Current Affairs
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6.5.2025
Minister for Foreign Affairs Valtonen to participate in informal meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers in Warsaw
The EU Foreign Affairs Ministers will convene at an informal meeting (Gymnich) in Warsaw, Poland on 7–8 May. Poland holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU during the first half of this year, and Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski will host the meeting together with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.
Press releases -
5.5.2025
Secretary-General of International Telecommunications Union to visit Finland at invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen and Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne
Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne and Director General of the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom Jarkko Saarimäki will meet Secretary-General of International Telecommunications Union Doreen Bogdan-Martin in Helsinki on 6 May 2025.
Press releases -
5.5.2025
Foreign Minister Valtonen to speak about European security in Germany
Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit Berlin on 5 May to participate in discussions on topical foreign and security policy matters.
Press releases -
30.4.2025
Markus Hippi appointed as Press Counsellor in London
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has appointed Markus Hippi as Press Counsellor at the Embassy of Finland in London from 1 June 2025 to 31 July 2028. Hippi has served as Press Counsellor at the Embassy of Finland in London since 11 July 2023.
Press releases -
28.4.2025
Reminder: Register to export control training
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs will organise export control training for companies exporting dual-use items on Friday 9 May 2025. Registration will be open until 2 May.
News -
27.4.2025
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio to lead trade mission to Morocco
Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will visit Morocco with a business delegation on 28–30 April 2025.
Press releases -
25.4.2025
International conference in Helsinki sought practical solutions to protect critical underwater infrastructure
A large group of international experts attended a conference held in Helsinki on 23 April 2025 focusing on the protection of critical underwater infrastructure and the threats posed to it by international maritime transport. Co-operation between different authorities is needed to address these wide-ranging threats.
Press releases -
25.4.2025
Finland to open Consulate General in Houston, Texas
On 25 April 2025, President Alexander Stubb approved an amendment to the Decree of the President of the Republic on the Locations of Finland’s Diplomatic Missions. The amendment will establish Finland’s Consulate General in Houston, Texas, in the United States as of 1 July 2025.
Press releases -
25.4.2025
New heads of mission appointed
At the presidential session on 25 April, the President of the Republic appointed the following persons to serve as heads of missions: Okko-Pekka Salmimies, Bern; Pekka Voutilainen, Hanoi; Jukka Siukosaari, Copenhagen; Riina-Riikka Heikka, Nairobi; Olli Kantanen, Stockholm; Eevamari Laaksonen, Pristina; Minna Laajava, Los Angeles.
Press releases -
25.4.2025
Foreign Minister Valtonen to attend meeting of Nordic and Baltic foreign ministers in Denmark
Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will attend the NB8 meeting bringing together Nordic and Baltic foreign ministers in Bornholm, Denmark, on 28–29 April. Ministers from Poland, France and Germany will also participate in the meeting.
Press releases -
24.4.2025
Niina Pesonen appointed to serve as Foreign Ministry’s Director General for Human Resources
On Thursday 24 April, the Government appointed Niina Pesonen to serve as Director General for Human Resources of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Press releases -
23.4.2025
Involving young people in peace negotiations — follow the discussion at the World Village Festival
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ programme features a discussion on how to involve young people in peace negotiations. The discussion will take place on the World Village Festival’s Speaker’s Stage at Tiivistämö on 24 May at 13.15. Participants are Cevor Tikerpuu, Finland's Youth Delegate to the UN, and Senior Specialist Laura Hendry from the Foreign Ministry’s Centre for Peace Mediation.
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23.4.2025
Foreign students arriving in Finland: how to apply for a residence permit
If you are a citizen of a non-EU country and are not a citizen of a EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you will need a residence permit for studies. Apply for a residence permit in the Enter Finland online service first and then book an appointment for identification. It is advisable to book the appointment as soon as possible, as the missions may be busy during the summer months.
News -
22.4.2025
Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf to meet Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen in Helsinki
The Algerian Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, will visit Helsinki on 24 April and meet Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.
Press releases -
17.4.2025
Government proposal to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention sent out for comments
Withdrawal from of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, known as the Ottawa Convention, requires a government proposal. Comments on the draft proposal may be given until 16 May 2025.
Press releases -
16.4.2025
Global official development assistance declined in 2024
The official development assistance (ODA) declined in 2024 both in Finland and globally. Ukraine, which is heavily affected by Russia’s war of aggression, is the largest recipient of Finland’s ODA for the third consecutive year.
