Ministries

Finland's twelve ministries constitute the Government.

The Government exercises executive power. It implements laws enacted by Parliament and issues decided by the President. In practice, the work is carried out in ministries, each of which prepares matters falling within its mandate.

The ministries function as administrative and political experts and prepare Government decisions within their mandates. They also represent their relevant administrative sectors in domestic and international cooperation.

Other important functions of the ministries involve directing and supervising agencies and institutions operating under their responsibility.

Ministries work in close cooperation with regional and local administration, such as local authorities. Typical focus areas of cooperation involve the development of legislation and public services. Ministries also direct and supervise regional and local administration within their relevant administrative sectors.

Historical background

Ministries have evolved from the administrative departments of the Senate of autonomous Finland to modern-day ministries.

During independence, the number of ministries and their mandates have undergone few radical changes. The most significant reforms have included the establishment of the Ministry of Labour in 1970 and its abolition in 2007, the founding of the Ministry of the Environment in 1983, the abolition of the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 2007, and the founding of the Ministry of Employment and the Economy in 2008.

As a result of the administrative reforms of the 1990s, the role of several government agencies declined and many were closed. This consequently led to ministries gaining a stronger position. EU membership, too, has transformed the role and functions of ministries, as most of the international responsibilities resulting from membership are carried out within the ministries. The role of the ministries has also been affected by changes in the business activities of the State and in the relations between the State and local authorities.