Government press releases

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment issues competent authority statement on EIA programme of Kuopio Energia Oy’s SMR plant project

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:26:00 GMT

Kuopion Energia Oy is planning to build an SMR plant connected to the district heating network of the City of Kuopio. The EIA procedure concerns an SMR plant with a total rated thermal input of 150 MW or less and up to four reactors producing district heat. Its technology will be specified later. The plant would be located either in Hepomäki or in Sorsasalo. In the Hepomäki option, a transmission pipe would be laid in connection with a new road, while in the Sorsasalo option it would be laid underwater in Lake Kallavesi.

The EIA procedure also examines the plans for the processing and temporary storage at the plant site of generated nuclear waste, other radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.

The EIA programme was available for public viewing from 15 April to 15 June 2026, allowing authorities, communities, residents in the area affected by the project and the general public to submit statements and opinions. Altogether 21 statements and 16 opinions were received. Some of the opinions had dozens of signatories. International consultation produced 13 additional statements. A public information event was organised in Kuopio on 27 April 2026.

The competent authority’s statement takes account of the statements and opinions received on the EIA programme. The environmental impact assessment by the developer, Kuopion Energia Oy, must consider the competent authority’s statement and other statements and opinions issued on the EIA programme.

The Ministry’s statement identifies needs to further specify the EIA

According to the Ministry’s statement, the EIA programme largely provides an appropriate basis, basis for the environmental impact assessment. It identifies the environmental impacts of the project on a broad scale and describes the starting points for the EIA. The description of the current state of the environment forms, for the most part, a sufficient basis for identifying the project’s impacts.

However, since the project involves a small modular reactor (SMR) plant that so far has not been used to produce district heating in Finland, the Ministry requires that the developer specify its EIA report especially regarding the proposed nuclear plant.

The developer’s report should describe in more detail the technical baseline assumptions of the project, the criteria and methods used in the EIA and its key uncertainties. The early stage of the planning phase can be considered in the examination of the accuracy of the EIA report. Nevertheless, the report must clearly indicate such matters as the baseline data, criteria and methods used and how the uncertainties affect the EIA conclusions.

According to the EIA programme, key environmental impacts of the project would include impacts on the waterways and natural environment during the construction of the transmission pipe, impacts on human health, living conditions and amenity, and impacts on the climate.

The Ministry says that besides these the developer’s EIA report should also focus on impacts associated with the urban structure and land use and with emergencies and accidents. The developer should also assess whether the project would have impacts on the processing and storage of radioactive waste and on material assets, soil, bedrock, groundwater, transport and the cultural environment.

The Ministry’s statement draws attention to the requirement that the land use planning and EIA procedure for the project should be scheduled so that the results of the EIA procedure can be considered in the further planning of the project.

The next stage of the EIA procedure will be Kuopion Energia’s EIA report

In the next stage, Kuopion Energia will carry out the environmental impact assessment and prepare an EIA report on it. Another hearing will be arranged once the EIA report is complete, after which the Ministry will issue a reasoned conclusion on the report. The purpose of the EIA procedure is to produce information on environmental impacts to be used later in permit procedures and decision-making.

Inquiries:
Venla Liljeström, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 058
Juho Korteniemi, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 054

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Minister of Commerce and industry of India Goyal visits Finland on 16–17 July

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:56:00 GMT

On Thursday 16 July, Minister Piyush Goyal’s agenda included bilateral meetings with Minister of Finance Riikka Purra and Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto. He also participated in a roundtable discussion on business between Finland and India at the House of the Estates, organised by the Confederation of Finnish Industries.

“I am very pleased that Finland and India will further diversify their economic relations. The strategic partnership between the two countries on digitalisation and sustainability, together with the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and India, will make it possible to double our trade by 2030,” says Minister of Finance Riikka Purra.

“There are numerous technology companies in Finland that develop world-class digital and sustainable solutions. Their operations are also very well in line with India’s growth targets and the Sustainable Development Goals. I hope that, as reliable partners, we can further deepen our cooperation in fields such as space, defence and other critical technologies,” Purra says.

After the ministerial meetings, Ministers Puisto and Minister Goyal opened the roundtable event for companies. The head of India’s delegation Narayan Sethuramon and Director General of Business Finland Lassi Noponen spoke about the outlook for business cooperation between the two countries. At the event, Finnish and Indian companies, including a good number of leading Finnish companies representing the relevant sectors, had the opportunity to showcase their operations.

“Minister Goyal's visit to Finland shows their interest in many fields that are essential for India's growth targets and the implementation of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement. We have world-class expertise in 5G and 6G technology, semiconductor and space technology, clean energy and environmental technology, and the use of artificial intelligence,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto.

“The Indian market is very big and offers plenty of potential for Finnish operators in both traditional and newer sectors and opportunities for cooperation with Indian companies. These include opportunities for the Finnish food sector and its innovations in India. We will further strengthen our trade relations, and recently the exchange of visits between our countries has been particularly active,” Minister Puisto says.

The event at the House of the Estates included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Business Finland and the Confederation of Indian Industry CII to strengthen institutional cooperation. In the Memorandum of Understanding, measures were agreed to promote commercial cooperation between companies taking into account, in particular, the opportunities to boost trade and investments between the two countries offered by the historic EU-India Free Trade Agreement that will enter into force next year.

