The Finnish government is considering the complete cancellation of state funding for integration programs for refugees, including Ukrainians. The relevant changes could take effect as early as 2026. The proposal includes the cessation of support for Finnish and Swedish language courses, employment assistance, and introductory lectures on life in the country.
This is reported by Finway
Impact on Ukrainian Refugees and the State Budget
According to the budget proposal presented by the Ministry of Finance of Finland, led by Riikka Purra, it is planned to eliminate funding for municipalities and social centers that provide services to newcomers. Thus, the funding cuts will also affect Ukrainians, who currently make up about 66% of recipients of integration assistance. It is estimated that by 2026, this share could rise to 75%.
The abandonment of integration programs will allow Finland to save approximately 317 million euros over two years. An official decision regarding this initiative is expected to be made after government negotiations in the fall and further consideration in the country’s parliament.
Social Consequences and Expert Reactions
As stated by the Director of Immigration at the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, Sonya Hyamäläinen, since the onset of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the number of compensations for refugees in Finland has increased several times – from 50-60 million euros per year to over 150 million. By the end of April 2025, there were about 71,000 Ukrainians in the country.
“Ukrainians are the main recipients of integration services in Finland. In 2025, they received about two-thirds of all payments, and in 2026, this share could rise to 75%,” emphasized Sonya Hyamäläinen.
Representatives of the Association of Local and Regional Authorities point out that even the current level of funding does not cover the entire need for integration programs. According to Mikko Harkonen, the cancellation of financial support will strike not only migrants but also municipalities that are already operating with overloaded resources.
The European Union extended the temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens until March 2027 in June 2025, which opens up the possibility for their legal stay in Finland for a few more years. However, without state integration support, adaptation becomes significantly more challenging: access to free language courses is reduced, employment opportunities are limited, and newcomers are left without the necessary assistance to familiarize themselves with Finnish society.
If the decision is adopted, some refugees will be forced to seek resources for education or employment on their own. For communities that have welcomed a large number of Ukrainians, this could create additional social and financial pressure.