The pandemic has subsided in many parts of the world. However, considering the variants, among others, Alpha (first reported in the UK) and Delta (India), and their mutations, the threat still remains at large. How severe are the restrictions within your country?

As the pandemic situation in Finland has remained fairly good, only a partial lockdown was introduced in spring 2021, concerning mainly restaurants, sports and cultural facilities and public gatherings. No restrictions on movement within the country were introduced but the government has underlined the need to avoid all unnecessary foreign travel and placed restrictions on entry to almost all EU and third countries. As the pandemic situation is improving, the government has gradually lifted or relaxed internal and external restrictions. At the moment, the Covid-19 prevention focuses on regional restrictions and recommendations.

The summer of 2020 was the first Covid summer across the world. At the time, some nations and regions eased travel restrictions. One year on, how open is your country to tourists from Poland and beyond? Do travelers require vaccine passports?

The Finnish government announced a relaxation of entry restrictions for EU and Schengen countries starting from June 21. Those who have received an approved Covid-19 vaccination series and those who have recovered from Covid-19 less than six months ago prior to entry will be allowed to enter the country for tourism or recreational purposes. Work-related travel from the EU and Schengen countries will be liberated. In addition, internal border controls between Finland and Poland will be lifted on June 21. This is due to the good epidemiological situation in Poland.

Many regions are experiencing unprecedented growth spurts as their economies reopen while some others are poised for a post-pandemic boom. What is the growth forecast for your country for Q3 2021? What are the key industries with the most favorable outlook?

According to the Spring 2021 Economic Forecast for Finland prepared by the European Commission, Finland’s GDP is going to grow around 2.7 percent in 2021. The Bank of Finland predicts a 2.9 percent growth rate for 2021 and a 3 percent growth rate for 2022. The economic growth is driven especially by the pent-up private consumer demand after the pandemic. In addition to private consumption, other drivers of the Finnish economy are forestry, metal and machinery and ICT, while it still takes some time for the service sectors, such as hotels, catering and transport sectors, to recover from the pandemic.