Search

17.11.2025 | Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne will participate in the Summit on European Digital Sovereignty in Berlin on 18 November 2025. The meeting will be attended by policy-makers and representatives of businesses and academia.

12.11.2025 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will host the national children’s Independence Day celebration on Wednesday 3 December at the National Opera House in Helsinki. This year, two children born in 2015 from each municipality have been invited to attend.

22.8.2025 | Finland’s state leadership will attend events marking Ukraine’s independence day in Helsinki.

19.11.2025 | A report of the Independent International Panel on Arbitrary detention in State-to-State Relations was published in New York on 28 October. Ambassador Marja Lehto served as the Vice-Chair of the Panel.

15.11.2024 | Independence Day is for everyone, both adults and children. This year, two children born in 2014 from each municipality have been invited to the National Opera House to celebrate 107 years of Finnish independence.

22.8.2024 | In honour of Ukrainian Independence Day on Saturday 24 August, the Government will fly the Ukrainian flag at Senate Square in front of the Government Palace and at Martti Ahtisaari Square in the courtyard of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ main building Merikasarmi, which will also be illuminated in blue and yellow in the evening.

4.12.2023 | A total of 536 children from 266 municipalities took part in the children's Independence Day celebration at the Government Palace on 4 December. At the beginning of the celebration, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo shook hands with each guest and welcomed them personally to the event. The celebration was organised by the Prime Minister's Office, the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare and the Office of the Ombudsman for Children.

27.11.2023 | Two children born in 2013 from each municipality of Finland have been invited to the Government Palace for the celebration. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will personally welcome each guest at the start of the event. Ministers Riikka Purra, Sari Multala and Sari Essayah will also be in attendance.

23.8.2023 | In honour of Ukrainian Independence Day on Thursday 24 August, the Government will fly the Ukrainian flag at Senate Square and at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ main building Merikasarmi, which will also be illuminated in blue and yellow in the evening.

30.11.2022 | On 7 December, Prime Minister Sanna Marin will host an Independence Day celebration for over 560 children at the House of the Estates. Minister of Finance Annika Saarikko, Minister of Justice Anna-Maja Henriksson and Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Maria Ohisalo will also attend the event.

17.7.2026 | On 17 July 2026, the European Commission gave a proposal to amend the EU Emissions Trading Directive. According to the proposal, the scope of emissions trading in both aviation and maritime transport would expand. The reform is based on the EU’s decision on the 2040 climate target. The EU ‘s net emissions will be reduced by 90 per cent by 2040, compared to 1990.

National Commemorative Years The national commemorative years organised by the Prime Minister’s Office are celebrated both in Finland and internationally. Commemorative years are held especially to mark milestone anniversaries of Finland’s indepen...

16.11.2022 | This year’s Independence Day festivities will culminate with a celebration for children, when Prime Minister Sanna Marin hosts the Children’s Independence Day party on 7 December at the House of the Estates. Hundreds of ten-year-olds from all over Finland – two from each municipality – have been invited to the event.

Finland’s 110th anniversary In 2027, Finland will have been independent for 110 years. It has become customary to celebrate major anniversaries of Finland’s independence with greater ceremony than usual. In addition to commemorating Finland’s inde...

Finland’s 110th anniversary In 2027, Finland will have been independent for 110 years. It has become customary to celebrate major anniversaries of Finland’s independence with greater ceremony than usual. In addition to commemorating Finland’s inde...

24.11.2023 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications has published a vision for an accessible transport system. The vision defines the aims for the development of the accessibility of the transport system throughout Finland.

Decorations Organisations and enterprises in the administrative branch of the Prime Minister's Office may submit proposals to the Prime Minister's Office for decorations belonging to the orders of the White Rose of Finland and the Lion of Finland,...

3.12.2021 | The Government will organise a festive illumination at Merikasarmi on Finland’s 104th Independence Day. The refurbished and modernised Merikasarmi premises were taken back into use in September.

Awards The Prime Minister’s Office is responsible for organising celebrations to commemorate the anniversary of Finland’s independence and other historical milestones. Proposals for honorary titles by the Title Board are prepared at the Prime Mini...

History and buildings History of the Finnish Government The War of Finland in 1808-09 brought the transfer of Finland from Swedish rule to become an autonomous grand duchy of the Russian empire. In 1809 the new Grand Duchy of Finland received its ...