Press releases -
11.4.2025
EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, situation in the Middle East, the Western Balkans and EU-Africa relations
EU foreign ministers will convene in Luxembourg on 14 April. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.
Press releases -
11.4.2025
5,291 votes cast in county elections and 8,310 in municipal elections at advance polling stations abroad
According to preliminary data, a total of 5,291 votes were cast in advance in the 2025 county elections and 8,310 votes in the municipal elections at Finnish missions abroad. In the dual elections, a total of 180 votes were cast on board Finnish vessels. In the 2022 county elections, 2,923 advance votes were cast, and about a hundred crew members cast their vote on board ships. In the 2021 municipal elections, 2,693 advance votes were cast, and over a hundred crew members voted on board ships.
Press releases -
10.4.2025
Foreign Ministry is seeking candidates for conciliators, arbitrator and alternate for OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is inviting interested candidates to apply for the position of a conciliator and an arbitrator at the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) by 30 April 2025.
News -
10.4.2025
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen to visit Washington DC
Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit Washington DC on 10 April 2025. She will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Press releases -
8.4.2025
Finland’s OSCE Chairpersonship emphasises climate security and sustainable development in both words and action
Finland is emphasising climate security and the importance of sustainable development in international diplomacy during its Chairpersonship of the OSCE.
News -
7.4.2025
Finnish-Ukrainian cooperation project to develop the Ukrainian tax administration
A Finnish-Ukrainian cooperation project will improve the transparency and digitalisation of the Ukrainian tax administration and its capacity to manage and implement reforms. The project will also support the fight against corruption and Ukraine's EU accession.
Press releases -
7.4.2025
Nordic governments to explore legal implications of proposed update to Helsinki Treaty
Last autumn, the Nordic Council called on the governments in the region to update the Helsinki Treaty, which governs Nordic cooperation, by adding new areas of cooperation and examining the contractual status of Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland.
Press releases -
7.4.2025
Trade ministers to discuss EU’s trade relations with United States and China
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will attend an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, in its trade configuration, in Luxembourg on 7 April 2025. The meeting will focus on the EU’s trade relations with the United States and China.
Press releases -
4.4.2025
Foreign Minister Valtonen to visit Sweden
Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will meet Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard in Stockholm on 8 April.
Press releases -
4.4.2025
Finland grants humanitarian aid to Myanmar
Finland provides humanitarian assistance to Myanmar. The damage caused by the recent severe earthquake in Myanmar exacerbates the already challenging humanitarian situation.
Press releases -
4.4.2025
Export control training on export of dual-use items
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs will organise export control training for companies exporting dual-use items on Friday 9 May 2025.
News -
3.4.2025
European Court of Human Rights declares inadmissible an application concerning assessment of evidence in criminal proceedings
On 3 April 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) issued its decision in a case brought against Finland on the basis of Article 6 (right to a fair trial) of the European Convention on Human Rights. In the decision, the ECtHR, unanimously, declared the application inadmissible.
Press releases -
2.4.2025
Foreign Minister Valtonen to attend meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs
Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will attend a meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Brussels on 3–4 April.
Press releases -
2.4.2025
Opening speech by Minister Tavio at the the Least Developed Countries Future Forum
Opening Statement, LDC Future Forum 1 April 2025, Lusaka, Zambia Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio
Speeches -
1.4.2025
Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Discrimination appointed
Finland holds the Chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2025. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen has appointed Prof. Dr Wolfgang Palaver as Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Discrimination.
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31.3.2025
Minister Tavio to visit Zambia and attend LDC Future Forum
Finland, Zambia and the United Nations will organise the Least Developed Countries Future Forum (LDC Future Forum) in Lusaka on 1–3 April. The Forum will seek innovative solutions to enhance the resilience of LDCs. The Finnish delegation will be led by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio. In addition to attending the Forum, Minister Tavio will have several bilateral meetings, including with the President of Zambia, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, and counterpart ministers.
Press releases -
28.3.2025
Finland sets an example in evaluating sustainable development
Finland has been a forerunner in conducting national evaluations of sustainable development. The new second edition of a guidebook compiles experiences from various countries and provides practical lessons for planning and implementing country-led evaluations of sustainable development.
News -
28.3.2025
EU imposes sanctions against individuals and entities that have committed human rights violations and undermined democracy in Belarus
The EU sanctions list includes members of the Belarusian Central Electoral Commission, representatives of the Belarusian judiciary and individuals or entities that are considered to have committed serious human rights violations and undermined democracy in Belarus. The EU Member States approved the additional sanctions on 27 March 2025.
