Current Affairs
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4.3.2025
Speech by Minister Valtonen in London, at an event hosted by Chatham House
Speech by Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen about Finland’s approach to European security at an event entitled "Keeping the peace on NATO’s longest border with Russia", hosted by Chatham House on 4 March 2025.
Speeches -
3.3.2025
Finland to host high-level event on artificial intelligence and international security
Helsinki Roundtable on AI and International Security, an event to be held at Aalto University on 13 March 2025, will bring together international experts, decision-makers and business leaders to discuss the impacts of artificial intelligence on global security.
Press releases -
28.2.2025
Non-resident Ambassador appointed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
At the presidential session on 28 February, the President of the Republic appointed a non-resident Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Press releases -
28.2.2025
Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen to visit Ireland and the United Kingdom
Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit Dublin, Belfast and London from 3 to 4 March. In Dublin, the Foreign Minister will meet Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Minister for Defence Simon Harris. In Belfast, Minister Valtonen will deliver the Annual Harri Holkeri Lecture on mediation at Queen’s University. In London, she will speak about European security at an event hosted by Chatham House.
Press releases -
26.2.2025
Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio meets with Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat
The ministers met in Helsinki on 26 February. They discussed the bilateral relations between Finland and Türkiye and EU–Türkiye trade and economic relations.
Press releases -
26.2.2025
Opening Remarks by Minister Elina Valtonen, Reinforced Permanent Council of the OSCE
Opening Remarks by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen, Reinforced Permanent Council of the OSCE, 24 February 2025.
Speeches -
26.2.2025
Opening Remarks at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Winter meeting
Opening Remarks at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Winter meeting on 20 February 2025 by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Ms Elina Valtonen, were delivered by Permanent Representative, Ambassador Vesa Häkkinen.
Speeches -
25.2.2025
Minister Adlercreutz to attend meeting of Ministers for Nordic Cooperation in Copenhagen
Finnish Minister for Nordic Cooperation Anders Adlercreutz will attend the meeting of Ministers for Nordic Cooperation in Copenhagen on 26 February. Finland and Åland are holding the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2025.
Press releases -
25.2.2025
Permanent State Secretary Salovaara to attend UN Human Rights Council session and Conference on Disarmament in Geneva
Permanent State Secretary Jukka Salovaara will visit Geneva, Switzerland, from 25 to 26 February. He will deliver Finland’s address to a High-Level Segment of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council and to a High-Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament.
Press releases -
24.2.2025
EU’s 16th sanctions package bans imports of aluminium from Russia and cracks down on shadow fleet
The 16th sanctions package adopted by the European Union on 24 February bans imports of primary aluminium and extends export prohibitions. The package also imposes new sanctions on shadow vessels and those who support the operations of the shadow fleet.
Press releases -
24.2.2025
State Secretary Rajala to travel to New York and Washington
Pasi Rajala, State Secretary to Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen and Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen, will attend meetings on Ukraine at the UN on 24 February. Rajala will travel from New York to Washington DC on 25–26 February.
Press releases -
24.2.2025
Finland to support Ukraine’s resilience and stability on third anniversary of war of aggression
Finland supports the second phase (2025–2027) of the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU) with a total of EUR 4.5 million. There are nine countries channelling their support to Ukraine through the Partnership Fund.
Press releases -
21.2.2025
Joint Statement 4th Shadow Fleet Expert Group Meeting 19–20 February 2025
Joint statement by the coastal states of the Baltic Sea and North Sea – Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom – following the fourth expert-level meeting in Stockholm 19–20 February 2025.
Statements -
21.2.2025
EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, situation in the Middle East, Iran and the Democratic Republic of the Congo
EU foreign ministers will convene in Brussels on 24 February. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.
Press releases -
19.2.2025
Foreign wild-berry pickers now subject to seasonal work rules: legislative amendment combats exploitation and human trafficking
Following legislative amendments that entered into force on 17 February, wild-berry picking carried out by foreign nationals is treated as seasonal work. Companies must hire foreign berry pickers for a contractual employment relationship to enable them apply for an entry permit to Finland. In future, berry pickers will apply for a seasonal work visa for stays up to three months.
News -
18.2.2025
17-year-old Natasha Al-Zeilaa to step into Finnish Foreign Minister’s role for one day as part of Girls Takeover event
The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs will participate in the international Girls Takeover event run by Plan International, a children’s rights organisation. During the event, girls take over the roles of political, social and economic leaders. On 12 March, Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will step aside for the day to let Natasha Al-Zeilaa, an upper secondary school student from Vantaa, assume her post.
