Current Affairs
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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 -
30.7.2025
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia Batmunkh Battsetseg to visit Finland
Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will meet with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia Batmunkh Battsetseg in Helsinki on 1 August.
Press releases -
29.7.2025
Speech by Permanent State Secretary Salovaara at the conference on the Implementation of the Two-State Solution
Speech by Permanent State Secretary Jukka Salovaara at the UN Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, New York 29 July 2025.
Speeches -
29.7.2025
Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen to meet with her Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha
Elina Valtonen and Andrii Sybiha, Foreign Ministers of Finland and Ukraine respectively, will meet in Helsinki on 30 July. The purpose of Minister for Foreign Affairs Sybiha’s visit is to participate in the Helsinki+50 Conference, which marks the anniversary of Finland’s chairpersonship of the Conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Press releases -
29.7.2025
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay Rubén Ramírez Lezcano to meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen in Helsinki
Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will meet Minister of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay Rubén Ramírez Lezcano on 30 July during his visit to Finland as a member of the delegation of President Santiago Peña.
Press releases -
28.7.2025
Finland to attend conference in New York to promote two-state solution
An international conference at foreign minister level will be organised in New York on 28–30 July that aims to promote the implementation of a two-state solution in the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Permanent State Secretary Jukka Salovaara will represent Finland at the conference.
Press releases -
25.7.2025
Helsinki+50 Conference highlights the role of civil society
The Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship will organise a conference on 31 July 2025 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. The conference will pay tribute to the legacy of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) in Helsinki in 1975 and highlight the role of civil society in advancing OSCE’s principles and commitments. Helsinki+50 Fund will be launched as part of the Conference to support the OSCE’s operational capacity.
Press releases -
23.7.2025
Youth across the OSCE area to discuss peace and security in Helsinki
The Finnish Chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe will host the OSCE Chairpersonship Youth Forum in Helsinki on 29–30 July 2025. The event will bring together youth from around 50 OSCE participating States to discuss the security situation in the region.
Press releases -
23.7.2025
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen to meet French Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot in Paris
On her official visit to France on 24 July, the Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will meet with the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot.
Press releases -
21.7.2025
Joint statement on behalf of 31 partners on the Occupied Palestinian Territories
We, the signatories listed below, come together with a simple, urgent message: the war in Gaza must end now.
Statements -
19.7.2025
EU adopts extensive 18th sanctions package
The European Union has adopted its 18th package of sanctions as a response to Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and its lack of willingness to negotiate for a lasting peace. The EU expands its sanctions especially to target the energy and financial sectors and Russia’s shadow fleet and to prevent the circumvention of sanctions. The EU lowers the oil price cap. In addition, the EU tightens its sanctions against Belarus.
Press releases -
14.7.2025
EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, situation in the Middle East, Georgia and the Mediterranean
The Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union will meet in Brussels on 15 July. State Secretary Pasi Rajala will represent Finland at the meeting.
Press releases -
14.7.2025
UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development to start on Monday – Finland to present its Voluntary National Review led by Prime Minister Orpo
The United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development will convene in New York from 14 to 23 July. The annual forum reviews progress made by the world’s countries in attaining the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Press releases -
11.7.2025
EU trade ministers to discuss EU-US trade relations
Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will attend an extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in its trade configuration in Brussels on 14 July 2025. The Council will exchange views on the EU’s trade relations with the United States and the ongoing trade agreement negotiations with various trading partners. The ministers will also hold a policy debate on EU–China trade relations.
Press releases -
10.7.2025
Finland presented the instrument of withdrawal from the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention
Finland presented the instrument of withdrawal from the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention on 10 July 2025. The withdrawal shall take effect in January 2026. Finland will continue its support for the humanitarian goals of the Convention.
Press releases -
10.7.2025
Director General appointed for Euro-Atlantic Department
At its session on Thursday 10 July, the Government appointed Sari Rautio as the new Director General of the Euro-Atlantic Department.
Press releases -
7.7.2025
Ministry for Foreign Affairs issues written warning to Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Lisbon
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs issued a written warning in accordance with the Act on Public Officials in Central Government to the Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Lisbon, Ambassador Titta Maja-Luoto, on 7 July.
Press releases -
4.7.2025
Non-resident Ambassador appointed to Eswatini
At the presidential session on 4 July, the President of the Republic appointed a new non-resident Ambassador.
Press releases -
2.7.2025
2,600 seasonal work visas granted to foreign wild-berry pickers
About 2,600 wild-berry pickers were granted a seasonal work visa for Finland for summer 2025. About 60 applicants received a negative decision.
Press releases -
2.7.2025
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen to propose terminating posting of Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Lisbon
The purpose of terminating the posting is to ensure that the Embassy’s staff have a favourable working environment.
Press releases -
30.6.2025
Finland to support Ukraine in decentralised energy production and mapping of forest resources
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio has made a decision on funding for a cooperation project between the Natural Resources Institute Finland, the Finnish Forest Centre, State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Forest Melioration. The project’s total budget is EUR 1.037 million in 2025–2028.
Press releases -
30.6.2025
Finland’s new Consulate General in Houston to open on 1 July 2025
Finland will strengthen its network of diplomatic missions in the United States with the opening of the new Consulate General in Houston, Texas, on 1 July 2025.
