The Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) has proposed an ambitious bridge-tunnel connection between Finland and Sweden, strengthening Nordic transport links and economic integration. The idea, included in a newly published transport infrastructure review, suggests building a fixed link across the Baltic Sea to Stockholm.
The proposal was developed in collaboration with the service sector employers' association Palta and the Finnish Construction Industry Association, with input from the infrastructure firm Destia.
Strengthening Finland’s Western Integration
EK’s CEO Jyri Häkämies emphasized that Finland’s integration with Western Europe requires improved transport links. The organization believes that a strong transport network is crucial for economic growth and trade, as well as national security, particularly in light of recent sabotage incidents in the Baltic Sea.
"We need stronger transport connections to the rest of Europe and the world so that the economy can grow and foreign trade can thrive," Häkämies said. "This is also required by the deteriorating security situation, which has already been materialized in the repeated acts of destruction in the Baltic Sea."
Proposed Mega-Projects
The EK report outlines three potential bridge-tunnel connections:
- Helsinki to Stockholm – A fixed connection via the Baltic Sea.
- Vaasa to Umeå – A shorter bridge-tunnel link connecting Finland and Sweden.
- Helsinki to Tallinn – A long-discussed tunnel linking Finland to Estonia.
Additionally, the proposal calls for EU-gauge railway tracks from Haparanda (Sweden) to Oulu, Raahe, and Rovaniemi, improving rail connectivity between Finland and Sweden.
Decades-Long Infrastructure Project
These massive infrastructure projects would take multiple government terms to complete. According to EK, Finland should plan for a long-term construction timeline extending into the 2040s and 2050s.
Häkämies urged the government to prioritize international transport connections as a "top agenda" item in transport policy.
The feasibility study for the Finland-Sweden tunnel is expected to begin during this government term, paving the way for one of the largest infrastructure projects in Finnish history.
