Identification of entities critical to society’s resilience nearing completion

Each responsible ministry is identifying the critical entities within its sector in line with legislation based on the European Union CER Directive. The aim is to reinforce society’s preparedness and improve the resilience of critical infrastructure. The statutory deadline under the Finnish CER Act for designating entities is 17 July 2026.

Identifying critical entities seeks to ensure that services that are essential for daily life, such as energy, water supply and sewerage systems, transport and healthcare, operate with as few disruptions as possible in all circumstances.

The Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the resilience of critical entities (CER Directive) requires Member States to improve the resilience and preparedness of critical entities. Finland has implemented the CER Directive through the Act on the Protection of Infrastructure Critical to Society and on the Improvement of Resilience (CER Act), which entered into force on 1 July 2025.

The legislation applies to eleven sectors: energy, transport, banking, financial market infrastructure, health, drinking water, wastewater, digital infrastructure, public administration, space, and the production, processing and distribution of food.

During the spring, ministries identified within their sectors those entities whose services are essential for maintaining vital societal functions, economic activity, public health, public safety or the environment. These entities were identified as critical under the CER legislation. A decision to identify a critical entity remains in force for up to four years.

Critical entities must carry out a risk assessment, draw up a resilience plan and take the measures it sets out. They must also notify the competent authority of incidents that significantly disrupt or have the potential to significantly disrupt the provision of essential services.

Inquiries
Ville Haverinen, Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 366, [email protected]
Hanna Havumäki, Chief Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 248, [email protected]