News -
30.6.2025
International Conference on Financing for Development begins in Seville – Minister Tavio to represent Finland
The United Nations’ fourth International Conference on Financing for Development will take place in Seville, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July. The aim of the conference is to reform the international financial architecture for development cooperation and accelerate funding for sustainable development. Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will represent Finland at the conference.
Press releases -
27.6.2025
New ambassadors appointed to Doha and Zagreb
At the presidential session on 27 June, the President of the Republic appointed Juha Mustonen to serve as Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Doha and Sirpa Oksanen to serve as Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Zagreb.
Press releases -
25.6.2025
Opening Remarks by Minister Elina Valtonen at the OSCE's Annual Security Review Conference
Opening Remarks by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen at the OSCE's Annual Security Review Conference in Vienna 25 June 2025.
Speeches -
25.6.2025
Nordic foreign ministers at the Nato Summit call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire
Joint statement by the Nordic foreign ministers at the NATO Summit in the Hague on 25 June 2025.
Statements -
23.6.2025
ETIAS to become operational in 2026: dual nationals residing abroad to need valid EU passport
Travelling to the territory of the European Union will change when the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) becomes operational in late 2026. The change will also affect people with dual nationality.
Press releases -
23.6.2025
EU to restrict access for Chinese medical device suppliers to public procurement
The EU will block access for Chinese medical device economic operators to public contracts worth EUR 5 million or more. Medical devices originating in China may not represent over 50 per cent of the total value of the contract in tenders submitted by other suppliers.
Press releases -
23.6.2025
Finland to co-chair Media Freedom Coalition
Finland will start as co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC), which advocates for media freedom and the safety of journalists. Finland will hold the two-year co-chairmanship together with Germany and succeed Estonia when it concludes its term as co-chair on 30 June.
Press releases -
23.6.2025
EU Artic Forum to begin on Thursday in Kittilä, Finland
This year, the European Union’s most important Arctic event will take place in Kittilä, on 26–27 June. The event is expected to attract about 350 attendees from across Europe.
Press releases -
19.6.2025
EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, situation in Middle East, and China
EU foreign affairs ministers will convene in Brussels on Monday 23 June. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.
Press releases -
18.6.2025
Harnessing AI for Efficient Use of Evaluation Evidence
The Development Evaluation Unit of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland has launched a new AI-assisted tool called OpenEval, designed to serve the foreign service, stakeholders, and the general public alike. The tool makes it easier to access information from public evaluation reports.
News -
18.6.2025
Appointments: New Under-Secretary of State for internal and external services and Deputy Director General to Department for Asia and Oceania
At its session on 18 June, the Government appointed Pirjo Tulokas to serve as Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Mikko Kivikoski will continue as Deputy Director General of the Department for Asia and Oceania.
Press releases -
18.6.2025
Public consultation on the decree on export control of dual-use items
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs invites comments on a decree on certain documents related to export control of dual-use items. The request for comments has been published on the website lausuntopalvelu.fi. Please submit your comments by 15 August 2025.
Press releases -
17.6.2025
EU foreign ministers to discuss situation in Middle East
EU ministers of foreign affairs will hold an informal video teleconference on Tuesday 17 June. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the teleconference.
Press releases -
16.6.2025
Finns more positive towards development cooperation than in previous year
According to a recent opinion survey, 71% of Finns consider development cooperation to be very important or quite important. Attitudes are more positive than in 2024 (62%). However, development cooperation still divides Finns.
Press releases -
13.6.2025
Foreign Minister Valtonen to meet ministers from Kenya, Benin, Costa Rica and Thailand
Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will meet Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya Musalia Mudavadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica Arnoldo André Tinoco and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand Russ Jalichandra in connection with the Kultaranta Talks on 16–17 June.
Press releases -
13.6.2025
Transfer agreement boosts reform of Team Finland’s foreign functions
On 13 June 2025, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Business Finland signed an agreement specifying the key practical arrangements for transferring Business Finland's foreign functions to the Foreign Service and the functions to be transferred. The transfer will take place at the beginning of 2026.
Press releases -
13.6.2025
Elna Nykänen Andersson appointed as Counsellor for Public Diplomacy and Communications to Tokyo
The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has appointed Elna Nykänen Andersson to serve as Counsellor for Public Diplomacy and Communications at Finland’s Embassy in Tokyo. The three-year term will start on 1 September 2025. The Counsellor for Public Diplomacy and Communications is in charge of the Embassy’s country brand work, external communications and media relations, and leads the Embassy’s country brand team.
Press releases -
13.6.2025
Finland participates in capital increase of IDB Invest, an investment company operating in Latin America and the Caribbean
The Government approved Finland’s participation in the third capital increase of IDB Invest, an investment company of the Inter-American Development Bank Group. Through the capital increase, IDB Invest will boost its lending and investments in the private sector and improve its risk-taking capacity and ability to leverage private capital to achieve broader development goals.
Press releases -
13.6.2025
Finnish sanctions authorities remind companies of the importance of sanctions
This week, the Finnish sanctions authorities will send a letter to companies cautioning them that they may be used as platforms or targets for circumventing trade sanctions. The purpose of this letter is to draw attention to the sanctions in force and to provide assistance in complying with them.
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