468/2019), commonly referred to as the Security Expropriation Act, would also apply in Åland. The Government proposal that would extend the application of the Security Expropriation Act to Åland has been circulated for comments.

The proposal will have no impact on Åland’s special status as a demilitarised and self-governed region.