The Ambassador of Finland and all Finnish citizens employed by the Finnish mission in Kyiv left Ukraine for security reasons in February, when Russia started its military aggression against Ukraine. The security situation in Kyiv has now improved, and Finland’s Ambassador to Ukraine Päivi Laine has returned to her post in Kyiv.

COVID-19 also spread widely among the older population in early 2022. This led to a rise in the number of COVID-19-related deaths occurring within 30 days of testing positive. However, this trend took a downward turn in late April–early May. Despite the considerable number of infections, the mortality rate among those who have received at least three vaccine doses has clearly remained at a lower level when compared to the rest of the population. More than half of people aged 80 or over have received their fourth vaccine dose.

Prime Minister Sanna Marin met with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi in Rome on Wednesday 18 May. Their discussions focused on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and on the security situation in Europe, which has changed as a result.

The Working in Finland brochure, published by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, is now available in 24 languages to inform workers about their rights and where to find help in case of suspected exploitation. A multilingual advisory service for seasonal workers also combats exploitation of labour.