Finland is preparing to tighten the rules governing its roads and railways, with a new government proposal putting transport security and infrastructure reliability in the spotlight.
The government submitted the proposed changes to Parliament on Thursday, 5 November 2026. If approved, the legislation is expected to take effect in spring 2027.
The plans cover more than everyday road and rail safety. They also address how Finland protects important transport connections, manages infrastructure projects and deals with potential security risks involving foreign companies.
Why Is Finland Changing Its Transport Laws?
Roads and railways do more than carry passengers from one city to another. They are also essential for transporting goods, supporting businesses and keeping services running across the country.
The Finnish Government says existing legislation needs updating to reflect changes in the security environment and the way modern transport infrastructure is planned and managed.
The proposal aims to make the transport network safer and more reliable while reducing unnecessary complications in infrastructure projects.
It would also introduce national measures required by the European Union’s Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Regulation.
Foreign Companies and Infrastructure Security
One of the most significant elements of the proposal concerns the involvement of companies from outside the European Union in important transport infrastructure.
Under the proposed rules, managers of infrastructure covered by TEN-T requirements would have to assess and manage potential risks arising from the participation of companies from non-EU countries.
The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom, would be responsible for supervising compliance.
This does not mean foreign companies would automatically be banned from participating in Finnish infrastructure projects. The proposed requirement focuses on assessing and managing security risks.
Private Railways Could Face Updated Rules
Another part of the proposal focuses on privately developed or operated railway connections.
Finland’s Rail Infrastructure Act would cover a wider range of private railway networks designed for regular passenger services, where those networks are comparable to the state railway system.
This could be particularly relevant to major railway projects developed through project companies or other private organisations.
However, the proposal would not automatically decide whether a particular planned railway line should be privately owned or become part of the state railway network.
Instead, it aims to make the legal framework clearer for different development and ownership arrangements.
Planning Major Road and Railway Projects
The government also wants to make it easier to plan and implement important transport projects.
The proposed changes would clarify certain rights related to infrastructure surveys and extend them to the implementation stage of projects.
They would also allow confidential infrastructure information to be shared in specific circumstances when necessary for planning and building infrastructure important to society.
The government says the amendments would support Finland’s national Transport 12 Plan, which aims to develop an efficient, safe and sustainable transport network.
Will Passengers and Drivers Notice Any Immediate Changes?
For people who regularly travel by train, drive between cities or rely on public transport, the proposal does not announce immediate changes to tickets, speed limits or timetables.
Its focus is on the laws behind the planning, management and protection of transport infrastructure.
Any wider benefits for passengers, businesses and communities would depend on how the legislation is eventually approved and implemented.
When Could the New Rules Start?
The proposal is now before the Finnish Parliament.
Lawmakers will examine it through the parliamentary process, including committee consideration, before any final decision is made.
The government intends the changes to enter into force in spring 2027.
Until Parliament approves the legislation, the proposed changes are not yet law.
For Finland, the proposal is another step towards ensuring that its roads and railways remain reliable not only for daily travel, but also for the country’s wider security and future development.
Source: Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications, government press release dated 5 November 2026, published in English on 6 November 2026.
Read the official government announcement.
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