At the House of the Estates, the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK and the Confederation of Indian Industry CII also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on deeper cooperation, including the promotion of the benefits of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement among companies in the two countries.

On Friday 17 July, Minister Goyal will visit leading Finnish technology and innovation organisations such as Nokia, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, KONE and Kemppi Group.

Recently, significant steps have been taken to increase and strengthen cooperation between Finland and India. In March 2026, President of the Republic Aleksander Stubb and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed on a bilateral strategic partnership on sustainability and digitalisation. Other important fields of cooperation include technology, education, science and innovation. There have been a good number of high-level visits from Finland to India. Both Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and President Stubb visited India in March 2026.

During his trip to Europe Minister Goyal has also visited Spain and Belgium. The visit takes place at an important stage in the relations between India and the EU. Both parties are committed to strengthening economic cooperation and promoting the swift implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between India and the EU. Minister Goyal's visit is an important step towards turning the common vision into concrete results.

Inquiries:
Asmo Maanselkä, Special Adviser to the Minister of Finance, tel. +358 44 511 2236
Lotta Laitinen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs, tel. +358 295 049 058
Anssi Kullberg, Counsellor, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 50 306 2599 anssi.kullberg(at)gov.fi
Gitta Perez, Commercial Counsellor, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Embassy of Finland, New Delhi, tel. +358 41 310 1157 and +91 85888 21940

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New Deputy Director General appointed to Political Department

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:52:00 GMT

Hanna Lepistö will transfer to the Political Department from Consular Services where she serves as Director. Her previous posts include Deputy Director at the Political Department and Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to NATO. She has also worked in the European External Action Service. Her career in the Diplomatic Service includes posts in Paris, Santiago and Finland’s Permanent Representation to the EU.

Lepistö joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 2003. She holds a Master of Social Sciences degree and a Master of Advanced Studies degree in Mediation in Peace Processes from ETH Zurich.

Inquiries

Markus Teir, Director, Human Resources Unit, tel. +358 295 350 441

The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi.

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Johanna Kaprio-Papageorgiou appointed to serve as Counsellor for Public Diplomacy and Communications at Finland's Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:31:00 GMT

Johanna Kaprio-Papageorgiou, photo: Juha Roininen

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has appointed Johanna Kaprio-Papageorgiou for a new three-year term as Counsellor for Public Diplomacy and Communications at Finland’s Permanent Representation to the EU, starting on 1 August 2026.

Kaprio-Papageorgiou has extensive experience in EU and international communications. She served as Chief Communications Specialist at the Prime Minister’s Office during Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU and has worked as Press Officer (Coreper I) at Finland’s Permanent Representation to the EU and as Communications Officer at Europe Information at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. She has held various positions at the European Commission Representation in Finland. In addition, she has previously worked as Communications Manager at CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation and as Communications Coordinator for the 2020 Afghanistan Assistance Conference organised by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Kaprio-Papageorgiou holds the degree of Master of Science (MSc) in European Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science and the degree of Master of Social Sciences from the University of Lund in Sweden.

As Counsellor for Public Diplomacy and Communications, she will be responsible for the media relations and communications of Finland’s Permanent Representation to the EU. Her main task will be to inform the public of the activities of the Council of the European Union and of Finland’s positions.

Inquiries

Lauri Pullola, Head of Administration, Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU, tel. +32 476 800 706
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Ministers for European Affairs to discuss simplification of EU legislation

Prime Minister's Office — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:47:00 GMT

The General Affairs Council will hear a presentation from Ireland, which holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU in autumn 2026, on the priorities for its Presidency. The motto of the Irish Presidency is “strength with unity” and its three priority areas are competitiveness, values and security. At the General Affairs Council, Ireland will place a particular focus on ways to promote negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework of the EU.

The Council will also discuss the state of play and future orientation of its work on the simplification of EU legislation. Finland supports the Commission’s goals of simplifying regulation and lightening the administrative burden. Finland's objective is to achieve lighter and better EU regulation that takes into account particular national characteristics and creates a more predictable operating environment for companies.

“The EU must be able to respond to tougher global competition by strengthening the single market and improving the quality of legislation. A competitive Europe is built on open trade, on a well-functioning internal market and on decision-making that supports business growth instead of hampering it,” Minister Strand says.

The Council is also to approve conclusions on the evaluation of its annual rule of law dialogue. Finland supports the adoption of the conclusions.

Over an informal lunch, ministers will discuss the ‘One Europe, One Market’ roadmap with Enrico Letta. The roadmap includes concrete measures and deadlines to strengthen the EU's competitiveness by the end of 2027.

In the General Affairs Council (GAC), the EU Member States are primarily represented by their ministers for European affairs. The tasks of the GAC include preparations for the European Council meetings. The GAC is also responsible for a number of cross-cutting policy areas, including negotiations on the multiannual financial framework and EU enlargement. Questions related to the rule of law are also an established part of the GAC’s agenda.

Inquiries: Heli Siivola, Senior Specialist for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 576 7745, Alexander Lång, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 866, Prime Minister’s Office

The email addresses of the Finnish Government are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi.

