Current Affairs
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26.9.2025
Finnish Internet Forum focuses on foundations of secure digital life
The Finnish Internet Forum will again address current issues in digital development. This year’s agenda includes the resilience of critical digital infrastructure, the future of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and online harassment.
Press releases -
25.9.2025
OSCE report finds clear indications of human rights violations against Ukrainian soldiers and POWs in Russia’s war of aggression
At the meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on 25 September, the Moscow Mechanism mission of experts presented their report on violations of international humanitarian and human rights law related to the treatment of Ukrainian soldiers and prisoners of war (POWs) in Russia’s war of aggression. The report examines Russia’s systematic torture, ill-treatment and execution of Ukrainian soldiers and POWs.
Press releases -
23.9.2025
Kauppapolitiikka magazine: The growing power of the stronger
The September issue of the Kauppapolitiikka magazine looks at the future of a rules-based and multilateral world order at a time when trade policy cooperation is becoming increasingly regionalised and fragmented into blocs. The economy and trade have become tools of power and superpower competition, and there seems to be no going back to the way things were.
Press releases -
23.9.2025
Speech by Minister Ville Tavio at the Opening Session of the Second Global School Meals Coalition Summit
Speech by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio at the Opening Session of the Second Global School Meals Coalition Summit on 18 September 2025, in Fortaleza Brasil.
Speeches -
23.9.2025
Finland urges Israel to allow Gazan patients to be treated in West Bank
Finland has signed a joint statement by 25 countries, coordinated by Denmark, on facilitating the access of Gazan patients to treatment in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, by declaring readiness to support their treatment in the Palestinian territory.
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22.9.2025
Budget proposal for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and its branch of government for 2026
The Government proposes EUR 245 million for the operating expenses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The operating expenses will be subject to an additional saving of EUR 6.4 million. The impact of the saving in development cooperation outlined in the Government Programme will increase by EUR 73 million. Moreover, additional savings totalling EUR 70 million will be allocated to development cooperation appropriations.
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19.9.2025
Ministers Valtonen and Tavio to attend high-level week of UN General Assembly in New York
The high-level meetings of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 80) will start in New York on 22 September 2025. Finland’s delegation will be led by President of the Republic Alexander Stubb, who will deliver Finland’s statement at the general debate on 24 September. The deputy heads of the delegation are Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio, Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen and Minister of the Environment and Climate Sari Multala.
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17.9.2025
Finland chairs OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation
Finland has assumed the Chairpersonship of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Finland’s Chairpersonship officially began at an opening session in Vienna on 17 September.
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16.9.2025
Finland to chair School Meals Coalition Global Summit in Fortaleza
Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will attend the Global Summit of the School Meals Coalition in Fortaleza, Brazil, on 18–19 September. Finland co-chairs the School Meals Coalition along with France and Brazil, and Minister Tavio is the Global Champion for School Meals.
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15.9.2025
Foreign Minister Valtonen, current OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, to visit South-Eastern Europe
Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit Belgrade and Pristina on 15–16 September to strengthen the OSCE’s partnership with the region.
Press releases -
11.9.2025
Opening Remarks by Minister Elina Valtonen at the OSCE Chairpersonship Climate Forum
Opening Remarks by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Valtonen, at the OSCE Chairpersonship Forum, Building a Resilient Future in a Changing Climate, in Prague on 11 September 2025.
Speeches -
10.9.2025
Ministers for Nordic cooperation to meet in Åland
Finland’s and Åland’s Ministers for Nordic cooperation, Anders Adlercreutz and Annika Hambrudd, will co-host the autumn meeting of the ministers for Nordic cooperation in Åland on 11 September. A seminar on the future of Nordic cooperation will be held in connection with the meeting on 12 September.
Press releases -
8.9.2025
Foreign Minister Valtonen to visit Germany
Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit Berlin on 9 September. She will meet Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Johann Wadephul.
Press releases -
5.9.2025
Finland to join New York declaration on peaceful settlement of question of Palestine and implementation of two-state solution
On 5 September, Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen decided, following discussions within Finland’s state leadership, that Finland will join the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State solution, prepared under the leadership of France and Saudi Arabia.
Press releases -
5.9.2025
New strategy for Team Finland network to enhance international market access for businesses
The updated strategy for the Team Finland network provides a strong basis for Finnish businesses' exports and international growth. The strategy will guide the network’s operations to make them more effective and client-oriented in the shifting geoeconomic environment.
