Government report on changes in the foreign and security policy environment submitted to Parliament

On 16 April, the Government approved the proposal for the Government report on changes in the foreign and security policy environment. The report supplements the Government report on Finnish foreign and security policy published in 2024. The need for the new report arose from changes that have taken place in the global political situation.

The key developments from Finland’s perspective relate to Russia’s war of aggression and Europe’s security environment, the foreign policy priorities of the current US administration, the increased prominence of Arctic security and the pressure on the rules-based international system.

“We are living in uncertain times, which we can expect to continue. However, Finland is well prepared for a variety of scenarios. We are continuing our work to build a stronger Europe and a more European NATO and to strengthen the rules-based international system,” said Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.

The Government report is a concise description of changes in the operating environment and the effects of these changes on Finland and Europe. The report clarifies Finland’s approach to this unpredictable environment. The objectives of Finland’s foreign and security policy remain unchanged.

The preparation of this report was led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs working closely with the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland, the Prime Minister’s Office and with other ministries. The President of the Republic of Finland and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy have provided the political guidance for the work. The work has included dialogues with Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as consultations with civil society organisations.