Finnish military orders eviction near strategic bases
The Finnish military has ordered residents to vacate homes adjacent to key military facilities. This decision impacts several dozen families in Lapland and central Finland. The homes are to be demolished, and many residents are in shock, reports PAP.
This order affects several dozen families living near airports in Lapland and central Finland. According to Yle radio, as cited by the Polish Press Agency, these homes will be demolished.
Finland: More than 120 people must vacate their homes
Residents from Rovaniemi, near Jyväskylä, and around Kuopio have received lease termination notices. They will need to vacate their semi-detached and terraced houses within six months. The reason for this decision is the strategically important location of the areas – reports Yle. The termination of leases affects over 60 homes and more than 120 people.
Most residents who received correspondence about the termination of leases at the end of November are surprised and dismayed by the decision. Some have lived there for several years, and others planned to raise their children there. The premises must be vacated by June 2025.
Finland: Evacuating homes. What is the reason?
In Tikkakoski near Jyväskylä, where the air force academy base is located, and in Siilinjärvi near Kuopio, residents had a direct view of the control towers. Tikkakoski gained notoriety when "Helsingin Sanomat" revealed the existence of a secret military intelligence centre specialising in monitoring signals, mainly from Russia. Journalists who disclosed this information were taken to court.
International military manoeuvres are regularly held at the Rovaniemi airport. Since Finland joined NATO in April 2023, the intensity of exercises, including those with fighter jets, has increased.
According to Yle, the process for the military to take over these areas began back in 2019, but residents have only recently been informed. Authorities had expected tenants to relocate more quickly, even before the end of 2024. In Rovaniemi, officials are trying to assist in finding new housing, but the situation is complicated by a lack of available properties in the area.
