Espoo reaches budget agreement protecting libraries and schools from cuts

Espoo’s city council negotiating committee has agreed on a €222 million financial adjustment package, ensuring no cuts to education or libraries, Yle Uutiset reports.

The deal, supported by all parties except the Finns Party and the Left Alliance, achieves an annual savings target of €68.4 million through 2029. The city will avoid raising municipal taxes but will increase certain service fees, including parking charges and property taxes on undeveloped plots.

Education and employment services were explicitly shielded from reductions. “It was crucial for us that not a single library would close,” said Helena Marttila, chair of the Social Democrats’ council group. Some cuts, such as reduced maintenance for sports facilities, were described as “painful but necessary.”

The agreement follows a week of negotiations and will form the basis for the city’s tax and budget framework proposal, set for council approval on June 8.