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4.9.2025
International top chefs take inspiration from traditional Finnish ingredients
The National Finnish Food Day was celebrated on 4 September. Finnish cuisine also featured prominently in training organised in Helsinki for international chefs working at Finnish missions abroad, with rye bread – Finland’s national food – taking centre stage.
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4.9.2025
Nordic development ministers to visit Finland to strengthen Nordic countries’ voice in development policy transformation
Finland is holding the Presidency of the Nordic (N5) cooperation on foreign and security policy in 2025. Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio has invited the Nordic development ministers to Königstedt Manor in Vantaa on 5 September.
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3.9.2025
UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities issues recommendations to Finland
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has considered the initial report of Finland on its implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. A public hearing of the Finnish delegation was held in connection with the consideration in Geneva. The Committee published its concluding observations and recommendations on 3 September.
Press releases -
2.9.2025
Political State Secretary Rajala to visit Australia and New Zealand
Political State Secretary Pasi Rajala will make a working visit to Canberra and Wellington from 3 to 9 September.
Press releases -
29.8.2025
Finland continues to recognize passports issued by the Palestinian Authority
The Finnish Immigration Service has changed its policy and is currently not issuing residence permits for work or study for holders of Palestinian passports.
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29.8.2025
Event at Finlandia Hall to celebrate anniversary of Women, Peace and Security Resolution
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (1325) on Women, Peace and Security. A public event celebrating the anniversary at Finlandia Hall, Helsinki, on 5 September will look at Finland’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) action from the perspectives of crisis management, peacebuilding and comprehensive security. The event is organised by the Finnish National Women, Peace and Security Network, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, CMC Finland, CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, and the Council for Gender Equality (Tane).
Press releases -
29.8.2025
New Ambassador to Brazil and non-resident Ambassadors to Liechtenstein and Ecuador
At the presidential session on Friday 29 August, the President of the Republic appointed Antti Kaski to serve as Ambassador in Brasília. The President of the Republic appointed Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Bern to serve as a non-resident Ambassador to Liechtenstein, and Head of Mission at the Embassy in Lima to serve as a non-resident Ambassador to Ecuador.
Press releases -
28.8.2025
EU foreign ministers to discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and situation in Middle East
EU foreign affairs ministers will meet at the Informal Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers (Gymnich) in Copenhagen on 29–30 August. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.
Press releases -
27.8.2025
Minister for Nordic Cooperation Anders Adlercreutz's speech at the Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission 2025
"I’m glad to see strong momentum for Nordic cooperation. Our goal is a united and strong Nordic region that benefits us all."
Speeches -
27.8.2025
Finland’s funding for UN continues to support women and girls and those in the most vulnerable position
Finland has granted core funding from the 2025 development cooperation appropriation as follows: EUR 25 million to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), EUR 19 million to UN Women, EUR 3 million to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), EUR 1 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and EUR 1.5 million to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Press releases -
27.8.2025
Comments published on the decree on export control of dual-use items
The public consultation concerning the Ministry for Foreign Affairs decree on export control of dual-use items ended on 15 August 2025. The comments are available in the Gateway to Information on Government Projects.
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26.8.2025
‘Finland on a Plate’ project to boost international visibility of Finnish food culture
The Culinary Team of Finland has created a new set of plant-based recipes with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. While specifically geared to the needs of Finnish embassies and missions around the world, the recipes will also serve those organising international meetings and events in Finland.
Press releases -
26.8.2025
Development financier Finnfund’s new investment fund to support digital inclusiveness in developing countries
The Finnish development financier Finnfund has set up a new investment fund to support the development of digital services and infrastructure in developing countries. The aim is to promote gender equality and financial inclusiveness in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
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25.8.2025
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio's speech at the 2025 annual meeting of Heads of Mission
"Finland is advancing the interests of Finland and Finnish businesses in a proactive and forward-looking way, also in the midst of ongoing changes."
Speeches -
25.8.2025
Speech by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission
"Our task is to promote a world in which as many people as possible—regardless of country of birth and circumstances—can live their lives safely and freely, and be happy. That is Finland’s story."
Speeches -
25.8.2025
Opening address by State Secretary Jukka Salovaara at Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission 2025
"We are living through an exceptionally powerful transformation on the international scene. In the current challenging operational environment, we need a strong Foreign Service to promote Finland’s interests."
