Statement by the Finnish Union of University Professors to the Culture and Science Subcommittee on the state budget proposal for 2026

The Finnish Union of University Professors is concerned that universities and universities of applied sciences will be subject to a total of EUR 83.8 million in savings. These are against the Government’s goals of increasing R&D funding and increasing the number of people with higher education.

However, the Union is pleased that a total of approximately EUR 30 million in R&D funding will be allocated to universities and universities of applied sciences, of which the universities’ share is EUR 20 million. According to the Union, the funding should be distributed to universities as basic funding for free research. Free research funding would enable universities to respond more quickly to the challenges posed by international competition and to participate in both internal research and cooperation with companies.

The Finnish Union of University Professors emphasises that the funding model for universities must be completely reformed in the coming years.