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Germany’s Foreign Minister Wadephul to visit Finland

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:26:00 GMT

Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will discuss the bilateral relations between Finland and Germany and topical foreign and security policy issues concerning both the EU and NATO. The main topics on the agenda include Russia’s war of aggression and support for Ukraine, transatlantic relations, situation in the Middle East and China.

In addition to bilateral discussions, the ministers will learn about security in the Baltic Sea and northern region and the activities of the Finnish Border Guard and Defence Forces. The ministers will also visit the Merihaka civil defence shelter.

“Germany is a very important partner for Finland. We wish to further deepen the good relations and strategic partnership between our countries, both in foreign and security policy and in the trade sector,” Minister for Foreign Affairs Valtonen says.

Inquiries

Matilda af Hällström (programme 15 July), Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 50 476 9575
Emma Virkkunen (programme 16 July), Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 50 564 6271
Sari Lehtiranta, Deputy Director General, Euro-Atlantic Department, tel. +358 295 350 969
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi.

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EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russia’s war of aggression, the Middle East and the Black Sea

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:09:00 GMT

The Foreign Affairs Council will focus on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the EU's strategic approach to the Black Sea region.

Before the beginning of the Council, EU ministers will have an informal breakfast discussion on civilian detainees of Ukraine in the regions occupied by Russia. During the lunch break, the ministers will have an informal discussion with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Under current affairs, the Council will exchange views on EU-UN relations and the EU’s contacts with its global partners.

Russia has made severe attacks against civilian targets in Ukraine and the number of civilian casualties is increasing. Russia is still not demonstrating any willingness for peace. The EU is prepared to impose new sanctions against Russia and continue its political, economic, military and humanitarian support to Ukraine.

Inquiries

Soile Kauranen, European Correspondent, EU Affairs Unit, tel. +358 295 350 547
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Views invited on legislative proposal to extend validity of Border Security Act

Ministry of the Interior — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:02:00 GMT

The Government proposes extending the validity of the Border Security Act until 31 December 2028. No changes are proposed to the content of the act.

“The security authorities estimate that the threat of instrumentalised migration at Finland's eastern border will remain high for quite some time. Rapid changes in the security situation are also not expected,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

The Border Security Act is an important tool for safeguarding national security

The Border Security Act entered into force on 22 July 2024 and was originally in force for one year. In 2025, the validity of the act was extended until 31 December 2026. It lays down the conditions under which Finland can decide to restrict the reception of applications for international protection in a limited area at Finland’s national border and in its immediate vicinity.

The act aims to effectively combat the use of instrumentalised migration to put pressure on Finland. It ensures that border authorities have sufficient powers to effectively combat instrumentalised migration. Its application always requires a separate decision.

The aim is to submit the government proposal to Parliament in September 2026. The legislative proposal is being circulated for views until 14 August.

Finland’s eastern border will remain closed until further notice

The border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia have been closed since 15 December 2023 by virtue of a series of government decisions. The most recent decision was made on 4 June 2026. The decision is in force until further notice.

Applications for international protection may be submitted at other border crossing points at Finland’s external borders that are still open for air and maritime traffic.

The above government decisions have achieved their intended effect, and instrumentalised migration has ceased for now at Finland’s eastern border.

Inquiries:
Sanna Palo, Chief of Legal Division, tel. +358 295 421 601, firstname.lastname@raja.fi

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Council of International Maritime Organization emphasised the protection of vital shipping lanes and seafarers

Ministry of Transport and Communications — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:31:00 GMT

One of the main topics was the impact of the situation at the Strait of Hormuz on international maritime transport and seafarers. The International Maritime Organization has condemned attacks on merchant shipping and innocent seafarers at the Strait of Hormuz. The Council has followed the situation and continues to emphasise how important it is to ensure the safety of maritime transport and vital international marine areas.

The Council also discussed the safety of maritime transport in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Together with other EU Member States, Finland supports Ukraine’s efforts to maintain safe and sustainable maritime traffic at its ports and condemns Russia’s military operations at sea and the use of the shadow fleet. Finland stresses the importance of safety, freedom and a system based on international rules in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

In addition, the Council considered a number of matters related to the IMO’s administration and strategic planning and approved the reports of the different Committee sessions. Finland is particularly satisfied with the Council’s decision to include funding for the development of the IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business (IMO Compendium) in the IMO’s budget for the next two-year period. The IMO Compendium is a key tool for promoting the electronic exchange of maritime transport data.

The Council condemned the attacks on merchant vessels and innocent seafarers in the Hormuz Strait region and stressed the need to protect vital international shipping lanes and the freedom of shipping. Finland participated in the presentation of the text on the topic.

The Council of the International Maritime Organization consists of 40 Member States elected by the IMO Assembly. Finland is a member of the Council in 2026–2027.

What’s next?

The next regular session of the IMO Council will be held in November 2026.

Inquiries:

Eero Hokkanen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Alternate Permanent Representative of Finland to the IMO, tel. +358 50 476 0401, eero.hokkanen@gov.fi

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OSCE report: Militarisation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children in Russia and Russian-occupied territories

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 06:57:00 GMT

The Moscow Mechanism report assesses the situation and treatment of more than one million Ukrainian children in both Russian-occupied territories and in Russia. The situation of forcibly transferred and deported Ukrainian children has received international attention since the start of Russia’s war of aggression. According to the report’s findings, the circumstances of these children have not improved.
 