2.9.2022 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has launched an overall assessment of the equal pay measures introduced during this government term. The assessment covers the joint Equal Pay Programme 2020–2023 of the Government and central labour market organisations, and a number of the Government’s own projects promoting equal pay.

17.1.2022 | There is great demand for Finnish expertise in the field of the rule of law around the world. The Rule of Law Centre, established jointly by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the University of Helsinki, supports the implementation of democracy, the rule of law and human rights in developing countries.

Government Palace The Government Palace overlooking Senate Square is a national memorial and key monument of Finnish architecture and cultural and political history. The building’s name at different times: 1822–1918 House of the Senate 1918– Gover...

5.3.2026 | In 2027, Finland will have been independent for 110 years. On 5 March, the Government appointed a committee to organise the festivities for the 110th anniversary.

29.5.2026 | At its meeting on 29 May, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discussed supporting Ukraine on the path to a just and lasting peace, strengthening the EU’s defence within the framework of the Permanent Structured Cooperation and promoting energy efficiency.

Overview of information influence activities Information influence activities are goal-oriented and systematic acts aimed at influencing public opinion, perceptions and behaviour and undermining the ability of society to function. Methods include ...

9.6.2026 | Joint Declaration on Enhanced Security and Defence Cooperation We, the leaders of the Nordic-Baltic States (NB8) and Ukraine – Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Latvia Andris K...

9.6.2026 | Joint Declaration on Enhanced Security and Defence Cooperation We, the leaders of the Nordic-Baltic States (NB8) and Ukraine – Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Latvia Andris K...

26.10.2021 | Claudia Mahler, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons at the UN Human Rights Council, will visit Finland from 26 October to 4 November. This is the first time that an Independent Expert on the human rights by older persons, mandated in 2014, visits the Nordic countries. The purpose of the visit is to prepare a report on the legislation related to the rights of older people and on the implementation of their rights in Finland for the UN Human Rights Council.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo visited Kyiv on 28 May 2025. Finland supports Ukraine On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine in breach of the UN Charter and international law. Finland strongly condemns Russia’s military actions in...

9.6.2026 | Joint statement of the Nordic-Baltic Prime Ministers Tallinn, 9 June 2026 We, the Heads of Government of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden stand united in strengthening Nordic-Baltic cooperation on security a...

9.6.2026 | Joint statement of the Nordic-Baltic Prime Ministers Tallinn, 9 June 2026 We, the Heads of Government of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden stand united in strengthening Nordic-Baltic cooperation on security a...

12.3.2026 | An OSCE Moscow Mechanism report on the developments in Georgia in respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms since spring 2024 was presented at the meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on 12 March. It offers recommendations to the Georgian authorities, the OSCE participating States and the international community on how to address problems of democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

18.11.2025 | 1 (2) Welcome to Helsinki, Finland! The Department for Communications and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland will organize a media programme on December 15 to showcase Finnish comprehensive security as an accompanying ...

19.2.2026 | Ukraine and its people have been resisting Russia’s full-scale invasion for four years. The Finnish Government will show its solidarity with Ukraine by flying the Finnish and Ukrainian flags on the anniversary of the start of Russia’s war of aggression on 24 February 2026. The Government Palace, Merikasarmi, Helsinki Cathedral, the main building of the University of Helsinki and Helsinki City Hall will be illuminated in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

5.12.2025 | Finland’s national soundscape Ääniä has received recognition in a prestigious place-branding competition in London. The work, composed by Lauri Porra, was honoured in the Best Use of Design category assessing strategic country branding initiatives. The soundscape is published on music streaming platforms on 5 December 2025, just ahead of Finland’s Independence Day.

10.1.2026 | Finland’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention will take effect on 10 January. Finland remains committed to the humanitarian objectives of the Ottawa Convention.

Data protection in the Prime Minister's Office Data Protection Officer Data Protection Officer Heidi Alajoki Prime Minister’s Office, Economy Unit [email protected] Controller Prime Minister’s Office, PO Box 23, 00023 Government Registry: [email p...

19.11.2025 | Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne participated in the Summit on European Digital Sovereignty in Berlin on 18 November 2025. Finland also signed the Declaration for European Digital Sovereignty initiated by Austria and published in connection with the summit.

