Foreign policy and security policy

Finland’s foreign and security policy aims at preserving its independence and the democratic core values of society and promoting the well-being and security of its citizens.


Finland’s foreign and security policy aims at preserving its independence and the democratic core values of society and promoting the well-being and security of its citizens.

As a Member State of the European Union and a member of the international community, Finland exercises foreign policy with a view to securing its national interests and endeavors to contribute to world peace.

Foreign and security policy is based on good bilateral and international relations, a strong role in the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) of the EU, effective multilateral cooperation and credible national defence.

Minister Haavisto to attend Foreign Ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Small Group

On 4 May, Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto will attend a virtual meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Small Group. Ministers will review the next steps in the fight to defeat ISIS.

ISIS continues to be active in Iraq and Syria but also globally, especially in West Africa and the Sahel. Terrorist organisations have been found to be trying to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is important to continue international cooperation in the fight against ISIS. Finland reaffirms its commitment to the work of the Global Coalition. The threat caused by ISIS must be considered from a comprehensive perspective and it is important to tackle the root causes of terrorism. Multilateral international cooperation is essential in efforts to stop the spread of ISIS activities and ideology,” Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto says. 

Finland joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in 2014 and the Small Group in 2019. Finland participates in the coalition's military training activities. Additionally, Finland supports the reconstruction of Iraq and the stabilisation efforts in Syria and provides humanitarian aid and support for mine clearance. Finland also deploys advisory staff to serve in the European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM).

US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo will be co-hosting the meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio.  

Inquiries: Joel Linnainmäki, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +35850 478 2587 and Mikko Kinnunen, Director General, tel. +358 295 351 820

The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@formin.fi.