Press releases
-
1.10.2026
Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs Albares to visit Finland
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen will meet Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation José Manuel Albares in Helsinki on 5 October.
Press releases -
1.10.2026
Government proposes new Finnfund Act
The Government will submit a proposal to Parliament for a new act on Finnfund, Finland's development financier and impact investor. The new act would replace regulation that has been in place for almost 50 years. The reform is intended to improve the administration of the Finnpartnership programme, which channels development finance to businesses, and enhance the services available to companies.
Press releases -
1.10.2026
New partnership agreement strengthens cooperation between EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries
The Government proposes that Parliament approve the partnership agreement between the European Union and its Member States and the members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), also known as the Samoa Agreement.
Press releases -
1.10.2026
Government proposes act on development policy investments
The Government has submitted to Parliament a proposal for an act on development policy investments. The proposal would create a clear legislative foundation for Finland's development policy investments and define their objectives, principles and procedures.
Press releases -
1.10.2026
Finland to support Ukraine with EUR 50 million loan through World Bank Group
Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs will grant a EUR 50 million development policy loan to the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group. The loan will be provided for the Special Program for Ukraine Recovery 2.0 (SPUR 2.0), a new financing programme established by IDA to respond to Ukraine's substantial reconstruction and recovery needs.
Press releases -
1.10.2026
Portugal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Rangel to visit Finland and meet Foreign Minister Valtonen
Portugal’s Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel will visit Finland on 5 October and meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen. Topics on the agenda for the meeting include the bilateral relations between Finland and Portugal, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the EU's multiannual financial framework and enlargement. The ministers will also discuss other security policy issues and artificial intelligence.
Press releases -
30.9.2026
Minister Adlercreutz to attend meeting of ministers for Nordic cooperation
Minister Anders Adlercreutz, who is responsible for Nordic cooperation, will attend a meeting of the ministers for Nordic cooperation in Copenhagen on 1 October.
Press releases -
30.9.2026
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Budrys to visit Finland
Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys will visit Helsinki and meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen on 2 October.
Press releases -
25.9.2026
Deputy Director General Lauratuulia Lehtinen appointed to Advisory Group of UN Central Emergency Response Fund
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Deputy Director General, Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Lauratuulia Lehtinen to the Advisory Group of the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for a three-year term.
Press releases -
25.9.2026
Estonian Foreign Minister Tsahkna to visit Helsinki
Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna will visit Helsinki and meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen on 29 September.
Press releases -
24.9.2026
Finland promotes efforts to ensure accountability in Russia’s war of aggression
On 24 September, the Government submitted to Parliament proposals for the acceptance and bringing into force of an agreement related to the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and the Convention Establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine.
Press releases -
23.9.2026
Finland and California strengthen their commercial and economic cooperation
On 23 September 2026, Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen and Governor of California Gavin Newsom signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Finland and the State of California to strengthen commercial and economic ties between Finland and California.
Press releases -
22.9.2026
Foreign Minister Valtonen: Cooperation with Arctic allies strengthens Finland's security
Foreign Ministers from the allied Arctic nations, the Arctic Seven (A7), met in New York on 21 September. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen represented Finland at the meeting. The A7 comprises Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Canada and the United States. The meeting was convened by the United States.
Press releases -
21.9.2026
Budget proposal for Ministry for Foreign Affairs and its branch of government for 2027
The Finnish Government is proposing EUR 244 million for the operating expenses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The operating expenses would be subject to a productivity saving of EUR 0.4 million as part of the additional measures the Government adopted in spring 2026 to adjust general government finances. The Ministry will primarily target the savings at its activities in Finland by limiting backfill recruitment and improving efficiency. The savings outlined in the Government Programme for development cooperation will increase by EUR 50 million.
Press releases -
18.9.2026
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos to visit Helsinki
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will visit Helsinki on Friday 18 September and meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.
Press releases -
17.9.2026
Finnish Internet Forum 2026 to explore digital sovereignty and age restrictions on the Internet
The Finnish Internet Forum will be held in cooperation with Parliament’s Committee for the Future on Wednesday 7 October 2026. This year’s agenda focuses on digital sovereignty, the age restrictions on the Internet and the safety of children. Discussions take place against the backdrop of the development of artificial intelligence and its impact on the Internet.
Press releases -
16.9.2026
Ministers Valtonen and Tavio to attend high-level week of UN General Assembly in New York
The high-level meetings of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 81) will begin in New York on 21 September. Finland’s delegation will be led by President of the Republic Alexander Stubb, who will deliver Finland’s statement at the general debate on 22 September. The delegation’s vice-chairs are Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.
Press releases -
16.9.2026
Minister Tavio to visit Estonia
Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will visit Tallinn on 16 September. During his visit, he will meet Estonian Minister of Economy and Industry Erkki Keldo, business representatives and learn about Estonia's startup and innovation ecosystem and the Rail Baltica project.
Press releases -
16.9.2026
Finland to help the Pacific and Indonesia prepare for climate change and extreme weather, with Finnish Meteorological Institute in project implementation
Finland will allocate EUR 2.55 million for preparedness for extreme weather events in Indonesia and the island nations of the Pacific. The Finnish Meteorological Institute will implement the PACIDFIN project together with the Pacific Meteorological Council and the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics.
Press releases -
15.9.2026
New Head of Mission appointed to Munich
At the presidential session on Tuesday 15 September, the President of the Republic appointed Roy Eriksson to serve as Head of Mission at Finland’s Consulate in Munich.
Press releases -
15.9.2026
Finland to establish a consulate in Munich
On 15 September 2026, the President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb confirmed an amendment to the Presidential Decree on Finland's Missions Abroad. The amendment establishes a Finnish consulate in Munich, Germany.
Press releases -
14.9.2026
French Foreign Minister Barrot to visit Helsinki and meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot will visit Helsinki and meet Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen on 14 September. During their discussions, the ministers will sign a document on a strategic partnership between Finland and France. They will also receive briefings on security in the Baltic Sea region.
Press releases -
10.9.2026
Finland to invest EUR 120 million in new finance program being prepared to mobilise private financing in emerging markets
Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs will invest EUR 120 million in the Finland-IFC Blended Finance Program for private-sector investments. The program is being prepared in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. This will be the largest development policy investment ever made by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The appropriations will be allocated from the Ministry’s financial investment item.
Press releases -
9.9.2026
Updated online course enhances knowledge of sanctions
Effective enforcement of sanctions requires up-to-date knowledge and an understanding of sanctions and how they are applied. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has updated the content of the Introduction to Sanctions online course, which is open to everyone. The online course is now also available in Swedish.
Press releases -
8.9.2026
Foreign Minister Valtonen to attend foreign ministers’ meeting in Latvia
Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will attend a meeting of like-minded countries convened by Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže in Riga, Latvia, on 9 September.
Press releases -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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
Foreign Minister Valtonen visits Åland
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will meet the Åland leadership in Mariehamn on 14 August.
Press releases -
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 -
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 -
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