11.02.2026
€2.2 Million in government funding for international sports championships and major events
The Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland has granted a total of €2.2 million in funding to support international sports championships and major sporting events hosted in Finland in the period 2026–2030. The funding package covers 34 different events across a wide range of sports.
The purpose of the grants is to help create conditions for bidding for and organising major international competitions in Finland, including European and World Championships, as well as other significant events related to sports culture. Funding is primarily intended to support the preparation and staging costs of European and World Championship events for both youth and adult competitions.
Sports Minister Mika Poutala highlighted the strategic role of the support in strengthening Finland’s international profile:
“We are increasingly directing funding towards supporting bids and preparations for major events. This ensures that Finland can successfully apply for and host international championships that boost athlete development and enhance our country’s visibility on the global stage. Major sporting events bring significant benefits to Finland, which is why investing in attracting them here makes sense.”
The funding also reflects growing expectations from international federations, which increasingly require robust national support, long-term commitment from host cities, and strong evidence of societal mandate for delivering major competitions. This requires close cooperation between international federations, event host cities, and the Finnish state.
The grants are part of Finland’s broader efforts to strengthen its role as a leading host nation for major international sporting events. Over the coming years, Finland will host several high-profile competitions, including the women’s and men’s European Championships in basketball and volleyball, the figure skating World Championships, and the men’s and women’s World Floorball Championships, as well as annual competitions.
The Ministry’s support policy aligns with government objectives to systematise international event bidding and develop a sustainable funding model to attract global sports events to Finland.
See the full list of events that have received funding here.
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Source: press release of the Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland, 3 February 2026, https://okm.fi/-/suomessa-jarjestettaville-kansainvalisille-suurtapahtumille-2-2-miljoonaa-euroa (in Finnish)