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9.10.2023 | The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council of EU employment and social affairs ministers is meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, 9 October 2023. The ministers are expected to adopt conclusions on issues such as mental health and precarious work. In addition, the Council seeks to reach a political agreement on a recommendation on developing framework conditions for the social economy. 

28.6.2022 | Reports related to the evaluation of elite sports launched by the Ministry of Education and Culture in autumn 2021 have been produced. The evaluation group has identified many fundamental weaknesses in the Finnish system of elite sports. The evaluation consists of analyses by a national and an international research group.

24.7.2023 | The first stocktaking meeting of the UN Food Systems Summit held two years ago takes place in Rome on 24–26 July. Finland highlights its experiences as a frontrunner in providing school meals.

24.7.2023 | The first stocktaking meeting of the UN Food Systems Summit held two years ago takes place in Rome on 24–26 July. Finland highlights its experiences as a frontrunner in providing school meals.

15.12.2022 | On 15 December, the Government decided to appoint the Expert Panel for Sustainable Development for a new term. The Sustainability Panel, which operates as part of the Prime Minister’s Office, is an independent scientific panel tasked with promoting sustainability in Finnish society.

3.3.2022 | The Ministry of Finance has updated its strategy. The strategy was updated to better meet the challenges and changes in the operating environment. The Ministry of Finance kept its vision the same, ‘The Ministry of Finance secures future prospects.’

11.10.2023 | In the beginning of next year, an exceptionally broad group of actors will join their forces to implement a record large biodiversity project. With EUR 50 million in funding, this eight-year Priodiversity LIFE project is the largest project to combat biodiversity loss ever implemented in Finland. The aim is to collect best practices and find new forms of funding to preserve biodiversity.

27.2.2023 | For two decades, efforts were made to build a central government and a well-functioning security sector in Afghanistan. However, the country once again finds itself in the firm grasp of the Taliban, despite major international interventions. It is astonishing how quickly the Taliban were able to regain power. A Policy Brief published on 27 February aims to find out how this was possible by means of systems analysis.

27.2.2023 | Finland is among the leading countries in promoting sustainable development. However, in light of the current situation it may be difficult for Finland to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda. The main challenges Finland is facing are related to ecological sustainability, global responsibility and negative transboundary impacts. It is important to continue the determined and long-term efforts to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda.

17.3.2023 | The climate and ecological crisis and the sustainability gap in general government finances cannot be solved separately. Actions that strengthen general government finances can be targeted so that they systematically take the economy, legislation, taxation, incentives and governance structures towards the green transition. This is the conclusion of the Outlook Review published by the Ministry of the Environment.

9.6.2023 | The level of wellbeing among people in Finland may fall if we do not invest in education, social capital and the reduction of health inequalities, according to a recent policy paper by the OECD. The policy paper describes the combined effects of the sustainability of people’s wellbeing, the economy and the environment. It is possible to create solutions to the challenges of economic sustainability with the help of information.

29.12.2022 | On 29 December 2022, the President of the Republic approved the Act on the National Implementation of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. Funds from the Reserve will be used to support companies that have been negatively affected by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. The support is channelled as business development aid from the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centres). 

20.10.2021 | Prime Minister Sanna Marin will attend the European Council meeting in Brussels on 21–22 October.

30.5.2022 | The misallocation of labour and capital in the Finnish business sector has increased in the 2000s, which has significantly retarded productivity growth. The concentration of labour to companies with lower productivity is a key factor in retarding growth. A more efficient allocation of labour could be influenced, for example, by dismantling incentive traps and increasing labour mobility and wage competition, states a recent study by Aalto University and ETLA Economic Research.

23.8.2023 | "The exceptional times we have been living in recent years have emphasised the importance of Nordic cooperation. Finland has also a lot to offer to other Nordic countries, and we should learn from others in many sectors of society. Through Nordic interaction, we will be able to effectively advance various matters," says minister Anna-Maja Henriksson in her speech.

11.10.2021 | The Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP15 starts today on 11 October in Kunming, China. The aim is to agree on targets and actions to halt the global biodiversity loss. Actual decisions are expected in the second part of the Conference of the Parties, which will be held from 25 April to 8 May 2022.

13.3.2024 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo spoke at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 13 March 2024. Check against delivery.

28.12.2023 | In its plenary session on Thursday 28 December, the Government decided on the main themes for strategic research in 2024. In line with the decision, the themes will be ‘Water as an element of wellbeing, security and peace’ and ‘The future of democracy’.

13.3.2024 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo spoke at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 13 March 2024. Check against delivery.

29.6.2022 | The UN Ocean Conference, which will be held for the second time, brings together representatives of states, researchers, civil society, and businesses to discuss the oceans’ role in climate change mitigation as well as the future of a sustainable blue economy.

