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28.8.2025 | Finnish Government submits to Parliament proposal to raise reservist age limit to 65 Ministry of Defence Publication date 28.8.2025 13.36 Type: Press release On 28 August 2025, the Finnish Government submitted to Parliament a proposal to raise the...

16.4.2026 | Ministers responsible for internal security and preparedness (or their deputies) from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden will meet in Helsinki on 16 April to discuss how the EU can prepare for security threats and various crises. Sauli Niinistö, former President of Finland, and Hadja Lahbib, the EU Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, will deliver the opening addresses.

13.11.2025 | Nordic ministers responsible for civil preparedness or their deputies will meet in Helsinki on 13 November. This so-called Haga ministerial meeting will be chaired by Finnish Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen. The ministers will discuss topical issues related to crisis preparedness in the Nordic countries.

11.3.2026 | Finland’s Ministry of Transport and Communications published a Joint Nordic Strategy for Transport System Preparedness on 11 March 2026. The strategy was handed over to the Nordic transport ministers in Rovaniemi where the ministers also issued a joint statement. As part of their meeting, the ministers will also visit the multinational Cold Response 26 military exercise in Lapland on 12 March 2026.

21.10.2021 | The Government proposes an amendment to the Non-Military Service Act to clarify the status of persons who have refused non-military service and have received a sentence. Those who have been acquitted by a court would no longer be ordered back into service during peacetime.

10.7.2025 | Government proposal: the Conscription Act will be amended with regard to Åland residents and persons whose gender has been legally recognised Ministry of Defence Publication date 10.7.2025 13.48 Type: Press release On 10 July 2025, the Finnish Gov...

23.10.2025 | The European Union has adopted its 19th package of sanctions to step up its responses to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia has demonstrated no willingness to negotiate for a just and lasting peace. The EU expands its sanctions against the energy and financial sectors and Russia’s shadow fleet and adds measures to prevent the circumvention of sanctions. It bans imports of Russian liquef...

16.4.2026 | Ministers responsible for preparedness from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Poland and Germany have issued a joint statement in connection with their meeting in Helsinki on 16 April. According to the statement, Russia’s large-scale war of aggression against Ukraine remains the most significant factor affecting Europe’s security in the long term.

30.9.2025 | In its meeting on Tuesday 30 September, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions for two upcoming meetings in Copenhagen: the informal European Council on 1 October and the meeting of the European Political Community on 2 October. The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also discussed the 19th package of sanctions being prepared in response to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.

26.11.2021 | Minister of Defence: Legislative amendments unnecessary for many measures to develop military service Ministry of Defence Ministry of Defence Publication date 26.11.2021 14.32 Type: Press release Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen considers the d...

11.9.2025 | The Government is proposing to Parliament a legislative amendment that would oblige the wellbeing services counties to prepare for the use and threat of military force. The amendment concerns the Act on Organising Healthcare and Social Welfare Services, and it aims to ensure close cooperation between the wellbeing services counties and the Finnish Defence Forces in both normal and emergency conditions.

12.12.2025 | Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has authorised the Finnish Defence Forces to procure support services for military aviation, maritime defence, intelligence, surveillance and command and control from the Finnish companies Patria Aviation Oy and Insta Group Oy. The main part of deliveries will take place in 2026–2030.

22.9.2025 | The Government proposes to update legislation on children and young people’s health checks. Under the proposal, the timing and content of health checks in child health clinics, school and student healthcare, and oral healthcare would in future be regulated in a government decree instead of an act. The health check in student healthcare at upper secondary level would be combined with the pre-conscription health examination, and an electronic health questionnaire would be introduced. 

EN 1 EN SFC2021 INTERREG Programme CCI 2021TC16RFCB013 Title (Interreg VI-A) Finland-Estonia-Latvia-Sweden (Central Baltic) Version 3.0 First year 2021 Last year 2027 Eligible from 1 Jan 2021 Eligible until 31 Dec 2029 EC decision number C(2023)38...

14.5.2025 | Number of reservists to reach one million.

22.9.2025 | The Government proposes EUR 245 million for the operating expenses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The operating expenses will be subject to an additional saving of EUR 6.4 million. The impact of the saving in development cooperation outlined in the Government Programme will increase by EUR 73 million. Moreover, additional savings totalling EUR 70 million will be allocated to development cooperation appropriations.

3.10.2025 | Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen’s speech at the opening of NATO’s Multi-Corps Land Component Command on 3 October 2025 Publication date 3.10.2025 10.30 Type: Speech Ladies and gentlemen This is a historic day for Finland, NATO and Mikkeli. We j...

16.4.2025 | The Government proposes that the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service and the military intelligence authorities be allowed to disclose information on criminal offences to other authorities more extensively than before. The proposal would improve national security. The Government submitted the proposal to Parliament on 16 April.