According to the report, Russia has committed violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, some of which could amount to war crimes. The report also notes that the indoctrination, militarisation and forcible transfers and deportations of children could constitute crimes against humanity. 

At least 1.6 million Ukrainian children in the occupied territories are subject to Russia’s militarisation and indoctrination. In addition, more than 20,000 children have been forcibly transferred within the Russian-occupied territories or to the Russian territory in violation of international law. According to the report, children are forcibly placed in foster families and taken to so-called summer camps on the grounds of safety concerns. 

The report describes practices by which Russia has systematically sought to erase the Ukrainian identity of these children and reinforce Russian State-approved narratives. Indoctrination refers to the one-sided imposition of doctrines and beliefs while denying the individual the opportunity to question them. Ukrainian children are indoctrinated at every level of the school system. The Russian Ministry of Education has banned Ukrainian-language instruction, and Russian ideologically guided curricula have replaced Ukrainian educational content in the occupied territories. According to the report, parents and teachers face constant harassment and pressure to implement changes in the school system.

According to the report, Russian legislative architecture in the occupied territories is designed to promote indoctrination and militarizationof Ukrainian children. Russian Federation treats education as an instrument of state security and identity transformation. The law forces Ukrainian children to take Russian citizenship by making access to education, healthcare and other basic services dependent on holding Russian documents.

The report makes several recommendations to the Russian authorities, OSCE participating States and the international community. The recommendations addressed to the Russian authorities concern halting all practices of indoctrination, militarisation and coercion and immediately facilitating the return of all deported children.  The report calls on OSCE participating States and the international community to support accountability mechanisms and efforts for protection and return of Ukrainian children.

Finland and 40 other participating States invoked the Moscow Mechanism in May 2026. The report was prepared by an independent group of experts appointed under the Mechanism.  

What is the Moscow Mechanism? 

The Moscow Mechanism is an OSCE instrument for assessing the implementation of OSCE human rights commitments in participating States.  Reports prepared under the Mechanism provide an independent expert assessment and recommendations for the information of the participating States and the public. The Mechanism supports dialogue and a cooperative assessment of the commitments within the OSCE.  

The Moscow Mechanism is now being used for the sixth time during Russia’s war of aggression.  The previous Mechanisms have addressed human rights violations relating to Russia’s war of aggression (April and July 2022), forcible transfers and deportations of children (spring 2023), arbitrary arrests of Ukrainian civilians (spring 2024), and the treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war (autumn 2025) by the Russian Federation.  Finland has been actively involved in invoking all the above-mentioned Mechanisms.

The newly completed Moscow Mechanism report is a continuation of the 2023 Mechanism, which investigated forcible transfers and deportations of Ukrainian children to parts of Ukraine’s territory occupied by Russia, or to Russia. Finland has consistently emphasised accountability during Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Finland also prioritised the situation of Ukrainian children and their return during its Chairpersonship of the OSCE in 2025.  

Inquiries

Pilvi Taipale, Team Leader, Unit for Human Rights Policy, tel. +358 295 350 815 
Aurora Saares, Team Leader, Permanent Mission of Finland to the OSCE, tel. +43 660 436 4411

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Preparations begin for national implementation of EU Return Regulation

Ministry of the Interior — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:16:00 GMT

The project will prepare the national legislative amendments needed to implement certain provisions of the EU Return Regulation, making use of the national discretion available under the regulation.

The legislative project will tighten provisions relating to entry bans and detention within the scope of national discretion. For example, it will extend the maximum period of detention during the return process to the maximum length permitted under the Return Regulation and increase the maximum duration of a fixed-term entry ban from 15 years to 20 years.

As the current government term is nearing its end, the project is operating on a tight timetable. However, it aims to prepare the key legislative amendments within the scope of national discretion and the available timeframe.

Implementation will begin in autumn 2026, on the day after the regulation enters into force, when certain provisions will start to apply. Most provisions, however, will apply from autumn 2027, one year after the regulation enters into force.

Return Regulation to make returns of persons staying illegally in the EU more effective

The EU Return Regulation establishes a Common European System for Returns, complementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum and supporting its effective implementation. The regulation will make the return of persons staying illegally in the EU more effective and provide authorities with additional tools to manage the return process.

The regulation allows for the establishment of return hubs in third countries on the basis of an agreement or arrangement. The provisions concerning return hubs will begin to apply in autumn 2026 without the need for national implementing measures. The aim is to make returns more effective particularly in the case of persons who pose security risks, including those who have committed serious offences.

The project will run from 3 July 2026 to 31 March 2027. The Government intends to submit its proposal to Parliament during the 2026 autumn session. The legislative amendments are expected to enter into force in autumn 2027, when the Return Regulation will begin to apply in full.

Finland works together with the Nordic countries and other partners to promote returns

In line with the Government Programme, Finland's asylum system has been made more efficient and its quality has been improved. Rejected asylum applicants will return or be returned to their countries of origin as soon as possible.

Finland promotes innovative migration solutions that facilitate efforts to combat illegal entry and people smuggling outside the EU, improve the EU asylum and return system, and enable people staying illegally in the EU to return or be returned to their countries of origin. The establishment of return hubs outside the EU is one such solution.

