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9.2.2024 | In connection with the presidential session on Friday 9 November 2024, the Government thanked President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö for the excellent cooperation during his terms in office. Niinistö’s term as President of the Republic will end on 1 March 2024.

24.9.2024 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications has launched legislative projects to implement the policies of the parliamentary working group assessing the public service duties and funding of the Finnish Broadcasting Company, YLE. To increase the transparency of YLE’s operations and finances, the working group proposed in its report of 12 September 2024 cuts to YLE's funding and amendments to the YLE Act.

18.10.2024 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met in Helsinki on Friday 18 October. The prime ministers discussed Ukraine’s needs and Finland’s support, Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration and the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula.

19.5.2025 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo gave a speech at the Finland in NATO – Two Years in the Alliance event at Finlandia Hall. Speech to be checked against delivery.

4.7.2024 | On Thursday 4 July, the Government nominated Licentiate of Philosophy Henna Virkkunen as Finland’s national candidate for the European Commission, to be appointed for the term 1 November 2024–31 October 2029.

2.9.2024 | The Finnish Government aims to improve national security of Finland by tightening the legislation on foreign real estate transactions. A working group appointed by Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen drew up a report on the matter, which will be sent out for comments next. The legislative proposal is due to be submitted to Parliament before the end of the year.

9.11.2023 | Former President of the Republic of Finland, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Ambassador and State Secretary of the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Martti Ahtisaari passed away in Helsinki on 16 October 2023 at the age of 86. He was born on 23 June 1937 in Vyborg.

17.5.2024 | Working group completes report on prohibition of foreign real estate transactions Ministry of Defence Publication date 17.5.2024 12.38 Type: Press release A working group, appointed by Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen , has completed its report ...

27.3.2024 | The Council of the European Union adopted the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) on 26 March 2024. The EMFA will change the way media is regulated.

26.2.2024 | Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit Geneva, Switzerland, on 26 February. She will deliver Finland’s address to a High-Level Segment of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council.

13.4.2023 | The new act will lay down provisions on the organisation of the activities of patient ombudspersons and social services ombudspersons and their independence, qualifications and duties. It will also include provisions on the processing of personal data.

16.10.2023 | I have been saddened to hear the news of the passing of former President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari. I offer my deepest condolences to President Ahtisaari’s family and friends, both personally and on behalf of the Government of Finland.

15.1.2024 | Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centres) have handled their tasks well, albeit with room for improvement in the steering system and agency structure, states a newly published external evaluation report on the agency entity comprising the ELY Centres.

16.10.2023 | I have been saddened to hear the news of the passing of former President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari. I offer my deepest condolences to President Ahtisaari’s family and friends, both personally and on behalf of the Government of Finland.

17.11.2022 | The Government proposes that a new act be enacted on patient ombudspersons and social services ombudspersons. The act would lay down provisions on the organisation of the activities of patient ombudspersons and social services ombudspersons and their independence, qualifications and duties. The act would also include provisions on the processing of personal data. 

12.10.2023 | The Finnish Government has appointed a parliamentary working group to assess the Finnish Broadcasting Company’s (YLE) public service duties and funding. The parliamentary working group will submit its report by the end of Parliament’s spring session 2024.

22.6.2023 | EU foreign ministers will convene in Luxembourg on 26 June. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.

1.12.2023 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has published a strategy for digitalisation and information management in healthcare and social welfare.

11.12.2023 | An external evaluation explored the activities of the Finnish Climate Change Panel during the term 2020–2023 and the success and impact of its activities. The evaluation was conducted in autumn 2023 by Gaia Consulting Oy, commissioned by the Ministry of the Environment.

17.3.2023 | A panel of international experts convened by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health began its audit of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare in August 2022 and submitted its report to Permanent Secretary Veli-Mikko Niemi on 17 March 2023. The previous international audit of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare took place in 2013–2014.

18.7.2023 | The leaders of the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) met at a two-day summit in Brussels on 17 and 18 July. The aim of the third EU-CELAC Summit was to enhance cooperation and demonstrate a shared commitment to maintaining the rules-based international order.

