Niina Malm urges Finland to maximize domestic benefits of defense spending

Niina Malm, Vice Chair of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), is calling for Finland to maximize the domestic economic benefits of its increasing defense expenditures. As Finland prepares to invest unprecedented billions into defense, Malm argues that the focus must shift from how much is spent to how those funds are allocated to support Finnish jobs, innovation, industry, and exports.

The SDP has committed to raising defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP, in line with NATO targets. Malm emphasizes that by leveraging national security and security of supply requirements, the government can direct more procurement, production, and maintenance toward domestic companies. She suggests that strengthening procurement expertise and utilizing EU regulatory openings could help Finnish businesses secure a larger share of European rearmament orders and expand into international markets.