Current Affairs
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7.9.2026
Evaluation: Finnfund and Finnpartnership play a key role in delivering Finland’s international goals
According to a recently published independent evaluation, the Finnish development financier and impact investor Finnfund and the Finnpartnership programme are key instruments for advancing Finland's development policy objectives and international economic relations. They also support Finnish companies in entering and expanding in emerging markets. The evaluation concludes that maintaining their impact will require adequate public funding and continued development.
News -
4.9.2026
Foreign Minister Valtonen to appoint expert group to examine AI's foreign and security policy implications
Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will appoint a working group of Finnish and international experts to examine the foreign and security policy implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for Finland. The working group will submit its report by the end of November.
Press releases -
4.9.2026
Appointments of non-resident Ambassadors to Bhutan and Maldives and to Slovenia
At the presidential session on 4 September, the President of the Republic appointed non-resident Ambassadors to Bhutan and Maldives and to Slovenia.
Press releases -
4.9.2026
Finland to grant humanitarian assistance to Nepal
The recent flash flood has ravaged northern Nepal, causing a humanitarian crisis across a vast area. Finland will grant EUR 1 million in humanitarian assistance to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to alleviate the humanitarian needs created by the flooding in Nepal. The funding to the IFRC will be channelled through the Finnish Red Cross.
Press releases -
4.9.2026
Foreign Ministry encourages event industry to showcase Finnish food culture to international visitors
The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has launched a pilot cooperation project with the hotel and event industry to increase the visibility of Finnish food culture in international meetings and events. At the same time, the Ministry encourages the entire event industry to give Finnish cuisine a more prominent role in the culinary experiences offered to international guests.
News -
3.9.2026
Foreign Minister Valtonen: Europe must be free to decide its own destiny in the age of AI
Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen spoke about Europe’s future at Chatham House, The Royal Institute of International Affairs, while in London.
Press releases -
3.9.2026
Speech by FM Elina Valtonen at Chatham House, London: AI and a Case for European Confidence
On capacity, competition and control in the service of freedom in the Age of AI.
Speeches -
2.9.2026
Foreign Minister Valtonen to visit London
Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Valtonen will visit London on 2–3 September and meet UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband.
Press releases -
31.8.2026
Young peacebuilders from around the world to gather in Helsinki to deepen their expertise
Finland and South Africa launched their joint mentoring programme for young mediators in Pretoria, South Africa, in July 2025. Fifteen young people from across the world are participating in the one-year programme to deepen their expertise in mediation. This week, they are meeting in Helsinki for the fourth, and final, in-person phase of the programme.
Press releases -
31.8.2026
Foreign Minister Valtonen to attend informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Ireland
An informal meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers, also known as Gymnich, will take place in Wicklow, Ireland, on 1–2 September. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.
Press releases -
28.8.2026
Confederation of Finnish Industries recognises ambassadors with award
The Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) has recognised the Finnish Ambassador to Norway, Teemu Tanner, and Team Finland Mercosur for their outstanding work to promote Finnish exports. In addition, an honourable mention was given to the financing programme SISU implemented by Finnvera and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
News -
27.8.2026
New Deputy Directors General appointed to Department for Asia and Oceania and to Political Department
On Thursday 27 August, the Finnish Government appointed Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Antti Vänskä to the post of Deputy Director General of the Department for Asia and Oceania and Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Miia Rainne to the post of Deputy Director General of the Political Department at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Both appointments were made for a fixed term from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2030.
Press releases -
26.8.2026
Speech by Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz, responsible for Nordic cooperation, at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission
"The Nordic region is perhaps the world's strongest regional brand. We should be able to make even better use of it than we do today. Our goal is clear: we want to make the Nordics the world's most integrated region," says Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz, responsible for Nordic cooperation.
Speeches -
25.8.2026
UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination issues recommendations to Finland
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) welcomes several reforms implemented in Finland, highlighting the reform of the Act on the Sámi Parliament, the adoption of several national action plans and the discussion of international human rights recommendations and decisions. At the same time, the Committee makes recommendations to Finland on issues including combating racist hate speech and ethnic profiling and safeguarding the rights of the Sámi, the Roma and non-citizens.
Press releases -
24.8.2026
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio's speech at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission
“Finnish exports are on the rise. During this Government term, we have strengthened trade promotion, deepened the connection between trade and development, and reformed the implementation of development policy. The era of traditional development cooperation has run its course.”
Speeches -
24.8.2026
Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission
“Democracy. The rule of law. Human rights. Equality. The freedom of each and every individual to pursue a life they choose for themselves. When the world around us is changing rapidly these are the values we must uphold.”
Speeches -
24.8.2026
Opening address by Permanent State Secretary Jukka Salovaara at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission
“In the current environment, a strong network of diplomatic missions is especially important, enabling Finland to identify changes at an early stage and respond swiftly to foreign and security policy challenges.”