8.7.2022 | On 8 July 2022, the Government decided on the grant authorisations under the Finnish structural funds programme, Sustainable growth and jobs 2014–2020, for 2022 and the last allocation of funds of the programming period 2014–2020 to the intermediary bodies.

1.3.2022 | As the impacts of climate change expand, the need for adaptation measures, and for international funding for adaptation, will increase. Finland supports the Adaptation Fund, which operates under the Paris Agreement and funds concrete projects that help the most vulnerable people in developing countries.

30.6.2022 | The United Nations Ocean Conference was held in Lisbon from 27 June to 1 July 2022. At the Conference, states pledged to contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially that concerning life below water. Finland’s delegation was led by Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä. State Secretary Terhi Lehtonen and Permanent Secretary Juhani Damski attended the Conference as well.

5.5.2022 | Prime Minister Sanna Marin will visit Japan from 10 to 12 May. During her visit, Prime Minister Marin will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Speaker of the House of Representatives Hiroyuki Hosoda. Prime Minister Marin will be accompanied by Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari and a Finnish business delegation.

30.11.2023 | The EU health ministers will meet in Brussels on Thursday 30 November 2023. The ministers will exchange views on safeguarding the EU’s open strategic autonomy in the field of health, particularly on how to ensure the availability of medicines in Europe. They will also approve conclusions on mental health. Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen will represent Finland at the meeting.

8.12.2022 | The outlook review by officials at the Ministry of Finance highlights measures to improve conditions for prosperity, return general government finances to a sustainable footing, reform public administration and services, and implement the green transition effectively. Corrective action must be taken quickly.

7.12.2021 | Digitalisation, new forms of working, growing skills requirements and demographic change require an even better integration policy. The Nordic ministers responsible for integration will discuss integration at a virtual meeting organised by Finland in its role as President of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

23.5.2024 | On 23 May 2024, the Finnish Government issued a new resolution on ownership policy. It directs the State’s actions in its capacity as a shareholder and applies to all limited liability companies in which the State holds interests and to all ministries whose duties include ownership steering.

27.8.2024 | Speech by Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand at the Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission in Helsinki on 27 August 2024. Check against delivery.

28.2.2022 | Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto at the UN Human Rights Council, 49th session High-Level Segment on Monday 28 February 2022

8.9.2021 | Finland supports the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) by EUR 3.6 million between 2021 and 2023 to develop value chains in sustainable forestry, mining and circular economy and to create jobs in developing countries. The project also includes a section strengthening the position of women and promoting gender equality in the work of UNIDO. The agreement was signed in Vienna on 8 September.

22.8.2023 | Changes in working life challenge OSH enforcement. In addition to the prevention of accidents, occupational diseases and other health hazards caused by work, OSH enforcement plays an increasingly important role in ensuring a fair working life.

25.8.2023 | The Research Council of Finland and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland have granted funding for nine research projects within a call for applications that was launched under the Academy Programme for Development Research, DEVELOP2. The programme provides funding for multidisciplinary and problem-driven research that describes and interprets dimensions of development, helps understand obstacles to development and finds ways in which those obstacles can be removed.

18.10.2021 | In their meeting in Luxembourg on 19 October, the General Affairs Council will discuss the preparations for the October European Council, the annual rule of law dialogue and the Conference on the Future of Europe. Minister for European Affairs Tytti Tuppurainen will represent Finland at the meeting.

3.3.2022 | On 3 March, the Government adopted a decision on the action plan for Finland’s maritime policy. The plan includes 44 concrete measures for all maritime sectors. The action plan places particular emphasis on protection of the seas, the maritime cluster and marine production.

17.11.2022 | The Government has adopted a resolution on the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy for 2022–2025. The Strategy sets out the strategic counter-terrorism objectives and actions and supports sustained and broad cooperation among all those involved in counter-terrorism. This is an update to the previous strategy and it does not contain any significant new strategic guidelines.

16.6.2021 | The Prime Minister’s Office sent a draft of its action plan for maritime policy for a broad round of consultations on 16 June 2021. The purpose of the action plan is to develop and coordinate Finland’s maritime policy and to implement the maritime policy objectives set in the Government Programme.

4.10.2021 | On Monday 4 October, Prime Minister Sanna Marin and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen met in Helsinki to discuss topical EU matters. After their bilateral meeting, Marin and von der Leyen visited the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, where they learned about a project related to the priorities of Finland’s Recovery and Resilience Plan. In connection with the visit, the Commission published a positive assessment of Finland’s plan.

11.3.2021 | Mika Nordman has been appointed Director (Digital Services) at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment for a term of five years starting on 1 April 2021. The Government decided on the appointment on 11 March 2021.

10.12.2021 | Recognising that the success of businesses is vital for the wellbeing of society, the Finnish Government is outlining measures that will encourage companies to build their business, employ people, and invest. Government resolution on entrepreneurship outlines objectives and measures aiming to create favourable conditions for businesses. 

