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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...

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.

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...

29.8.2025 | This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (1325) on Women, Peace and Security. A public event celebrating the anniversary at Finlandia Hall, Helsinki, on 5 September will look at Finland’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) action from the perspectives of crisis management, peacebuilding and comprehensive security. The event is organised by the Finnish Natio...

28.1.2025 | Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz and President of the Republic Alexander Stubb attended a memorial ceremony in Poland on Monday 27 January to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

24.2.2025 | Finland supports the second phase (2025–2027) of the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU) with a total of EUR 4.5 million. There are nine countries channelling their support to Ukraine through the Partnership Fund.

12.3.2025 | This is FINLAND Magazine is now available in English. Part of the 'This is FINLAND' country brand media, promoted across several channels, the Magazine targets an international readership.

26.4.2026 | On 26 April 2026, Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala visited Ukraine to attend memorials commemorating the Chornobyl nuclear power plant accident 40 years ago and to participate in a high-level meeting on improving the plant safety. She also took part in a G7+ meeting in Kyiv to discuss support for Ukraine for the winter of 2026–2027 amid Russia’s continuing attacks on energy and civilian targets.

11.12.2023 | The 75th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be celebrated on 11–12 December in Geneva, Switzerland. The Global Refugee Forum will be held in Geneva on 13–15 December. State Secretary Lauri Tierala will represent Finland at both events.

24.2.2024 | Finland stands with Ukraine now and in the future, says Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen in Finland’s national statement on the second anniversary on 24 February 2024 of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

24.2.2023 | Finland stands with Ukraine now and in the future, says Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto in Finland’s national statement on the anniversary on 24 February 2023 of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

23.2.2024 | The EU’s 13th package of sanctions is one of the largest agreed since the launch of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in terms of the number of sanctioned individuals. A total of 194 individuals and entities will be added to the list. They are individuals and companies that support Russian armed forces and individuals who have participated in the forced transfer of Ukrainian children. Export bans will...

25.9.2023 | Monday 25 September 2023 marks the eighth anniversary of the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the UN Member States. To honour this day and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Government will fly flags at the Government Place and Merikasarmi. This is part of the global SDG Flag Day celebrations.

18.3.2021 | This year marks the seventh anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia. The matter is a serious violation of international law, the Charter of the United Nations and Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

6.2.2022 | This year, Ireland and Finland celebrate 60 years since diplomatic relations were established in 1962.

23.3.2022 | On 23 March, all Nordic countries and Åland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland will celebrate the anniversary of the Helsinki Treaty, which was signed in 1962. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Helsinki Treaty, which serves as the legal framework for official Nordic cooperation.

24.11.2023 | On Saturday 25 November 2023, exactly one hundred years will have passed since the birth of former President of the Republic Mauno Koivisto. In honour of the centenary, the official memorial to former president Koivisto will be unveiled at an event at Little Parliament Park in Helsinki starting at 17.00.

31.5.2022 | June 2022 marks 100 years of Åland’s autonomy. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the centenary with an environmental action. The Clean up Åland project encourages everyone to clean up litter along the coast and in the environment.

31.5.2022 | June 2022 marks 100 years of Åland’s autonomy. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the centenary with an environmental action. The Clean up Åland project encourages everyone to clean up litter along the coast and in the environment.

6.6.2022 | Åland will celebrate its 100th anniversary of autonomy on 9 June 2022. Exactly 100 years ago from that day, Parliament of Åland convened for the first time. Every year the 9 June marks the celebration of Åland’s Autonomy Day. This year, in celebration of the 100th anniversary, the festivities will not only take place in Åland but also in Helsinki on a larger scale.

15.3.2022 | The week beginning on 21 March will be Åland Week in schools. Nearly 20 partners have been involved in putting together the programme for the week, which is coordinated by the Prime Minister’s Office and will feature events in various parts of Finland. Åland Week is a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Åland's autonomy.

6.6.2022 | The UNEP@50 seminar organised by the Ministry of the Environment on June 6 celebrates the 50th anniversary of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and reflects on the steps to be taken in the future. The seminar brings together leading figures in the work for the benefit of the environment to honour the visit of Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Bruno Oberle will be visiting Finland on the same day.

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.

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.

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.

31.10.2022 | Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto will visit Vienna, Austria, on 1 November. Haavisto will attend a symposium of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and meet the Austrian Foreign Minister.

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...

24.8.2026 | Hyvät ukrainalaiset ja hyvät Ukrainan ystävät, Dear Ukrainians, dear Ukrainian friends on suuri kunnia tervehtiä teitä valtioneuvoston puolesta täällä kauniissa Tempelinaukion kirkossa, hyväntekeväisyyskonsertissa Ukrainan itsenäisyyspäivän kunniaksi. Kokoonnumme yhteen musiikin, yhteisöllisyyden ja toivon merkeissä. Samalla juhlistamme Ukrainaa, sen historiaa, sen kulttuuria ja ennen kaikkea sen ihmisiä.

24.2.2026 | Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen, Reinforced Permanent Council of the OSCE, 24 February 2026.

29.6.2026 | Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas will visit Finland on 29–30 June and meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.

23.4.2026 | The European Commission has granted Finland a TAIEX 30th anniversary award for its leading role in promoting digital innovations and competitiveness. The Commission recognised EU Member States for promoting the TAIEX programme’s goals in the EU enlargement process and institutional capacity-building in partner countries.

