Finland Orders Preparatory Work Suspended at Two Google Data Center Sites

Finland’s Licensing and Supervisory Authority (LVV) ordered Tuike Finland, the company representing Google in the country, to suspend preparatory work that could significantly alter the environment at the Muhos and Kajaani sites. The suspension must take effect immediately and, in any event, be implemented before October 23, 2026. The measure will remain in force until the relevant environmental impact assessments are completed.

The order comes as the LVV examines whether work on both projects began before the required assessments were completed. According to the authority, the work carried out includes tree clearing, removal of topsoil, construction of roads and storage areas, and alteration of ditches.

The LVV requests an explanation and warns of possible enforcement measures

Tuike Finland must submit an explanation by October 14 and detail how it intends to proceed. The LVV said it could initiate enforcement proceedings if the company does not comply with the order; EFE’s coverage reported that the authority warned of a possible fine.

The suspension is an administrative measure to halt preparatory work while the environmental assessment is completed. It is not a final ruling on whether a violation occurred and does not, by itself, determine the outcome of the review. The company may submit its explanations, and the authority will have to assess the information available.

Tommi Muilu, head of the LVV’s Environment Department, argued that large-scale work can undermine the preventive effectiveness of the assessment by making it harder to analyze alternatives and prevent environmental damage. The purpose of the process, he explained, is to identify and assess impacts before construction progresses.

Google acknowledges that it did not meet its own standards

Google spokesperson Sondre Ronander said the company understands the concerns and that, in this case, “we have not lived up to our own standards.” He added that it would review the LVV’s conclusions and follow its instructions.

Google also said it acted in good faith, conducted nature surveys, and took measures to protect areas of value. As part of its landscaping and biodiversity plans, Ronander mentioned the planting of trees across 130 hectares in Muhos. This initiative announced by the company does not replace the outstanding environmental assessments or change the terms of the order.

Finland’s Minister of Environment and Climate, Sari Multala, called the matter serious and said the projects would likely be delayed because of the problems with the assessments. This is the minister’s forecast, not a definitive schedule for the work that has been announced.

The context of investment in Finland

The two sites are part of Google’s plans to expand its data center infrastructure in Finland. In September, the company announced an investment of 13 billion euros over the next two years, for digital infrastructure and its operations related to artificial intelligence. The LVV’s order concerns preparatory work in Muhos and Kajaani; the available information does not indicate that it suspends other projects or the entire announced investment.

For companies developing infrastructure in Finland, the case highlights the importance of completing applicable environmental assessments before starting work that could substantially change the environment. The specific scope of the obligations depends on each project and on the decisions of the competent authorities; the current order alone does not make it possible to determine Tuike Finland’s final responsibilities.