10.12.2025 | An informal conference of ministers of justice of the Council of Europe held in Strasbourg today, 10 December discussed topical migration issues and the role that the European Convention on Human Rights plays in addressing them responsibly.

29.10.2025 | As part of the lecture series "Raffles lecture" at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Singapore Minister Elina Valtonen delivered the following speech on 28th October 2025.

27.6.2025 | On 27 June 2025, the President of the Republic approved an Act on legislation complementing the European Media Freedom Act, EMFA. The Act will enter into force on 8 August 2025. The EMFA aims to safeguard the pluralism and independence of media services in the EU and reinforce the common rules for the functioning of the internal market for media services.

31.10.2025 | Finland has been working with the OECD to find the best ways to develop internal control, risk management and internal audit. This work is a response the ongoing evolution of the operating environment.

12.11.2025 | The Sports Ministers of 33 countries and the European Commission have expressed their grave concern about the decision of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in September to discontinue the partial suspensions of the National Paralympic Committees of Belarus and Russia from the Paralympic Games.

27.6.2025 | On 27 June 2025, the President of the Republic approved amendments to the Act on the Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle. The amendments will implement the legislative changes outlined by the parliamentary working group on Yle. They also incorporate the criteria and procedures for the appointment and dismissal of the management of public service media providers required by the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). The legislative amendments will enter into force on 8 August 2025.

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.

7.1.2026 | Finland’s term as Chairperson of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) ended on the last day of 2025. Last year marked 50 years since the CSCE meeting in Helsinki and the adoption of the Helsinki Final Act. The principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act are as relevant today as they were fifty years ago because they represent the essence of humanity: the yearning for freedom, cooperation and peace.

16.4.2025 | On 16 April 2025, the Government submitted to Parliament a proposal on legislation complementing the European Media Freedom Act, EMFA. The Act aims to safeguard the pluralism and independence of media services in the EU and reinforce the common rules for the functioning of the internal market for media services.

16.8.2025 | We remain steadfast in our support to Ukraine and to efforts, including by President Trump, to end the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.

29.7.2025 | Elina Valtonen and Andrii Sybiha, Foreign Ministers of Finland and Ukraine respectively, will meet in Helsinki on 30 July. The purpose of Minister for Foreign Affairs Sybiha’s visit is to participate in the Helsinki+50 Conference, which marks the anniversary of Finland’s chairpersonship of the Conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

20.5.2025 | In its 17th sanctions package, the European Union continues to respond to Russia’s ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine, to Russia’s destabilising measures against the EU and third countries and to the deterioration of the domestic human rights situation in the country. A significant number of vessels belonging to the Russia’s shadow fleet were added to the EU sanctions list.

10.8.2025 | We stand firm in our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression.

16.4.2025 | On 16 April 2025, the Government submitted a proposal to Parliament to amend the Act on the Finnish Broadcasting Company (Yle). The proposed amendments will implement the legislative changes outlined by the parliamentary working group on Yle. The proposal also incorporates the criteria and procedures for the appointment and dismissal of managers of public service media required by the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA).

31.7.2025 | Opening Remarks by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Valtonen, at the Helsinki+50 Conference, held at Finlandia Hall in Helsinki on 31 July 2025.

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.

10.6.2025 | Finland’s chairmanship of the Donor Support Group of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will culminate with the annual meeting in Helsinki on 11–12 June 2025. Finland has co-chaired the ICRC Donor Support Group (DSG) with the ICRC since June 2024. The June annual meeting will discuss challenges to humanitarian access.

6.10.2025 | Opening Remarks by Minister Elina Valtonen at the annual Warsaw Human Dimension Conference of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

19.6.2025 | Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: Parliament’s decision to accept Finland’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention will strengthen security in Finland Ministry of Defence Publication date 19.6.2025 15.22 Type: Press release On 19 June 2025, the F...

22.5.2025 | Ukraine held a Ministerial Social Policy Summit in Lviv on 22 May. The theme of the Summit was ‘Building Resilient Societies: Innovative Solutions for Demographic Change’. The Summit also issued a joint communiqué, in which the participating countries expressed their support for Ukraine and Moldova on their path towards joining the European Union.

25.8.2025 | "Our task is to promote a world in which as many people as possible—regardless of country of birth and circumstances—can live their lives safely and freely, and be happy. That is Finland’s story."