Finnish military relocates families near key defense sites
The Finnish military has ordered residents to vacate homes near critical military facilities. This decision affects several dozen families in Lapland and central Finland whose homes will face demolition. Many residents are in shock, reports PAP.
This directive impacts several dozen families residing close to airports in Lapland and central Finland. According to Yle radio, referenced by the Polish Press Agency, these homes will be torn down.
Finland: More than 120 people must leave their homes
Residents from Rovaniemi, near Jyväskylä, and around Kuopio have received notices of lease termination. They are required to vacate their semi-detached and row houses within six months. The reason cited 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 lease termination notifications at the end of November are surprised and shocked by the decision. Some have lived there for several years, while others planned to raise their children there. The premises must be vacated by June 2025.
Finland: Reasons for leaving homes
In Tikkakoski near Jyväskylä, where the Air Force Academy base is located, and in Siilinjärvi near Kuopio, residents had direct views of the control towers. Tikkakoski gained notoriety when "Helsingin Sanomat" uncovered the existence of a secret military intelligence centre specializing in monitoring signals, mainly from Russia. Journalists who disclosed this information faced legal action.
International military exercises are regularly conducted at the Rovaniemi airport. Since Finland joined NATO in April 2023, the frequency of exercises, including those involving fighter jets, has increased.
According to Yle, the procedure for military forces to assume control of these areas began in 2019, but residents only recently became aware of it. Authorities anticipated that tenants would vacate more swiftly, even before the end of 2024. In Rovaniemi, officials are assisting in locating new housing, but the situation is complicated by a shortage of available properties in the region.