Press releases -
27.3.2025
Suspected hacking into Foreign Service's remote access service
After unusual activity was noticed in the Foreign Service's remote access service, the initial investigation confirmed a suspected hacking incident. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has blocked the use of the service and made a request for an investigation to the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation.
Press releases -
25.3.2025
Kauppapolitiikka: Whose star shines the brightest?
The first issue of the Kauppapolitiikka magazine in 2025 delves deep into current events in international trade and politics. Why is the world economy buzzing, and who wins most when geopolitics change?
Press releases -
21.3.2025
Minister Tavio to attend high-level forum on disaster risk reduction in Oslo
Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will attend a high-level forum in Oslo on 24–25 March. The forum is organised by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The event will discuss accelerating financing to reduce disaster risks and to improve global preparedness for risks.
Press releases -
20.3.2025
Information request to companies on the United States’ steel and aluminium tariffs and the EU’s countermeasures
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs requests opinions from companies in relation to the increased tariffs for imports and the EU’s possible countermeasures.
News -
19.3.2025
Senegal’s Foreign Minister Yassine Fall to visit Finland
Senegal’s Minister for African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Yassine Fall, will visit Helsinki on 20 March and meet Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.
Press releases -
17.3.2025
Foreign Minister Valtonen to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina
Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina from 17 to 18 March. This is her first visit to South-Eastern Europe as the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The aim of the visit is to strengthen the OSCE’s partnership in the region.
Press releases -
14.3.2025
Finland Congratulates Armenia and Azerbaijan on the Conclusion of Negotiations for a Draft Peace Agreement
Helsinki, 14 March – Finland, in its role as Chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), extends its congratulations to the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan on the successful conclusion of negotiations for the draft text of a peace settlement. This significant milestone reflects a shared commitment to pursue a future of peace, stability, and co-operation in the South Caucasus.
Statements -
14.3.2025
EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, EU-US relations, situation in the Middle East, and Iran
EU foreign ministers will convene in Brussels on 17 March. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.
Press releases -
13.3.2025
Opening Remarks by Minister Elina Valtonen at the Helsinki Roundtable on AI and International Security
Opening Remarks by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen at the Helsinki Roundtable on AI and International Security at Aalto University on 13 March 2025.
Speeches -
13.3.2025
UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to meet Foreign Minister Valtonen
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will visit Finland on 14–15 March on the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and the United Arab Emirates.
Press releases -
12.3.2025
This is FINLAND Magazine 2025–26: Moomins’ anniversary, local food and peacebuilding
This is FINLAND Magazine is now available in English. Part of the 'This is FINLAND' country brand media, promoted across several channels, the Magazine targets an international readership.
Press releases -
10.3.2025
Finland grants EUR 16 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has made decisions on humanitarian assistance, prioritising Ukraine, major refugee crises in Africa and the humanitarian situation in the Middle East. Funding is also granted for supporting school meals and promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities. The amount of humanitarian assistance now granted totals EUR 36.5 million, of which EUR 16 million is allocated to Ukraine.
Press releases -
7.3.2025
National Coordinators of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) Meet in Helsinki, Finland
Representatives from the United States, Canada, and Finland discussed concrete implementation of this important initiative to build Arctic and Polar icebreakers.
Press releases -
7.3.2025
Finland continues to promote gender equality and human rights loudly at session of UN Commission on the Status of Women
The 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will take place in New York between 10 and 21 March 2025. Finland will be represented at the session by a broad-based delegation headed by Minister Sanni Grahn-Laasonen.
Press releases -
6.3.2025
European Court of Human Rights delivers decision in cases concerning additional tax on pension income
On 6 March 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) delivered a decision on cases concerning additional tax on pension income. The ECtHR unanimously held that there had been no violation of Article 14 (prohibition of discrimination) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and Article 1 of Protocol No. 12 (general prohibition of discrimination) to the Convention. The ECtHR declared the complaint under Article 13 (right to an effective remedy) of the Convention inadmissible.
Press releases -
6.3.2025
Minister Tavio to attend World Bank’s NB8 group meeting in Stockholm
Ministers from the Nordic and Baltic countries (Nordic-Baltic Eight, NB8) will convene at a meeting of the Governors to the World Bank Group (WPG) in Stockholm on 6 March. The main topics on the agenda are the World Bank’s support to Ukraine, international development financing, job creation and clean transition. Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will represent Finland at the meeting.
Press releases