Speeches -
20.8.2026
Finland supports aviation safety in Indonesia, while also opening opportunities for Finnish technology
Finland is delivering weather and aviation safety systems to Indonesia in a project that improves the safety of the country’s aviation operations by strengthening aviation meteorological services. The project will be carried out by Vaisala Plc together with the Finnish Meteorological Institute. Vaisala’s main production site is in Vantaa, Finland.
Press releases -
19.8.2026
Heads of Finland’s missions abroad to gather for annual meeting in Helsinki
Heads of Finland’s missions abroad and foreign policy leaders will gather at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission in Helsinki, held at the Parliament Annexe ‘Little Parliament’ on 24–26 August.
Press releases -
17.8.2026
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger to visit Finland
Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, will visit Finland on 18–20 August and meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.
Press releases -
14.8.2026
New Heads of Mission appointed to Riyadh, Jakarta and Finland’s Permanent Mission to the UN; Deputy Director General appointed to Foreign Ministry’s Legal Service and non-resident Ambassadors to five countries
At the presidential session on Friday 14 August, the President of the Republic appointed Jukka Pajarinen Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Riyadh, Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Jakarta and Janne Taalas Head of Finland’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York. Pajarinen and Suomela-Chowdhury will take up their posts on 1 September and Taalas on 1 November 2026. At its session on Thursday 13 August, the Government appointed Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Sami Leino to the post of Deputy Director General of the Foreign Ministry’s Legal Service for a fixed term from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2030.
Press releases -
13.8.2026
Finnish expertise supports Ukraine – Wärtsilä to deliver engines for power plants from Vaasa
Finland is supporting the reconstruction of Ukraine's war-torn energy sector with EUR 28.5 million to be granted from development cooperation funds. The total value of the power plant technology involved is EUR 45.6 million, with Ukraine funding the remainder of the project itself.
Press releases -
12.8.2026
Joint Statement on Notifications of Ballistic Missile Launches
The joint statement on Notifications of Ballistic Missile Launches was released by 41 Governments, and it was delivered at the August 11, 2026, meeting of the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.
Statements -
12.8.2026
Foreign Minister Valtonen visits Åland
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will meet the Åland leadership in Mariehamn on 14 August.
Press releases -
11.8.2026
Views on draft government proposal for amending the Act on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items published
In June 2026, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs requested views on the draft government proposal for amending the Act on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items (500/2024). Responses were to be submitted electronically through the online platform at lausuntopalvelu.fi by 29 July 2026 at the latest.
News -
6.8.2026
Call for Proposals in 2026 for International Non-governmental Organizations (INGOs) for Humanitarian Mine Action
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland announces a Call for Proposals for INGOs for Humanitarian Mine Action. The Call is open from Thursday 6th August 2026 until Friday 4th September 2026. The total amount of funding to be distributed based on the applications received through this Call for Proposals is at maximum EUR 9 000 000 for the period of 2027–2029.
Press releases -
3.8.2026
EU opens targeted consultation to evaluate Dual-Use Regulation
The European Commission invites all stakeholders to contribute to the consultation on the overall evaluation of Regulation (EU) 2021/821 (the Dual-Use Regulation).
News -
3.8.2026
European Commission publishes compilation of national export control lists
Under the EU Dual-Use Regulation, EU Member States may include items on national export control lists, for example, for public security reasons or because of human rights considerations. National lists complement EU export controls and concern specifically export from the Member State in question.
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28.7.2026
Media Freedom Coalition Statement on the situation of journalists in the Middle East region in light of the regional escalation
The undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition express their deep concern for the safety of journalists and the repercussions for access to information in the Middle East, in light of the regional escalation. The safety of journalists and media workers, and the access to information are under serious threat.
Statements -
24.7.2026
EU expands sanctions on Russia with extensive 21st sanctions package
The EU approved its 21st sanctions package on 23 July. The package continues to increase pressure on Russia by weakening Russia’s ability to wage its war of aggression in Ukraine. The new sanctions enter into force on 23 July 2026. The package contains a record number of new listings. The EU also expands sanctions on the energy and financial sectors and on the shadow fleet and similarly expands the import and export ban lists. The package also tightens sanctions against Belarus.
Press releases -
16.7.2026
Minister of Commerce and industry of India Goyal visits Finland on 16–17 July
A high-level business delegation led by Minister of Commerce and Industry of India Piyush Goyal visits Finland on 16–17 July, 2026. The key themes for the visit are digital and new advanced technologies, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and sustainable development, and the food and consumer industries.
Press releases -
16.7.2026
New Deputy Director General appointed to Political Department
The Finnish Government promoted Counsellor Hanna Lepistö to the public office of Counsellor for Foreign Affairs starting on 1 September 2026 and appointed her to the post of Deputy Director General of the Political Department at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs for a fixed term from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2030.
