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Anti-Russian sanctions

Finnish government requests EU sanctions exemption for Russian owners of sports arena

Finland's Foreign Ministry will need to obtain unanimous approval from EU countries

HELSINKI, November 13. /TASS/. The Finnish government will submit a request to the European Commission for an exemption from sanctions for Russian owners of the Helsinki Hall sports and concert venue, contingent on the sale documents being in order, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said.

On November 12, Finnish media reported that the Helsinki Hall, previously owned by Russian nationals, was transferred to Finnish investors, specifically the Trevian company. The deal is pending approval by both EU and Finnish authorities.

"If the documents are properly in order, we will request a decision for an exception [from sanctions]. This requires unanimous support, and of course, government backing," Orpo told the Yle national broadcaster.

Finland's Foreign Ministry will need to obtain unanimous approval from EU countries.

"If the documents are in order and the transaction is lawful, we are fully committed to ensuring that the arena, located in the heart of the European capital, stays in Finnish hands," the prime minister added.

Russian owners acquired the facility in 2013, according to earlier reports from Finnish media.

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