Our Anna Lindh Foundation Finnish Network member, the Finnish Refugee Council (Suomen Pakolaisapu), has announced that it will begin change negotiations in response to anticipated cuts in STEA funding.
The negotiations will begin on 8 October 2026 and concern 21 employees. According to the Finnish Refugee Council, the organisation is considering the possible termination of up to 15 positions, while the roles of up to six additional employees may undergo significant changes as work is reorganised.
The negotiations are linked to reductions in government grants for social welfare and health organisations. The Finnish Refugee Council highlights that rapidly decreasing funding is creating difficult choices for civil society organisations and may affect both employees and the support available to people in vulnerable situations.
For more than 60 years, the Finnish Refugee Council has worked to support people affected by forced displacement. The organisation states that the aim of the planned adjustments is to safeguard the continuation of this work despite the changing funding environment.
As the Anna Lindh Foundation Finnish Network, we believe it is important to highlight developments affecting our members and the wider civil society sector. Sustainable support for civil society organisations is essential for maintaining expertise, inclusion and services that reach communities across Finland.