High prices hurt Finland

According to a current Eurostat survey, Finland is the third most expensive country in the EU, with prices lying at 25 percent above average. The liberal daily Savon Sanomat doesn't expect things to change any time soon: "Among other things, Finland's pricing mechanisms make it unattractive as a travel destination. Even the Finns prefer to go on holiday in cheaper countries, for example in Spain, Greece or Germany. We still have a long way to go if we want to rid ourselves of our reputation as an overly expensive country. That will take a completely new approach from every segment of society. For example if salaries are cut, prices should fall, too. ... Within the EU only Denmark and Sweden more expensive than Finland. Then when VAT rises from 23 to 24 percent at the start of next year, Finland will finally have the chance to outdo its favourite enemy Sweden and become the most expensive country."

» full article (external link, Finnish)
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