23.4.2026 | The evaluation of Finland’s National World Heritage Strategy (2015–2025) finds that implementation has been broad‑based and substantive. The strategy has reinforced Finland’s standing as a responsible steward of world heritage and deepened cooperation between world heritage sites. The findings and the role of the strategy were discussed at the World Heritage Forum in Vaasa.

30.3.2026 | EU foreign ministers will hold an informal meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, on 31 March. Taking place on the anniversary of the discovery of the Bucha massacre, the meeting will be an important signal of the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine. Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz will represent Finland at the meeting.

9.2.2026 | Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard will visit Finland on 10 February. Minister Malmer Stenergard has been invited by Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen to attend the Hanalys foreign and security policy forum in Hanaholmen on 10 February.

26.11.2025 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will meet in Helsinki on Monday 1 December and in Espoo on Tuesday 2 December. On Monday, the prime ministers will have a bilateral meeting at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Kesäranta. On Tuesday, the Prime Ministers will attend an event organised by the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre Hanaholmen, where they will inaugurate works of art donated by Sweden and Finland in honour of the centre’s 50th anniversary.

22.1.2026 | The focus of international climate policy has moved from the formulation of targets and agreements to practical implementation. The era of implementation and geopolitical changes, including the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, increase the pressures to reform the practices of the UN Climate Conferences.

24.8.2026 | Speech by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo at the Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission hosted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Helsinki on 24 August 2026. Changes possible during the speech.

5.12.2025 | Closing statement by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen, delivered by Vice Minister Pasi Rajala at the Closing Session of the OSCE Ministerial Council 5 December 2025.

8.10.2025 | Gender Equality Days is the main annual event in the field of gender equality in Finland, and this year it will be organised as part of the programme for Finland’s Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers. The event will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the UN World Conference on Women in 1995.

11.11.2025 | Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit Tallinn on 12 November and meet Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna.

26.11.2025 | The Ministerial Council of the European Space Agency (ESA) will meet in Bremen, Germany, on 26–27 November 2025. The Council will decide on ESA’s funding for 2026–2028 and the preliminary financial guidelines for 2029–2030. Finland will be represented by Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto.

4.11.2025 | Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will visit Uruguay with a business delegation on 5–9 November.

1.12.2025 | Finland and Sweden have agreed to further enhance their cooperation in a number of areas, including foreign and security policy, security of supply and transport and logistics. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson adopted a joint declaration on the matter on Monday 1 December at Kesäranta in Helsinki.

20.11.2025 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will attend the European Union–African Union Summit in Angola on 24–25 November. From there, Prime Minister Orpo will continue on to South Africa, where he will take part in a trade mission promoting bilateral relations between Finland and South Africa on 26–27 November.

10.10.2025 | Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia on 13–15 October. This is her first visit to the South Caucasus as the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

25.11.2025 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo represented Finland at the seventh EU-African Union (AU) Summit in Luanda, Angola on 24 and 25 November. The summit was attended by heads of state or government from both continents and by President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen from the European side.

25.7.2025 | The Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship will organise a conference on 31 July 2025 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. The conference will pay tribute to the legacy of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) in Helsinki in 1975 and highlight the role of civil society in advancing OSCE’s principles and commitments. Helsinki+50 Fund will be launched as part of the Conference to support the OSCE’s operational capacity.

5.11.2025 | Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will visit Vienna on 5–6 November. The programme for his visit will include meetings with Austrian Minister for Europe, Integration and Family Claudia Plakolm and the EU Affairs Committee of the Austrian Parliament, as well as a discussion event marking the 30th anniversary of Finland’s and Austria’s EU membership.

18.11.2025 | Finland, Sweden and Austria joined the European Union on 1 January 1995. In honour of their 30th anniversary as EU Member States, a discussion event on the history, current state and future of EU membership was held in Brussels on 17 November. Participants in the ‘30 years in the EU: Looking back into the future’ event included Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand, Swed...

15.9.2025 | Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit Belgrade and Pristina on 15–16 September to strengthen the OSCE’s partnership with the region.

17.9.2025 | Finland has assumed the Chairpersonship of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Finland’s Chairpersonship officially began at an opening session in Vienna on 17 September.

6.10.2025 | Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit Warsaw on 6 October. During her visit, Minister Valtonen will meet Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski and attend the annual Warsaw Human Dimension Conference of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

12.6.2025 | Opening Remarks by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen, OSCE Chairpersonship Conference on Climate and Safety in Hanaholmen, Espoo 11 June 2025.

14.11.2025 | The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Brussels on Monday 17 November. The main themes of the meeting will be the EU’s next multiannual financial framework, the annual rule of law dialogue and preparations for the December European Council. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

19.9.2025 | The high-level meetings of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 80) will start in New York on 22 September 2025. Finland’s delegation will be led by President of the Republic Alexander Stubb, who will deliver Finland’s statement at the general debate on 24 September. The deputy heads of the delegation are Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Developm...

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).

25.6.2025 | Opening Remarks by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen at the OSCE's Annual Security Review Conference in Vienna 25 June 2025.

31.7.2025 | Closing 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.

28.11.2025 | Finnish Biodiversity Award 2023–2024 was given to an actor that had done something inspiring to halt biodiversity loss. The winner of the competition was Crowdsorsa mobile game that has already helped fight against invasive alien species in Finland on a total of 4 million square metres. Honourable mentions were awarded to the cities of Kauniainen and Vantaa. The prizes were awarded by Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala.