Finland bans real estate transactions with Russian, Belarusian citizens

MINSK. July 16 (Interfax) - Finland has banned real estate transactions with Russian and Belarusian citizens, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said.

"This is an important reform, which has been delayed for too long," Hakkanen said on the X social network.

"I am happy that the bill has finally been approved and taken effect. It aims to strengthen security of Finland," he said.

The bill allowing the Defense Ministry to block real estate transactions of citizens and entities of states that "may pose a threat to Finland's security" has been approved by the Finnish parliament.