Finland will continue to advocate for the EU or Member States to develop common return hubs in safe third countries. A person staying illegally in the EU could be transferred to a return hub to wait until they can be returned to their country of origin. Finland is working together with the Nordic countries and other partners to promote this approach.

Finland also supports measures to promote return and reintegration from third countries to countries of origin.

Inquiries:
Minna Hulkkonen, Director General, Migration Department, tel. +358 295 488 600, firstname.lastname@gov.fi
Emma Rimmanen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 325, firstname.lastname@gov.fi (from 4 August)

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Anu Nousiainen appointed Director General of Administration Policy Department at Finland’s Ministry of Defence

Ministry of Defence — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:58:00 GMT

Anu Nousiainen is currently serving as Director of Administrative Governance and Development at the Ministry of Finance. She has previously worked in the Public Governance Department at the Ministry of Finance as Head of Unit and in expert roles associated with central government development. She has also served as Administrative Director at the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland and in the municipal sector and as Ministerial Adviser and Senior Officer at the Ministry of the Interior.

The Administration Policy Department at the Ministry of Defence is responsible for the operational and financial planning of the defence administration and for the development of its organisation and structures. It is also responsible for matters related to legislation, law drafting and strategic level security and includes the Ministry’s internal audit service.

Inquiries: Kati Virtanen, Director of the Personnel Unit, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 435.

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New Heads of Mission appointed to Lusaka and Mumbai

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:50:00 GMT

Embassy of Finland in Lusaka, Zambia

Marja Rosvall will transfer to Zambia from her current position as Team Leader at the Unit for UN Development Issues in the Department for Development Policy. She has previously served as Deputy to Ambassador of Finland to the OSCE and also worked at the Embassies in Paris and Dar es Salaam.

At the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Rosvall has worked as Team Leader in the Task Force for the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship, at the Department for Africa and the Middle East, and in HR administration.

Rosvall holds a Master's degree in Social Sciences. She joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 2002.

Consulate General of Finland in Mumbai, India

Photo: City of Raseborg, Kjell Svenskberg.

Petra Theman will move to Mumbai from her current position as Mayor and City Manager of Raasepori, which she has held since 2022.

At the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Theman has previously led Finland’s country brand work and trade policy communications, among other responsibilities, and worked at the Department for Europe, the Department for the Americas and Asia and the Department for Development Policy. She has also held posts at Finland’s embassies in Buenos Aires, Stockholm, and Beijing, where she served as a minister. Theman’s previous positions outside of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs include Chief Executive Officer at an export association for Finnish audiovisual producers and Communications Manager in the IT sector.

Theman holds a Master's degree in Political Science. She joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 2003.

Inquiries

Markus Teir, Director, Human Resources Unit, tel. +358 295 350 441
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Information exchange between authorities strengthened to improve security

Ministry of the Interior — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:19:00 GMT

The provisions on access to and disclosure of information will be amended to enable better exchange of information, for example for preventing, detecting and investigating offences. The amendments implement the objectives set out in the Government Programme to improve information exchange in crime prevention and to strengthen national security and society’s resilience.

The amendments concern the Police Act, the Act on the Processing of Personal Data by the Police and corresponding legislation on the Finnish Border Guard, Finnish Customs and the Finnish Defence Forces. The Finnish Immigration Service will have a new right to obtain information on certain warrants for apprehension. It will also be required to notify the police of the identity and presence of an apprehended person on its premises.

More effective information exchange improves security

The amendments expand and clarify the police's powers to obtain and disclose information for preventing crime and improving security. The police will be able to provide non-disclosable information both to authorities and, in certain situations, to private entities such as critical infrastructure operators. The police will also have new powers to obtain information from private entities, for example to help prevent risks to life or health.

In individual cases and in certain clearly defined situations, the police will be able to obtain information from healthcare and social welfare service providers on the identity and presence of individuals at specific locations. This will apply, for example, to the detection and investigation of certain offences, the protection of national security and the search for missing persons. Under the amendment, however, the police will not be able to obtain information about confidential discussions between individuals and healthcare or social welfare professionals. They will only be able to obtain essential information about an individual's presence in a specific case.

The amendments aim to make crime prevention more effective, improve cooperation between authorities and strengthen security in society.

Inquiries:
Helinä Tiura-Virta, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 238, firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Government sets out its positions on EU Passenger Package

Ministry of Justice — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 10:17:00 GMT

The Commission presented the Passenger Package on 13 May 2026. The package includes proposals on rail ticketing, passenger rights and multimodal bookings. Its aim is to make it easier to plan and book long-distance and cross-border rail journeys, particularly where journeys involve several transport operators. The proposals would also strengthen passenger rights.

Finland supports the objectives of the Commission’s proposals

The Government views the objectives of the Passenger Package positively. The proposals could make travel easier, improve passenger rights and promote a more level playing field among service providers. At the same time, the Government considers it important that the regulation remains proportionate and does not impose an unreasonable administrative burden on businesses or public authorities.

As regards the proposals on rail ticketing and passenger rights, the Government believes that the impacts of the obligations relating to single tickets, particularly on regional and local rail services, should be assessed further during negotiations on the package. It is important to ensure that the necessary national exemptions can continue to apply to local rail services. The Government considers it appropriate that railway undertakings with significant market power should be subject to more extensive obligations than other operators to provide access to their ticketing channels. This could improve price transparency and make it easier for new operators to enter the market.

