The European Commission's 2026 Rule of Law Report on Finland, published on 22 July 2026, assesses limited progress on several recommendations while noting high perceived judicial independence, but highlights concerns over court delays, digitalisation gaps, and pending integrity reforms.
85% of the general public and companies rated it 'fairly or very good' in 2026, though down from 89% and 90% respectively in 2025. A working group on constitutional amendments to strengthen judicial independence is ongoing; a draft memorandum was prepared in October 2025, and the Venice Commission gave an opinion in March 2026. Limited progress has been made on reforming lay judge appointments; a project group is examining abolition, with a memorandum expected by end of 2026.
no digital solutions exist for initiating or following civil, commercial, or administrative cases online, though an electronic portal for lawyers is planned by end of 2026. Length of proceedings in litigious civil/commercial cases at first instance rose from 349 days in 2023 to 464 days in 2024, despite temporary additional funding (€30m in 2024, €65m in 2025, €80m in 2026) which will end.
Post-employment rules for Government members were adopted, and a code of conduct for ministers is planned for 2026. The Act on the Openness of Government Activities reform remains under review; two studies have been commissioned, and a working group is to be set up. Implementation of the 2025-2027 Anti-Corruption Strategy is ongoing, with legislative proposals to criminalise trading in influence and revise foreign bribery provisions being prepared.
The Finnish Broadcasting Company's funding was reduced for 2024-2027, leading to a savings programme, while the Council of Mass Media's funding was cut despite rising complaints.
Finnish citizens and businesses benefit from high judicial independence but face delays in court proceedings and limited digital access. The legal profession awaits the planned electronic portal. The government must advance lay judge reform, digitalisation, a ministerial code of conduct, and access to documents reform to address the Commission's recommendations. The temporary court funding, set to end, risks prolonging delays without sustained investment.
The Commission will monitor progress in the 2027 Rule of Law Report, and Finland is expected to report on implementation of the recommendations.