Minister of Local Government Sirpa Paatero and Minister Mark Boris Andrijanič, who is the Slovenian government’s representative in matters relating to the digital transformation, signed a memorandum of understanding on increasing cooperation between Finland and Slovenia in relation to the digital transformation. The goal is to develop the digitalisation of public administration in both countries.

The redesign of the personal identity code system is seen as necessary and important. Measures that broaden the eligibility of foreign nationals for personal identity codes received particular support. However, the tight schedule for the redesign, the changes it will require to data systems and its costs gave rise to concerns.

The central government employed approximately 78,000 people in 2021. Most central government employees work in expert positions. About 40 per cent work in the security sector, i.e. in the Finnish Defence Forces, border control positions or the police.

"The global challenges that humanity faces are only solvable through the invention and rapid scaling of new technological solutions, but new technologies are not enough. We also need to adapt our processes, governance models and practices to optimally leverage technology for the benefit of our society and people,” write Minister of Local Government Sirpa Paatero and Chairman of the Finnish Technology Advisory Board Risto Siilasmaa in their column.

The Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action will hold its spring meeting on Tuesday 19 April. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be held virtually in connection with the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Finland has served as the one of the chairs of the Coalition since 2019, and the meeting is due to decide on extending the term by one more year until spring 2023.