The Government supports the objectives of the proposed regulation on multimodal booking services. It is appropriate that small and medium-sized service providers, which make up most Finnish providers, would remain outside the scope of the proposed obligations. However, the scope and definitions of the proposal should be clarified during the negotiations. It is also important to ensure that the obligations imposed by the regulation are necessary, proportionate and fair in relation to the benefits sought.

Commission proposals would simplify multi-operator journeys and strengthen passenger rights

The proposed Regulation on rail ticketing aims to simplify rail travel, particularly for cross-border journeys and journeys involving multiple railway operators. Under the proposal, railway undertakings would have to make their tickets available for sale in a way that allows them to be combined with products from different railway operators into a single ticket. In addition, railway undertakings with significant market power would have to open their ticketing channels to other operators.

The proposed Regulation on passenger rights aims to ensure a high and consistent level of passenger protection. Under the proposal, passengers would more often benefit from passenger rights protection, even where a journey includes services operated by several railway undertakings. The regulation would define the rights associated with a single ticket, including the right to reimbursement, rerouting, compensation and assistance in the event of disruptions.

The proposed Regulation on multimodal booking aims to improve ticket availability and promote a level playing field in the digital passenger transport ticketing market. The regulation would lay down rules on matters such as the conditions governing commercial agreements between transport operators and providers of multimodal digital mobility services (MDMS), as well as the display of search results on MDMS. MDMS refers to a service that brings together transport and passenger information and either enables users to book journeys or directs them to a ticket sales service.

What’s next?

The Union communication will next be debated in Parliament. The European Commission has presented the Passenger Package to the Council working party, and negotiations will begin in July. At EU level, the Member States and the European Parliament will formulate their positions on the Commission’s proposals.

Inquiries:

Ministry of Transport and Communications:
Eveliina Hernesniemi, Senior Officer, tel. +358 295 342 028, eveliina.hernesniemi@gov.fi (available 9–10 July 2026)

Noora Lähde, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 241, noora.lahde@gov.fi (available 14–24 July 2026)

Ministry of Justice:
Johanna Isoaho, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 150 297, johanna.isoaho@gov.fi (passenger rights)

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Minister of Economic Affairs Puisto to attend Competitiveness Council meeting in Dublin

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:14:00 GMT

The ministers will discuss current issues related to the EU’s strategic competitiveness and the ways to improve it. The first item on the agenda will focus on the financing gap of Europe’s small and medium-sized companies and how to channel to growth enterprises more private funding from Europe. After that, the ministers will debate industrial decarbonisation, in particular through energy systems and electricity grids.

Finland emphasises that the rules should be eased in order to improve the availability and price of funding, while ensuring the stability of the financial markets at the same time. Enhancing equity financing for growth companies is important for innovation, technological development and economic growth.

Finland’s position on achieving the energy efficiency targets is guided by technology neutrality. As part of this, Finland promotes the role of nuclear energy as a carbon-free form of energy. Cost-effective, technology neutral and market-determined clean energy offers a competitive advantage for the EU.

From Finland’s perspective, the Member States should primarily develop electricity generation and the grids through market-based investments. However, the EU’s energy policy should also take the security of supply and emergency aspects into consideration.

Inquiries:
Julia Kerkelä, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 307

Informal meeting of Competitiveness Ministers (Internal Market and Industry) 9-10 July 2026, Dublin
https://irish-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/en/events/informal-meeting-of-competitiveness-ministers-compet-internal-market-and-industry/

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Draft act on platform work open for consultation

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:08:00 GMT

Platform work refers to work organised through digital labour platforms. These platforms provide a range of services to customers, such as food and goods delivery or other services, via websites or mobile applications.

Improving employment terms, working conditions and the protection of personal data in platform work

The new act would introduce a legal presumption of an employment relationship. Its purpose is to make it easier to determine the correct employment status of people working through digital labour platforms, in other words, whether they are employees or self‑employed. The legal presumption would shift the burden of proof from the platform worker to the platform company regarding the nature of the employment relationship.

The act would introduce measures to increase transparency in algorithmic management, including the use of automated decision‑making and monitoring systems. It would also strengthen the protection of platform workers’ personal data. In addition, the impact of automated systems would need to be taken into account when safeguarding workers’ health and safety.

To ensure effective enforcement of platform workers’ rights, the draft act includes provisions on fines and a prohibition of reprisals. The occupational safety and health authorities would have the power to impose fines on platform companies and intermediaries for breaches of the rules.

The working group also proposes national rules requiring platform companies to verify the identity of people performing platform work and to ensure with reasonable measures that the contractual terms applied to the people are appropriate. The regulation also aims to prevent the subleasing of platform work accounts under unfair contractual terms and, in that way, combat labour exploitation and curb the shadow economy.

“There should be no place in the Finnish labour market for any exploitation whatsoever. The terms and conditions of platform work must be fair to the workers. Going forward, the platform company must take reasonable measures to ensure that the people doing platform work are not subjected to contractual terms that are contrary to good practice or otherwise unreasonable,” says Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen.

