At the start of the meeting, the association introduced its first-ever Executive Director (toiminnanjohtaja). The newly appointed Executive Director, Antti “Jogi” Poikola, will begin his role at the beginning of February. Congratulations and welcome!
The statutory autumn meeting of the association on December 2 gathered a record number of participants both on-site at Eteläranta 10 and remotely via Teams. The meeting was presented with the association’s action plan, the framework of which was created during the Roundtable Workshop in November.
Influencing the 2027 parliamentary elections is the most important advocacy theme for 2026 as outlined in the action plan. In addition, efforts will continue to focus on influencing electricity taxation.
Cooperation with cooperation partners and stakeholders will also be strengthened. EU-level advocacy will be reinforced once the MD begins his duties. The association will maintain an active role in EUDCA and Nordic cooperation.
Raising awareness about the data center industry remains important. The association will continue to monitor the preparation of key legislative and other projects for the sector, meet with experts and decision-makers, and provide statements as an industry representative.
The association actively participates in commenting on and preparing regulations concerning data centers.
Membership in Technology Industries?
The Vice Chair Mikko Aho presented the possibility of association membership in Technology Industries of Finland. The board was authorized to negotiate and later apply for membership in Technology Industries of Finland.
Working Groups to Be Strengthened
Working groups need active representatives from member companies to advance shared goals. Initially, the following working groups will be established:
- Policy – Acts as FDCA’s counterpart to EUDCA’s Policy group.
- Technical – Responsible for standardization and technical support for the Policy group.
- Education – Focused on training, theses, and employment-related matters.
- Lobbying & Marketing – Advocacy, influencing, and communications.
- Event – Responsible for event planning (already active).
Events in 2026
In 2026, the association will both organize events and participate in industry events in Finland and abroad. In the spring, during the Helsinki Electricity 2026 fair, FDCA will host a three-day event focusing on education and recruitment, as well as a spring seminar, which will also include the association’s official general meeting.
Planning for the autumn Future Data Summit has already begun, and the event will be held as a two-day conference on October 27–28, 2026, at the Congress Wing of the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.
Membership Fees in 2026
The income and expenditure budget for 2026 was approved with a 50% increase in membership fees. This provides additional resources for advocacy work and increased personnel costs.
Membership fees for 2026:
- 0–9 employees: 1 000 €
- 0–49 employees: 2 030 €
- 50 employees or more: 4 130 €
- Individual membership, educational institutions, other non-profit organizations, municipalities and other public administration: 30 €
The budget has grown significantly, so the association decided to appoint an auditing firm instead of operational auditors to review the accounts for 2025.
Veijo Terho Continues as Chair, New Board Members Elected
The meeting elected Veijo Terho as Chair of the Board. For the 2026 board, the meeting elected the following 10 members from the 19 candidates:
- Mikko Aho – Rittal
- Tiina Davidsainen – Fortum
- Christopher Eckerberg – Google
- Pekka Järveläinen – atNorth
- Lauri Ikonen – Polarnode
- Kalle Koski – Equinix
- Antti Laine – Sweco
- Mikko Lehto – Skanska
- Emma Niemistö – Borenius
- Sami Niiranen – Sitowise
Warm thanks to all current board members and congratulations to the new board!