Economic growth has been stronger than expected — exports grow even as growth in export destination countries slows

Finland’s economic growth in 2019 appears stronger than previously forecast (1.3 percent), at approximately 1.6 percent. The surprisingly good performance is explained in particular by strong export growth — partly due to the Meyer shipyard’s ship delivery and service exports — even though the international cyclical situation has not improved significantly.

The realisation of Brexit in accordance with a withdrawal agreement is likely to slow EU economic growth in the short term. The preparation of the EU’s seven-year budget has been the central project of Finland’s presidency period, but the planned euro budget has been criticised for being outdated.

The government’s 75 percent employment target by 2023 appears challenging — short-term changes are explained more by cyclical conditions than by policy measures. (AI translation)

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