Act would enter into force in December 2026

The Directive on improving working conditions in platform work was adopted in the EU in October 2024. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment set up a tripartite working group to prepare the legislative amendments required to implement the directive in Finland. In addition to ministry representatives, the group included representatives from the Confederation of Finnish Industries, the Federation of Finnish Enterprises, the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK), the Finnish Confederation of Professionals (STTK), the Confederation of Union for Professional and Managerial Staff in Finland (Akava), the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Ministry of Justice. An expert member from the occupational safety and health authority also took part. The working group did not reach a unanimous conclusion.

The new act on platform work is intended to enter into force on 2 December 2026, when the directive must be implemented across the EU. The act would apply to platform work carried out in Finland, regardless of where the digital labour platform is established.

Inquiries:

Nico Steiner, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 049 001
Katja Honkonen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 171
Henna Rantanen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 084

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Finland among top EU countries in digitalisation

Ministry of Transport and Communications — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:05:00 GMT

Further actions needed to reach EU’s digital objectives

According to the State of the Digital Decade report, the digital transformation in the EU is mixed. Progress has been made especially in the adoption of digital solutions, connectivity and the introduction of cloud and AI technologies. At the same time, the EU is facing major challenges related to skills, the development of advanced technologies and the growth of businesses. There is a shortage of ICT specialists and the EU lags behind in terms of semiconductors and the creation of large technology companies.

The increasingly tense geopolitical situation stresses the need to strengthen the EU’s technological capabilities and sovereignty and reduce the dependence on foreign technologies. According to the report, the development is slowed down by insufficient investments, market fragmentation and weak scaling-up of innovations. Reaching the EU objectives for 2030 requires larger investments, more effective implementation and closer cooperation among the EU, Member States and private sector.

In the report, Finland ranks among the top EU countries in many aspects of digitalisation. Finnish businesses are highly digitalised, and Finland has advanced quantum and semiconductor ecosystems. The digital skills of the Finns are above the average, and we are highly aware of online privacy issues and able to critically evaluate the content. Electronic public services are among the best in the EU and they are used widely. Finland has made significant investments in the digital transformation and the digital infrastructure is strong. The 5G network coverage is very good and Finland has adopted a 6G roadmap. The level of cybersecurity is also very high in Finland. Almost 80 per cent the businesses are implementing cybersecurity measures. Finland also has a comprehensive Cyber Security Strategy.

The challenges for Finland include a shortage of ICT professionals, decrease in the number of new start-ups and the people’s exposure to disinformation and harmful content. The Commission’s report points out that there are gaps in the connections in Finland’s sparsely populated areas. Like other EU countries, Finland is dependent on non-European online service providers.

Finland’s updated digital strategy, the Digital Compass, contains the national digital objectives, some of them more ambitious and extensive than the EU objectives. The national objectives are in line with the EU objectives for 2030 and the work on most of the objectives is also progressing as planned.

Finland is active in influencing EU’s digital policy

The Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 sets the EU’s digitalisation objectives for 2030. The European Commission is preparing a proposal for the review of the programme, to be issued in early 2027. The Digital Decade Board composed of representatives of the Member States has drafted an opinion on the needs to reform the programme. Finland has been responsible especially for writing the chapter on updating the targets and indicators.

According to the opinion, the process to update the programme must take into account the changed geopolitical situation, the security environment, technological advances and changes in EU regulation. At the same time, new priorities are proposed: digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, sustainable digitalisation, and accessibility and interoperability of data in the development of artificial intelligence, for example. The opinion also stresses reliable indicators, the user perspective, ways to reduce administrative burden and the development of funding.

What’s next?

In early 2027 the Commission will give a proposal on the review of the Digital Decade Policy Programme to be negotiated among the Member States.

Inquiries:

Aino Sipari, Director of Unit, tel. +358 295 342 011, aino.sipari@gov.fi

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Finnish Minister of Defence Häkkänen: A multinational programme will be built around Patria’s new tracked vehicle

Ministry of Defence — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:43:00 GMT

Patria TRACKX is a new generation tracked all-terrain vehicle designed to survive demanding and arctic conditions where high mobility and performance are a necessity. It was developed as part of the joint European Future Highly Mobile Augmented Armoured Systems (FAMOUS) programme. Patria plans to bring TRACKX into serial production in 2027–2028. Sweden, too, is involved in the pre-series procurement phase and product development through separate agreements with Finland.

“Multinational cooperation is the best way to build the capabilities we need to safeguard the security and defence capabilities of Europe. The Finnish defence administration and industry had great success with the CAVS programme, and I am glad of the level of trust there is for our expertise in the development of this new all-terrain vehicle designed for demanding conditions,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

A multinational joint programme, like the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme, is being prepared around Patria TRACKX under Finland’s leadership. The programme would also form part of the Eastern Flank Watch (EWF) initiative, which aims to ensure the security of the easternmost EU Member States.

Arctic mobility has been identified as a development area where the focus is on improving the protected operational mobility of forces. It has attracted wide interest not only in the Nordic countries but also in countries that need to operate in the north or in the mountains.

“The Arctic is a key priority for security policy in Finland and in NATO. The TRACKX programme will bring concrete improvements to our ability to operate in arctic conditions,” Minister Häkkänen said.

Inquiries: Olli Ruutu, Director General, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 400, and Jussi Ristimäki, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 072.