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21.8.2025
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20.8.2025
Heads of Finland’s missions abroad to gather for annual meeting in Helsinki
Heads of Finland’s missions abroad and foreign policy leaders will meet at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission in Helsinki, to be held at the Parliament Annexe ‘Little Parliament’ on 25–27 August.
Press releases -
19.8.2025
Foreign Minister Valtonen and Canadian Foreign Minister Anand launch a joint statement on the Strategic Partnership Between Finland and Canada
On August 19, Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen met with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand during her visit to Finland.
Press releases -
19.8.2025
Joint statement by Foreign Minister Valtonen and Canadian Foreign Minister Anand on the strategic partnership between Finland and Canada
Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen met Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand on 19 August 2025 during Anand's visit in Finland, and they issued a joint statement on the strategic partnership between Finland and Canada. You can read the statement below.
Statements -
19.8.2025
Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of the Nordic countries and Canada on their support to Ukraine
The foreign ministers of the Nordic countries and Canada convened in Nuuksio, Espoo, on 19 August 2025 and gave a joint statement on their support of Ukraine.
Statements -
18.8.2025
Finland continues life-saving humanitarian assistance: about one fifth of support goes to Ukraine
Finland’s decisions on humanitarian assistance this year have prioritised support to Ukraine, major refugee crises in Africa and the humanitarian situation in the Middle East. The number of people in need of assistance continues to grow. By the end of July, Finland had provided a total of approximately EUR 97.5 million in vital humanitarian assistance in 2025, nearly EUR 18 million of it to Ukraine.
Press releases -
18.8.2025
Nordic and Canadian foreign ministers to visit Finland to strengthen Euro-Atlantic cooperation and global security
Finland is holding the Presidency of the Nordic (N5) cooperation on foreign and security policy in 2025. Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen has invited the Nordic foreign ministers to a meeting on Nordic cooperation on foreign and security policy in Espoo on 18–19 August. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand has been invited to the meeting.
Press releases -
14.8.2025
Joint Donor Statement on El Fasher, Sudan
Joint donor statement on the situation in and around El Fasher, Sudan, by 29 donors.
Statements -
14.8.2025
Deputy Director General appointed to Department for Africa, the Middle East and Latin America
At its session on Thursday 14 August, the Government appointed Timo Olkkonen as the new Deputy Director General of the Department for Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
Press releases -
13.8.2025
Finland advocates for safe and value-based technological development
Technology-related issues have become central to foreign and security policy as never before, and technologies have a growing importance as instruments for geopolitical and economic competition. In response to these challenges, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has published Finland’s priorities for an international technology policy, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen has appointed Antti Vasara as Special Envoy for Technology.
Press releases -
12.8.2025
Joint statement on the humanitarian situation in Gaza
The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels. Famine is unfolding before our eyes. Urgent action is needed now to halt and reverse starvation. Humanitarian space must be protected, and aid should never be politicised.
Statements -
11.8.2025
EU foreign ministers to discuss Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and situation in Middle East
EU ministers for foreign affairs will hold an informal meeting on 11 August to discuss Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.
Press releases -
9.8.2025
Finland Congratulates Armenia and Azerbaijan on the Agreements Towards Peace
Finland, in its role as Chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), extends its congratulations to the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan on the signing of the agreements towards normalization of relations.
Statements -
1.8.2025
Joint Statement of Finland and Mongolia on tightening bilateral ties
Joint Statement by Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg on 1 August 2025.
Statements -
1.8.2025
Ambassador appointed to Windhoek
At the presidential session on Friday 1 August, the President of the Republic appointed Katja Kalamäki to serve as Ambassador in Windhoek.
Press releases -
31.7.2025
Closing Remarks by Minister Elina Valtonen at the Helsinki+50 Conference
Closing Remarks by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Valtonen, at the Helsinki+50 Conference, held at Finlandia Hall in Helsinki on 31 July 2025.
Speeches -
31.7.2025
Israel / Palestinian Territories: Joint statement of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs
Israel / Palestinian Territories: Joint statement of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, 29 July 2025
Statements -
31.7.2025
Opening Remarks by Minister Elina Valtonen at the Helsinki+50 Conference
Opening Remarks by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Valtonen, at the Helsinki+50 Conference, held at Finlandia Hall in Helsinki on 31 July 2025.
Speeches -
31.7.2025
Video recording of the Helsinki+50 Conference
The Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship organised a conference on 31 July 2025 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. The event was live-streamed.
News