National Audit Office of Finland

There are shortcomings in the utilisation of information on the allocation of working hours in the central government. Some agencies, in practice, hardly utilise the information on the allocation of working hours. Information on the allocation of working hours should be utilised in the agency's management, development and reporting.

Investments clearly have a positive link to the profitability of a farm, but the impact of investment subsidies cannot be assessed on the basis of the information currently available. Moreover, the subsidy scheme is not compatible with the business-like operating model of modern agriculture.

The National Audit Office has audited the final central government accounts and the Government’s annual report for 2023. The aim of the audit was to examine whether the final central government accounts have been prepared in compliance with the regulations and whether the budget and budget provisions have been followed. In addition, the National Audit Office also examined whether the Government reports on the state of central and general government finances and on the operational performance in its annual report as required by law.

While Finland’s NATO membership involves significant costs, there has been little or no discussion about it’s financial impact. Based on publicly available information, these costs may amount to billions.

Despite additional measures, the Government's objectives of strengthening public finances will not be achieved in the light of the current forecasts. The underlying reason is the permanent general government deficit, which is due to an increase in general government expenditure. The increase, in turn, is mainly the result of structural factors, such as the ageing of the population.

The National Audit Office of Finland (NAOF) promotes sustainability broadly through its audit and oversight activities. Sustainable and stable public finances, transparent institutions and an open and cost-effective public administration provide prerequisites for an economically, socially and ecologically sustainable society.