Press releases -
16.7.2026
Johanna Kaprio-Papageorgiou appointed to serve as Counsellor for Public Diplomacy and Communications at Finland's Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has appointed Johanna Kaprio-Papageorgiou to serve as Counsellor for Public Diplomacy and Communications at Finland’s Permanent Representation to the European Union in Brussels from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2029.
Press releases -
13.7.2026
Germany’s Foreign Minister Wadephul to visit Finland
Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Johann Wadephul will visit Finland on 15–16 July and meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen. The ministers will have bilateral discussions and visit various sites to learn about security in the northern region of Europe.
Press releases -
13.7.2026
Information for Finnish travellers in the Middle East
The security situation in the Middle East remains fragile. It is difficult to assess how long it will continue.
News -
10.7.2026
EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russia’s war of aggression, the Middle East and the Black Sea
EU foreign affairs ministers will convene for a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 13 July. State Secretary Pasi Rajala will represent Finland at the meeting.
Press releases -
10.7.2026
OSCE report: Militarisation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children in Russia and Russian-occupied territories
In May, 41 OSCE participating States, including Finland, invoked the Moscow Mechanism in cooperation with Ukraine to investigate militarization and indoctrination of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation. According to the report published at the meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on 9 July, Russia has sought to erase the Ukrainian national identity of these children and reinforce Russian State-approved narratives. Forcible transfers, deportations and the systematic indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children could amount to crimes against humanity, in addition to violations of international law. The report makes recommendations to the Russian authorities, the OSCE, Ukraine and the international community on ways to take action and reinforce accountability.
Press releases -
9.7.2026
New Heads of Mission appointed to Lusaka and Mumbai
At the presidential session on Thursday 9 July, the President of the Republic appointed Marja Rosvall to serve as Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Lusaka, and Petra Theman to serve as Head of Mission at Finland’s Consulate General in Mumbai, starting on 1 September 2026.
Press releases -
6.7.2026
UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development to focus on accelerating progress on 2030 Agenda
The UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) will take place in New York between 7 and 15 July. The purpose of the annual meeting is to review the progress made in achieving the objectives of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Finland’s delegation will be led by Mika Nykänen, State Secretary to Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala.
Press releases -
7.7.2026
Majority of seasonal work visa applications for wild-berry pickers refused
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has received approximately 2,200 seasonal work visa applications this year for the purpose of wild-berry picking in Finland. To date, a majority of the applications have been processed, approximately 1,600 applications in total. The processing has revealed indications of a risk of worker exploitation, as well as shortcomings in employers’ compliance with their statutory obligations. The majority of the applications, approximately 1,400, have been refused.
Press releases -
2.7.2026
Dan Ekholm appointed to serve as Counsellor for Public Diplomacy and Communications in Berlin
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has appointed Dan Ekholm as Counsellor for Public Diplomacy and Communications in Berlin from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2029.
Press releases -
30.6.2026
Finnish Foreign Minister Valtonen to attend NATO Summit
Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will be part of the delegation of the President of the Republic Alexander Stubb to the NATO Summit in Ankara, Türkiye, on 7–8 July.
Press releases -
30.6.2026
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Finland
Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will visit Helsinki on 5 July and meet Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.
Press releases -
29.6.2026
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mozambique Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas to visit Finland
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas will visit Finland on 29–30 June and meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.
Press releases -
29.6.2026
Minister Tavio to visit Germany
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will visit Hamburg on 29 and 30 June to speak at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference. The visit will also include a business programme aimed at strengthening commercial and economic ties between Finland and Germany, in particular in the Hamburg region.
Press releases -
25.6.2026
New appointments at Finnish Foreign Ministry
In its plenary session on 25 June, the Finnish Government appointed several persons to new positions at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Helsinki.
Press releases -
24.6.2026
Advance information on upcoming 2026 Call for Proposals for International Non-governmental Organizations (INGOs) for Humanitarian Mine Action
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland will open a Call for Proposals for INGOs for Humanitarian Mine Action in August 2026.
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17.6.2026
Public consultation begins on amendments to legislation on export control of dual-use items
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is requesting comments on the draft government proposal to amend the Act on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items (500/2024). Comments should be submitted via the lausuntopalvelu.fi consultation service by 29 July 2026 at the latest.
News -
16.6.2026
President of UN International Fund for Agricultural Development Alvaro Lario to visit Helsinki
President of the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Alvaro Lario will visit Helsinki on 16–17 June. The topics on the agenda are Finland’s cooperation with IFAD and global food security.
Press releases -
16.6.2026
New Head of Mission appointed to New Delhi and non-resident Ambassador to Angola, authorisation granted to Tajikistan
At the presidential session on 16 June, the President appointed Mikko Kivikoski as Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in New Delhi from 1 July, authorised Roving Ambassador Maria Ågren for Tajikistan, and appointed Satu Lassila, Head of Mission in Maputo, as non-resident Ambassador to Angola from 16 June.
Press releases