13.6.2025 | 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.

26.11.2021 | The Parliamentary Committee submitted its report on 26 November 2021 and proposes extending the call-up system to the entire age group. The Committee has set the goal of organising a compulsory call-up day for both women and men. This would provide young people with more extensive knowledge and readiness to fulfil national defence obligation.

31.3.2026 | The authorities and the state leadership are monitoring changes in the security situation, assessing future risks and ensuring that our society continues to function in all circumstances. Finland is not currently facing a military threat. 

20.11.2025 | On Thursday 20 November, the Government submitted its proposal to Parliament to amend the budget proposal for 2026. It includes proposals to launch new transport projects and to support Ukraine. The proposal will decrease the revenue estimate by EUR 189 million and increase the requirement for appropriations by EUR 455 million.

13.2.2026 | The Ministry of the Interior has launched a project to develop a new feature for the Emergency Response Centre Agency’s 112 Suomi app to warn of airborne threats. The project will be carried out with EU funding, and other EU Member States can also benefit from the results of Finland’s development work.

3.7.2025 | The European Commission has awarded EUR 91.01 million under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to nine projects in Finland. Of this, around EUR 59.60 million will go to government initiatives.

26.5.2025 | In an era marked by an increasing frequency and complexity of crises, the eight Nordic governments share a commitment to foster resilience and ensure effective civil preparedness. Leveraging our unique geographical, cultural and historical bonds, we highlight our unwavering commitment to peace, security and stability.

23.4.2025 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government has agreed on the General Government Fiscal Plan for 2026–2029. The decisions focus on reinforcing the conditions for economic growth and enhancing the security of Finland and the Finnish people. At the same time, the Government will ensure that public finances are sustainable. The growth package will be financed responsibly through measures to increase general government revenue and reduce expenditure.

25.4.2025 | In its meeting on Friday 25 April, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions on several initiatives aiming to strengthen European defence. Other topics on the agenda included measures to improve the security of submarine cables and EU financing for transport projects in the next financial framework period.

16.7.2025 | Temporary protection for Ukrainians displaced by the war will be extended. The EU Foreign Affairs Council decided on 15 July 2025 to extend temporary protection until 4 March 2027.

17.3.2025 | Construction of F-35 fighter engine assembly and maintenance facilities in Finland progresses as scheduled Ministry of Defence Publication date 17.3.2025 10.15 Type: Press release The construction project of assembly and maintenance facilities for...

24.4.2025 | In its spending limits discussion, the Government agreed on strengthening the resources of the police, the Finnish Border Guard, the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service and civil defence in order to prepare for wide-ranging threats. The capabilities of the internal security authorities are an essential part of Finland's comprehensive security.

18.2.2025 | Aimed at the entire population of Finland, the Preparing for Crises and Incidents Guide was published on the Suomi.fi Web Service in November. The preparedness instructions have reached a large number of people over the first three months.

1.4.2025 | The security environment in Finland and Europe has changed fundamentally. Russia poses a long-term threat to Europe. This requires the Government to take action. Finland will continue to strengthen its defence on a threat-informed and needs-driven basis.

17.4.2025 | Withdrawal from of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, known as the Ottawa Convention, requires a government proposal. Comments on the draft proposal may be given until 16 May 2025.

12.12.2025 | Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has authorised the Finnish Defence Forces to procure AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) from the United States.

16.5.2025 | Finnish-led software programme to receive EUR 45 million from European Defence Fund Ministry of Defence Publication date 16.5.2025 10.24 Type: Press release The results of the 2024 European Defence Fund (EDF) call for proposals have been published...

25.8.2025 | Speech by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo at the Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission in Helsinki on 25 August 2025. Speech to be checked against delivery.

21.1.2026 | The Ministry of the Interior has published three new guides containing practical instructions on how to use and maintain civil defence shelters and on how to draw up emergency plans. The guides are intended, for example, to support building owners (such as housing companies) and other building operators.

20.11.2025 | The Government proposes amendments to the Act on Healthcare Professionals that will make it possible to receive international assistance for healthcare in different kinds of crisis situations. The aim is to facilitate and speed up the operations of humanitarian assistance providers in Finland when assistance is needed fast.

1.4.2025 | The security environment in Finland and Europe has changed fundamentally. Russia poses a long-term threat to Europe. This requires the Government to take action. Finland will continue to strengthen its defence on a threat-informed and needs-driven basis.

26.3.2025 | Ministry of Defence to launch national project promoting physical activity and capacity among people of call-up age Ministry of Defence Publication date 26.3.2025 10.45 Type: Press release Finland’s Ministry of Defence will launch an extensive nat...