Press releases -
13.2.2025
Non-resident Ambassador appointed to Samoa
At the presidential session on 13 February, the President of the Republic appointed a non-resident Ambassador to Samoa.
Press releases -
13.2.2025
Finland to lead the way in organising sustainable meetings – detailed guidelines for domestic events of Finland’s OSCE Chairpersonship
The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs introduces the guidelines for sustainable meeting practices that it has updated in cooperation with WWF Finland. The principles outlined in these guidelines will be observed in all events of the OSCE Chairpersonship organised in Finland in 2025. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is committed to promoting sustainability in all events.
Press releases -
13.2.2025
Foreign Minister Valtonen to attend Munich Security Conference
Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will attend the Munich Security Conference on 14–16 February. She will take part in a panel on hybrid warfare and speak at an event on new geopolitics.
Press releases -
11.2.2025
Finland to organise virtual Nordic foreign ministers (N5) meeting
Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen has invited the Nordic ministers of Foreign Affairs to this year’s first meeting of the Nordic (N5) cooperation on 11 February. Finland is holding the Presidency of the N5 cooperation on foreign and security policy in 2025.
Press releases -
10.2.2025
Keynote Speech by Minister Elina Valtonen, Conference on Addressing Anti-Semitism in the OSCE Region
Keynote Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, Chairperson-in-office of the OSCE, Conference on Addressing Anti-Semitism in the OSCE Region, 10 February 2025
Speeches -
10.2.2025
Importance of dialogue discussed at OSCE’s annual conference on addressing anti-Semitism
The annual OSCE Conference on addressing anti-Semitism opened today, February 10, in Helsinki. The conference is part of the OSCE's work on combating intolerance. In addition to anti-Semitism, the conference touches upon discrimination faced by Muslims, Christians and representatives of other religions.
News -
10.2.2025
Finland promotes human rights globally during its three-year membership of UN Human Rights Council
During its membership of the UN Human Rights Council between 2022 and 2024, Finland defended universal human rights and the multilateral rules-based system. Finland’s key priorities were to ensure accountability and gender equality and to promote and defend the rights of women and girls, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and LGBTI persons.
News -
10.2.2025
EU development ministers’ meeting to focus on supporting resilience in Ukraine and other partner countries
The informal meeting of the EU ministers for development will take place on 10–11 February 2025 in Warsaw, Poland. Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will represent Finland at the meeting.
Press releases -
7.2.2025
Like-minded countries call on the G7 to reduce Russia’s energy revenues
In a joint letter, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, and Sweden call on G7 states to take additional steps to reduce the revenues earned by Russia from the sale of its energy carriers.
Statements -
7.2.2025
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys to visit Finland
Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys will visit Helsinki on 11 February and meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.
Press releases -
6.2.2025
Ministry for Foreign Affairs grants sanctions exemption for deal on Helsinki Halli
On 6 February, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs granted an exemption for a deal on the shares held by sanctioned persons in Helsinki Halli Oy. The exemption was granted to Trevian Kasvu LP Ky. An authorisation from the National Enforcement Authority Finland is still needed for the deal.
Press releases -
5.2.2025
Reform of Team Finland’s foreign functions proceeds
The operations and management of the Team Finland network will be reformed in cooperation with business and industry, as outlined in the Finnish Government Programme. Business Finland’s foreign functions will be directly integrated into the structures of the Foreign Service by 1 January 2026.
Press releases -
5.2.2025
Video: Minister Tavio's press conference on the Team Finland reform
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio held a press conference on the reform of Team Finland's foreign functions on Wednesday 5 February 2025 at 15:30.
News -
4.2.2025
Foreign Minister Valtonen to address EU Ambassadors' Conference and North Atlantic Council
Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will attend the European Union Ambassadors' Conference and visit NATO Headquarters on 5 February.
Press releases -
4.2.2025
How the World Views Finland 2025: Finland’s brand remains positive, but global perceptions are divided
Education, good governance, nature, equality and happiness are themes that Finland is known for worldwide, according to Finland Promotion Board’s publication How the World Views Finland. In 2024, especially Finland’s NATO membership and security policy brought international media coverage. Despite the challenging global situation, Finland’s country brand has remained largely positive, but differences between countries in attitudes towards Finland have increased. This is why it is increasingly important for Finland to be known for its strengths, the publication states.
