On 18 April, the Government submitted a number of proposals related to migration to Parliament. They concern more stringent provisions on international protection, preventing evasion of provisions on entry, introducing a border procedure and reducing the reception allowance. A proposal concerning the period of residence laid down in the Citizenship Act was also submitted to Parliament.

In the evening on Wednesday 17 April, the special European Council discussed the security situation in Europe and the Middle East. The European Union condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukraine and called for swift military assistance. Ukraine is in urgent need of support, especially when it comes to air defence. The EU leaders also expressed their concern over the tense situation in the Middle East and called on all parties to avoid the use of force. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo represented Finland at the meeting.

Minister of Finance Riikka Purra will participate in the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington DC on 18–19 April. The most difficult subject on the agenda is the geopolitical situation, particularly Ukraine and Gaza.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will meet in Lappeenranta, Finland on Friday 19 April. They will also visit Finland’s eastern border.

The new Government.fi website will launch on Wednesday 24 April. The redesigned website will offer a more harmonised user experience and visual image and will be easier to use, especially on mobile devices. In connection with the launch of the new site, the separate Prime Minister’s Office website will close.