Finland Highlights Digital, Education, and Clean Energy Strengths at Global Gateway Forum in Brussels

Finnish Minister Attends Global Gateway Forum

Brussels, Belgium – Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Ville Tavio, is participating in the second edition of the Global Gateway Forum, held in Brussels from October 9-10, 2025. The forum, organized by the European Commission, serves as a platform for high-level representatives from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society to discuss and scale up investments in global connectivity. Minister Tavio's attendance underscores Finland's commitment to international cooperation and its desire to share its expertise in key strategic areas.

The Global Gateway initiative, launched by the European Union in 2021, aims to mobilize up to EUR 300 billion in investments between 2021 and 2027 to foster smart, clean, and secure connections across digital, energy, and transport sectors, while also strengthening health, education, and research systems worldwide.

Finland's Digital Leadership

Finland is poised to highlight its significant advancements in digitalization. Recognized as one of the most digitalized countries in Europe, Finland has developed a National Strategic Roadmap aligned with the EU's Digital Decade Program, with many objectives already met or nearing completion ahead of the 2030 deadline. The country's strategic priorities encompass:

• Cloud computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Data analytics and Big Data
• Development of quantum computing capabilities
• Advancements in 6G technology and robust cybersecurity

Finland's progressive legislation on data access, sharing, and privacy, coupled with its leadership in open data standards, further solidifies its position as a digital innovator.

Excellence in Education

The Finnish education system, consistently ranked among the best globally, will also be a focal point. Finland's approach emphasizes equity, providing high-quality universal education that is inclusive and comprehensive. Key characteristics include:

• Absence of standardized testing, with assessment focused on overall knowledge and skill development
• Highly trained and respected teachers, most holding a Master's degree
• A strong emphasis on student well-being and play-based learning, particularly in early childhood education
• Less homework and a focus on personalized learning paths

This system fosters a learning environment that promotes critical thinking and high life satisfaction among students.

Pioneering Clean Energy Transition

Finland is a frontrunner in the clean energy transition, with an ambitious target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, significantly ahead of the broader EU goal. The nation's commitment is supported by substantial investments and government policies, including a EUR 2.3 billion state aid scheme approved by the European Commission in February 2025. Notable initiatives and achievements include:

• 92.2% of Finland's energy derived from low-carbon or clean sources
• Significant investments in solar power, offshore wind energy, biogas, and waste heat recovery
• Development of industrial circular economy solutions, including hydrogen technology
• A EUR 72.6 million investment aid granted in October 2024 for 13 clean energy projects, including a large electrofuel production demonstration.

These efforts highlight Finland's dedication to sustainable development and its role in advancing global green solutions.