10.11.2022 | On 10 November 2022, the Government submitted a Union communication to Parliament on the European Media Freedom Act (MFA), outlining Finland's positions on the Act. Finland as a rule supports the aim of the Act to harmonise the legal framework of EU Member States in the media sector to enhance the functioning of the internal market and to promote media freedom.

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.

24.8.2023 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo visited Kyiv on Wednesday 23 August. There, he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk. Prime Minister Orpo also attended the third Crimea Platform Summit hosted by President Zelenskyy, where discussions highlighted the status of Crimea as part of Ukraine.

23.8.2023 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is on a visit to Ukraine and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv this morning. Orpo will also attend the third Crimea Platform Summit. In his meeting with Zelenskyy, Orpo stressed that Finland’s strong and unwavering support to Ukraine would continue.

2.3.2023 | The Embassy of Finland in Astana handles relations with not only Kazakhstan but also with Kyrgyzstan, which is Finland’s partner in development cooperation. The increasingly frequent exchanges of visits and the growing interest in the cooperation opportunities available in Central Asia keep me busy, says Soili Mäkeläinen-Buhanist, Finland’s Ambassador in Astana.

10.11.2022 | On 10 November 2022, the Government submitted a Union communication to Parliament on the European Media Freedom Act (MFA), outlining Finland's positions on the Act. Finland as a rule supports the aim of the Act to harmonise the legal framework of EU Member States in the media sector to enhance the functioning of the internal market and to promote media freedom.

23.2.2023 | In their meeting on Thursday 23 February, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the security situation in Europe.

23.8.2023 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is on a visit to Ukraine and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv this morning. Orpo will also attend the third Crimea Platform Summit. In his meeting with Zelenskyy, Orpo stressed that Finland’s strong and unwavering support to Ukraine would continue.

11.12.2023 | Speech by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo at the International Gender Equality Prize Ceremony on 11 December 2023. Speech to be checked against delivery.

15.10.2021 | The centenary of Finland’s independence in 2017 showed that small-scale everyday matters with positive aspects that are characteristic of Finnishness can also be celebrated in connection with official anniversaries. This emerges from a study produced by the Center for Cultural Policy Research Cupore, Owal Group and Demos Helsinki. The three thematic reports of the study assessed the impacts of Finland’s centenary year.

Chancellor of Justice The Chancellor of Justice oversees the legality of decisions made at plenary and presidential sessions of the Government. During the stage at which government decisions are being prepared, the Chancellor of Justice: provides ...

26.9.2022 | "For quite some time now, we have been living through a period where exceptions have become the norm. The twofold crisis, the pandemic and Russia's cruel war of aggression, are affecting transport and communications in different ways and at many levels. While this challenges us to make re-evaluations, it also reinforces our previous choices," said Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka at the Transport and Communications Forum on 26 September 2022.

22.11.2022 | Joint statement by the Ministers of Defence of NORDEFCO Ministry of Defence Ministry of Defence Publication date 22.11.2022 17.05 Type: Press release The Nordic Ministers of Defence had a meeting in Oslo, Norway, on 22 November 2022. The Ministers...

22.2.2022 | Prime Minister Sanna Marin gave a speech on the current foreign and security policy situation in Parliament's topical debate on 22 February 2022. Speech to be checked against delivery.

21.8.2023 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s speech at the Annual Meeting of Finnish Heads of Mission 2023 in Helsinki. Check against delivery.

22.2.2022 | EU foreign ministers will discuss, among other things, the sanctions on Russia after it recognised the independence of the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.

26.9.2022 | "For quite some time now, we have been living through a period where exceptions have become the norm. The twofold crisis, the pandemic and Russia's cruel war of aggression, are affecting transport and communications in different ways and at many levels. While this challenges us to make re-evaluations, it also reinforces our previous choices," said Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka at the Transport and Communications Forum on 26 September 2022.

13.3.2023 | At their meeting on 13 March, the EU social affairs and employment ministers will discuss the labour market situation of temporarily displaced Ukrainians and the situation of children. The ministers will also exchange views on the European Semester for economic policy coordination and the related sustainable growth survey and joint employment report.