Press releases -
3.2.2025
Opening remarks by Minister Elina Valtonen, National Opening of Finland’s OSCE Chairpersonship
Opening remarks by Elina Valtonen, Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, National Opening Event of Finland’s OSCE Chairpersonship, Finlandia Hall, 3 February, 2025
Speeches -
3.2.2025
Information for volunteer fighters
The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has published an information package on its website for those planning or considering travelling to Ukraine to serve as volunteer fighters and for their family and friends. The Ministry does not recommend or promote volunteering as a fighter. However, it assists Finnish citizens who are in Ukraine in accordance with the Consular Services Act whenever possible.
Press releases -
3.2.2025
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen to meet UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London
Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit London on 4 February and meet the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Press releases -
31.1.2025
Rapporteur Elina Björklund submits her report on reforming Team Finland’s foreign functions
Rapporteur Elina Björklund submitted her report on reforming the Team Finland network’s foreign functions to Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio and Minister of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman on 31 January 2025.
Press releases -
31.1.2025
Ministers responsible for industry and trade policy to discuss EU’s competitiveness and relations with the United States
Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will attend a joint informal meeting of the EU’s competitiveness and trade ministers in Warsaw on 3–4 February 2025. The ministers will discuss ways in which industrial and trade policies can support the EU’s global competitiveness. The relations between the EU and the United States will also be on the meeting’s agenda. In addition, the ministers will discuss the integration of EU candidate countries into the single market as part of the Union’s value chains.
Press releases -
31.1.2025
Cumulative effects of EU sustainability legislation on Finnish companies
Uncertainty about the practical application of the EU’s sustainability regulations may lead companies to wait for further clarification. This is problematic because companies then fail to allocate resources where required to meet their obligations.
News -
30.1.2025
Establishment of Consulate General in Houston and changes to consular services at Finland’s foreign missions
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has sent out for comments a proposal for amending the Decree of the President of the Republic on the Locations of Finland’s Diplomatic Missions and the Provision of Consular Services in the Foreign Service, and the Annex thereto.
Press releases -
29.1.2025
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29.1.2025
Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon to visit Finland
Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon will visit Finland on 30 January and meet Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.
Press releases -
28.1.2025
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27.1.2025
Foreign Minister Valtonen to visit Latvia and attend meeting of heads of Latvia’s diplomatic missions
Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit Latvia on 28 January. She will speak at the meeting of the heads of Latvia’s diplomatic missions and meet Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže.
Press releases -
27.1.2025
Advance voting abroad in county elections and municipal elections to take place on 2–5 April 2025
Finland’s county elections and municipal elections will be held simultaneously on Sunday 13 April 2025. The advance voting period abroad will be from 2 to 5 April 2025, but for practical reasons many advance polling stations will be open for a shorter period.
News -
26.1.2025
The Nordic-Baltic countries support the statement by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on support to the Belarusian people.
The Nordic-Baltic countries stand in solidarity with the Belarusian people who strive for a free, democratic, sovereign and independent Belarus. A future democratic Belarus has a place in the European family. Our countries will continue to support the tireless efforts of the Belarusian democratic forces led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and independent Belarusian civil society both inside and outside Belarus.
Statements -
24.1.2025
OSCE Chair appoints Special Representative for the South Caucasus
Finland holds the Chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2025. OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen has appointed Christoph Späti as her Special Representative for the South Caucasus.
Press releases -
24.1.2025
New diplomatic attachés to bring strong economic and technological expertise to Foreign Ministry
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs will gain more wide-ranging expertise with the start of two new courses for careers at the Ministry in March 2025.
News -
24.1.2025
EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, situation in the Middle East, and the United States
EU foreign ministers will convene in Brussels on 27 January. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.
Press releases -
24.1.2025
Head of UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction to visit Finland
Assistant Secretary-General Kamal Kishore, the Head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), will visit Finland from 27 to 28 January 2025.
Press releases -
23.1.2025
Russia’s continued attempts to manipulate the information environment
The EEAS, Finland, Czechia, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Sweden denounce Russia’s continued and systematic attempts to manipulate and interfere in the information space of democratic societies.
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21.1.2025
Foreign Minister Valtonen to present Finland’s Programme for OSCE Chairpersonship in Vienna
Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit Vienna on 23 January. She will present the programme for Finland’s OSCE Chairpersonship to the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which has representatives from the organization’s 57 participating States and 11 Partners for Co-operation.
Press releases