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Finnish Minister of Defence Häkkänen signs 12 agreements in Ankara to boost defence industry

Ministry of Defence — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:30:00 GMT

A replacement for NATO’s manned surveillance aircraft, an asset owned and operated by NATO, was announced at the Defence Industry Forum. A multinational joint procurement will purchase up to 10 Saab GlobalEye aircraft for use by NATO. In another effort to improve NATO’s air surveillance capabilities, a letter of intent was signed by several member states, including Finland, to procure the same capability for national needs, integrating it with the capability procured for NATO. In addition, a letter of intent was signed at the forum to expand NATO’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities by procuring MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft systems.

NATO’s High Visibility Projects

At the Defence Industry Forum, Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen signed several agreements related to NATO’s High Visibility Projects (HVPs). With HVPs, NATO wants to advance the objectives of the NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP) and create multinational initiatives to encourage countries to develop the same capabilities.

Finland has joined several HVPs, including the Multi Role Tanker Transport Capability (MRTT-C) project where Allies will collectively invest in a fleet of MRTT multi-function aircraft. MRTTs are capable of strategic airlift, medical evacuation as well as air-to-air refuelling, which would be a new capability for Finland. The other HVPs Finland joined concern air defence, space technologies and defence critical raw materials, among other fields.

“Finland is actively involved in capability development within NATO. The agreements signed at the Defence Industry Forum are concrete examples of NATO’s 360-degree approach whereby the Alliance prepares for threats and strengthens its defence across all domains. It is important for Finland that we invest in space technologies, air defence and the Arctic,” Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

Other agreements signed by the Minister of Defence

At the Defence Industry Forum, Minister of Defence Häkkänen also signed several other agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation among Allies in various fields. For example, Finland joined the statement of intent, presented by the United States, on strengthening the defence industry capacity through procurement coalitions and signed a statement of intent with the United States concerning exploration of industrial cooperation on missiles.

The Minister of Defence signed the following agreements at the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum:

Arctic Mobility SoI
Air Defence Capabilities Against Lower-Level Air Threats HVP MoU
Crewed Airborne Early Warning HVP LoI
Defence Critical Raw Materials (DCRM) HVP MoU
Generic NATO Indirect Fire Round (GENIFR) HVP MoU
Hybrid Allied Layered Operations in Space (HALO) HVP LoI
Multi Role Tanker Transport Capability (MRTT) HVP MoU
NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE)
NISRF Fleet Expansion LoI
Passive Air Surveillance Capabilities HVP MoU
Statement of Intent Concerning Exploration of Industrial Cooperation on AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Statement of Intent Concerning the Establishment of Procurement Coalitions

Inquiries: Olli Ruutu, Director General, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 400, and Johanna Hämäläinen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 086.

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Government press releases

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment issues competent authority statement on EIA programme of Kuopio Energia Oy’s SMR plant project

The Ministry’s statement identifies needs to further specify the EIA

The next stage of the EIA procedure will be Kuopion Energia’s EIA report

Minister of Commerce and industry of India Goyal visits Finland on 16–17 July

New Deputy Director General appointed to Political Department

Inquiries

Johanna Kaprio-Papageorgiou appointed to serve as Counsellor for Public Diplomacy and Communications at Finland's Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels

Inquiries

Ministers for European Affairs to discuss simplification of EU legislation

Germany’s Foreign Minister Wadephul to visit Finland

Inquiries

EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russia’s war of aggression, the Middle East and the Black Sea

Inquiries

Views invited on legislative proposal to extend validity of Border Security Act

The Border Security Act is an important tool for safeguarding national security

Finland’s eastern border will remain closed until further notice

Council of International Maritime Organization emphasised the protection of vital shipping lanes and seafarers

What’s next?

Inquiries:

OSCE report: Militarisation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children in Russia and Russian-occupied territories

What is the Moscow Mechanism?

Inquiries

Preparations begin for national implementation of EU Return Regulation

Return Regulation to make returns of persons staying illegally in the EU more effective

Finland works together with the Nordic countries and other partners to promote returns

Anu Nousiainen appointed Director General of Administration Policy Department at Finland’s Ministry of Defence

New Heads of Mission appointed to Lusaka and Mumbai

Embassy of Finland in Lusaka, Zambia

Consulate General of Finland in Mumbai, India

Inquiries

Information exchange between authorities strengthened to improve security

More effective information exchange improves security

Government sets out its positions on EU Passenger Package

Finland supports the objectives of the Commission’s proposals

Commission proposals would simplify multi-operator journeys and strengthen passenger rights

What’s next?

Inquiries:

Minister of Economic Affairs Puisto to attend Competitiveness Council meeting in Dublin

Draft act on platform work open for consultation

Improving employment terms, working conditions and the protection of personal data in platform work

Act would enter into force in December 2026

Finland among top EU countries in digitalisation

Finland is active in influencing EU’s digital policy

What’s next?

Inquiries:

Finnish Minister of Defence Häkkänen: A multinational programme will be built around Patria’s new tracked vehicle

Finnish Minister of Defence Häkkänen signs 12 agreements in Ankara to boost defence industry

NATO’s High Visibility Projects

Other agreements signed by the Minister of Defence

OSCE report: Militarisation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children in Russia and Russian-occupied territories

What is the Moscow Mechanism? 