Finnish youth associations tighten venue rental rules after neo-Nazi event

Finnish Youth Associations will now require renters to disclose the intended use of their facilities in advance, with contracts subject to immediate termination if the terms are violated, the organisation announced following a neo-Nazi gathering at one of its venues in Jyväskylä.

The policy shift comes after the international neo-Nazi network Blood & Honour held a music event in April at Tapiola Youth Centre, a facility owned by the Jyväskylä Regional Youth Association. The group, banned in several countries over links to terrorism, has reportedly used the venue for multiple events, including a meeting of its European branches.

Under the updated rental agreement—developed in collaboration with the Finnish Landlords’ Association—youth associations retain the right to cancel contracts without notice if the space is used for purposes other than those declared. The organisation also plans to remind member associations to communicate their values and the new requirements to renters.

In a statement last month, Finnish Youth Associations condemned extremist activity, emphasising that their facilities serve as community spaces and that users must align with the organisation’s principles. “Neo-Nazi events in youth centres are unacceptable,” the statement read. “We will not allow our venues or activities to be linked to such extremist ideology.”

The Jyväskylä Regional Youth Association, named 2025 Youth Association of the Year, previously told Yle it would revise its booking policies after learning of the event. The group had been unaware of the renter’s background, as private individuals typically handle bookings.

Blood & Honour had also rented a separate club space in Jyväskylä, but that landlord terminated the agreement following media reports.