24.2.2023 | Today, one year has passed since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For 365 days, this unjustified, unprovoked, and illegal military attack has caused unimaginable suffering, death, and destruction on a scale not seen on our continent since World War II. Millions have had to flee the safety of their homes, families are being torn apart, and the heinous attacks on civilian population and critical infrastructure continue to hurt the innocent and the vulnerable.

14.10.2022 | EU foreign ministers will convene in Luxembourg on 17 October. Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto will represent Finland at the meeting.

16.12.2022 | United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk will visit Finland from 18 to 19 December. He will meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto, who will be hosting the visit, and Prime Minister Sanna Marin.

23.2.2022 | On Wednesday 23 February, the European Union imposed new sanctions due to Russia’s actions. On Monday 21 February, Russia announced that it had decided to recognise the separatist Donetsk and Luhansk regions in Eastern Ukraine. Russia's acts violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Russia's actions are a grave breach of its international obligations and commitments, including the Minsk Agreements.

19.2.2023 | Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin attended the Munich Security Conference on Saturday 18 February. The agenda included several high-level discussions and meetings with world leaders.

Working at the Prime Minister’s Office The Prime Minister's Office is a unique workplace that offers meaningful work at the heart of central government. The office promotes collaboration between the Government and the branches of administration. A...

11.11.2022 | EU foreign ministers will convene in Brussels on 14 November. Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto will represent Finland at the meeting.

24.2.2022 | The Merikasarmi building of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is lit up on Thursday 24 February in blue and yellow in solidarity with Ukraine.

Finnish Council of Regulatory Impact Analysis The Finnish Council of Regulatory Impact Analysis is responsible for issuing statements on government proposals and their regulatory impact assessments. The Council issues 30 to 45 statements each year...

9.6.2023 | The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) will meet in Luxembourg on 12–13 June 2023. The topics of the meeting include platform work, health and safety at work, labour market dialogue, gender equality, strengthening the pharmaceutical ecosystem, combating antimicrobial resistance, mental health at workplaces, and loneliness.

2.11.2023 | Minister Ville Tavio's speech in FinCEED Partnership Forum Ministry for Foreign Affairs Publication date 2.11.2023 13.16 Type: Speech Dear participants, I will start with a few points on Africa, before moving on to the subject of the learning cris...

25.2.2022 | The EU foreign ministers will convene for an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 25 February to discuss the European security situation.

3.11.2022 | The EU Innovation Fund’s third application round for large projects began on 3 November 2022. A total of EUR 3 billion is available for investments in decarbonisation, electrification of industry, hydrogen, and manufacturing and piloting of energy technologies. The deadline for applications is 16 March 2023.

8.3.2022 | The first meeting of foreign ministers under Norway's presidency of the Nordic (N5) cooperation on foreign and security policy will be held as a virtual meeting on 8 March. Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto will represent Finland at the meeting.

5.10.2022 | In its meeting on Wednesday 5 October, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions for the inaugural meeting of the European Political Community on Thursday 6 October and the informal meeting of the European Council on Friday 7 October, both of which will take place in Prague.

14.4.2022 | The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), headquartered in Copenhagen, has informed the Ministry for Foreign Affairs that an internal investigation has been initiated into possible misconduct by the Chief Executive of UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative.

19.5.2022 | 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.

24.2.2022 | On Thursday 24 February, the President of the Republic and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the actions taken by Russia and the European security situation, after Russia launched an attack on Ukraine.

26.1.2023 | The Central Asian countries are rich in extractives and renewable energy sources. Sustainable and responsible use of these resources is one of the key factors determining the future of these countries, according to Ilkka Räisänen, Finland’s Roving Ambassador for Central Asia.

1.11.2021 | On Monday, 22 November, Tampere Hall in Tampere will host the International Gender Equality Prize award ceremony, which will announce the winner of the 2021 Award. The prize is awarded to a person or operator who has significantly promoted gender equality internationally. The prize will be presented by the Prime Minister of Finland, Sanna Marin. The International Gender Equality Prize (IGEP) amounts to EUR 300,000.

State ownership steering and ownership policy State ownership policy is active, open and pragmatic. The State develops its shareholdings using the tools of a responsible owner and aims for a long-term increase in ownership value. The premises for ...