21.10.2021 | On 21 October 2021, the Government approved the EU regional and structural policy programme, Innovation and Skills in Finland 2021−2027, and decided to submit it to the European Commission. The programme supports industrial, energy, climate, innovation, education and employment policies as well as the work against exclusion and poverty.

1.3.2021 | The Nordic countries have intensified co-operation in recent years to curb climate emissions from the built environment. This partnership focuses particularly on working to ensure corresponding principles for assessing and guiding the climate impact of construction in these countries.

21.5.2021 | On 17 May, the European Commission published a communication on promoting a sustainable blue economy in the EU. The Communication sets out a detailed agenda for the blue economy. A sustainable blue economy is a fundamental part of the broader European Green Deal, which is indispensable for the future of Europe. Sustainable blue economy is not possible without clean and healthy oceans and seas.

26.10.2021 | Prime Minister Sanna Marin spoke at World Heath Summit in Berlin on 26 October 2021. Changes possible during the speech.

15.6.2021 | The Real Time Economy project will create the conditions for companies to move to real-time economy. Invoices and receipts will be electronic, for example, and business information will be automatically transferred between different systems. Up-to-date information and its automated processing will increase productivity in both companies and public administration.

26.10.2021 | Prime Minister Sanna Marin spoke at World Heath Summit in Berlin on 26 October 2021. Changes possible during the speech.

9.10.2023 | The Ministry of Education and Culture’s proportion of the 2024 budget proposal is EUR 8.0 billion, which is EUR 274 million more than in the 2023 Budget. The budget proposal implements the Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's Government by raising the level of education and competence of the entire population. The measures in the budget proposal aim to strengthen the effectiveness of science and improve the conditions for conducting research and development.

13.12.2022 | The Strategy on Climate and Nature clarifies the Ministry of Finance’s approach to and role in the preparation of climate and nature policies and the related influencing activities. The Ministry takes a cross-sectoral approach and uses the economic and administrative policy instruments available to it when seeking solutions.

31.8.2023 | This year, more than 40 per cent of Finnish electricity is produced with nuclear energy. In the future, nuclear energy can also be produced in smaller units and used for new purposes, such as heating industry and buildings. A new outlook for the sector's activities requires a new approach also in the administration.

26.5.2021 | The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and government agencies under its purview will open calls for funding applications from companies under Finland’s Sustainable Growth Programme in autumn 2021. The funding will support energy transformation, circular economy and energy solutions in industry, and investments in research, development and innovation (RDI).

15.8.2022 | In their meeting in Oslo on Monday 15 August, the prime ministers of the Nordic countries confirmed that they would further develop their cooperation on defence and security. As Finland and Sweden become members of NATO, the Nordic countries will become allied partners, which opens up new opportunities for cooperation. The new security situation in Northern Europe also featured prominently in the Nordic prime minsters’ discussion with German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

31.3.2023 | The comprehensive WORK2030 programme, carried out collaboratively by ministries, social partner organisations, workplaces and other experts in the field, is coming to an end. The programme identified five solutions that will help make Finnish working life the best in the world.

7.6.2022 | Finland will publish its National Implementation Plan for the UN Decade of Ocean Research on Wednesday 8 June 2022. The main objective is to support the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, which is to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

29.9.2023 | Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen's speech at the Helsinki Security Forum 29.9.2023 Publication date 29.9.2023 12.00 Type: Speech Distinguished ministerial colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, The global security situation has changed. Tensions are ...

1.8.2026 | Keskus 020 743 2920 www.bdo.fi BDO Oy Porkkalankatu 3 00180 Helsinki BDO Oy (Y-tunnus 2776089-4) on itsenäinen BDO International Limitedin (UK) jäsenyritys. BDO on yhteinen nimi sekä kansainväliselle jäsenyritysten verkostolle että kunkin maan jäs...

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9.6.2022 | The Government adopted a Report on Gender Equality Policy on 9 June 2022. The Report outlines Finland’s national and international gender equality policy until the end of the 2020s.

15.3.2021 | The Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland will boost investment in emissions reducing solutions, accelerate sustainable growth in the economy, and create long-term growth potential. Half of the funding involved will be for promoting a green transition, and about a quarter will be for digitalisation. The Programme will also boost public investment in research, development and innovation by approximately EUR 700 million.

Keskus 020 743 2920 www.bdo.fi BDO Oy Porkkalankatu 3 00180 Helsinki BDO Oy (Y-tunnus 2776089-4) on itsenäinen BDO International Limitedin (UK) jäsenyritys. BDO on yhteinen nimi sekä kansainväliselle jäsenyritysten verkostolle että kunkin maan jäs...

19.5.2022 | This spring, people’s attitudes in Finland towards immigration, international assistance and EU cooperation have become more positive. The use of media has also increased significantly. At the moment, there appears to be a greater spirit of community among people, people seek more information and they appear to trust the authorities more than last year.