Government press releases

Proposal to change residence permit for startup entrepreneurs is sent out for comments

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment — Wed, 27 May 2026 11:14:00 GMT

Under the current rules, an applicant for a residence permit for a startup entrepreneur must obtain in advance a statement from Business Finland evaluating whether the startup company shows potential for international growth. A significant number of these statements have been negative, and have failed to result in a residence permit being granted or the applicant moving to Finland as a startup entrepreneur. Abuse has been suspected in some cases.

According to the proposed change, there would no longer be a separate advance application for Business Finland’s statement. From now on, the evaluation would be included in the residence permit application subject to a fee. The change is expected to prevent incomplete and low-quality applications and thereby save the resources of the authorities. At the same time, the conditions for granting a residence permit for a startup entrepreneur would be clarified and laid down in law.

A foreign national applying for the first residence permit as an entrepreneur could apply for a Finnish business identity code after the permit has been granted. The present rules require the applicant to have a business ID already before submitting the application, even though the permit will not necessarily be granted.

The changes are not expected to considerably impact Finland’s ability to attract international startup entrepreneurs. Instead, the aim is to create a seamless residence permit process for applicants who genuinely plan to establish a company or a startup business in Finland.

Proposal is now under consultation

The proposal will be circulated for comments at the Lausuntopalvelu.fi consultation service between 27 May and 8 July 2026. The government proposal is due to be submitted during the autumn session of 2026. The amendments would enter into force in early 2028.

Inquiries:
Tuulia Muuronen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 047 329

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Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Tavio to visit Portugal to promote commercial and economic relations

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Wed, 27 May 2026 10:41:00 GMT

Alongside bilateral and current political issues, the Ministers will discuss strengthening cooperation between Finland and Portugal in infrastructure, the defence industry and high technology. Ten Finnish companies from different sectors will participate in the programme in Portugal.

In addition to high-level meetings, Minister Tavio’s programme in Lisbon will include attending a business roundtable hosted by Portugal’s Trade and Investment Agency (AICEP) to bring together major businesses from the two countries.

“When it comes to industry and technology, the relations between Finland and Portugal have become closer in recent years, and this mission will reinforce the positive development. There is a growing demand among Finland’s leading companies for strategic and commercial cooperation,” Minister Tavio says.

Inquiries

Tuomas Tähti, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, tel. +358 295 350 199
Nina Koivula, Desk Officer, Unit for Central, Western and Southern Europe, tel. +358 295 351 028
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi.

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Government Palace to be vacated for major renovation

Government Communications Department — Wed, 27 May 2026 08:31:00 GMT

The Government Palace will undergo a major renovation from 2026 to 2030. During that time, government functions will be housed in other buildings in the area. Along with the necessary refurbishments, the renovation project will improve security arrangements and enable the premises to be used more effectively.

The personnel who work in the Government Palace will move to their temporary premises in May and June of 2026. The ministers, ministerial staff and senior ministry officials will be the last to move, in late June and early July.

The Finnish Heritage Agency will look after the historically valuable objects and art in the Government Palace during the renovation. Some of the art and objects will be moved to the temporary premises along with the furniture in the session halls.

Inquiries: Timo Lankinen, Permanent State Under-Secretary, tel. +358 295 160 300, Janne Kerkelä, Director General, tel. +358 295 160 381 and Heikki Hovi, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 090, Prime Minister’s Office

Email addresses are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi.

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Foreign Minister Valtonen to participate in informal meeting of EU foreign ministers

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Wed, 27 May 2026 06:45:00 GMT

The foreign ministers will discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the geopolitical impacts of the crisis in the Middle East, and European security, including the European Security Strategy, which is currently under preparation.

“Russia continues to attack civilian targets and critical infrastructure in Ukraine. The EU responds with determination to Russia’s aggression and must consistently continue its pressure on Russia,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.

The foreign ministers will also discuss the geopolitical impacts of the Middle East crisis with the Indian and Saudi Arabian foreign ministers.

“The impacts of the Middle East crisis and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz in particular are widely felt in many countries. Securing freedom of navigation is a key interest for Finland. Finland will continue its efforts to increase stability in the Middle East as part of the international community. We consistently emphasise that lasting solutions are achieved through diplomacy, negotiation and respect for international law,” Minister Valtonen says.

Inquiries

Emma Virkkunen, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 50 564 6271
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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Finland to support development of Ukraine’s weather services, benefiting authorities and farmers

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Tue, 26 May 2026 13:44:00 GMT

The project seeks to provide Ukrainian citizens, authorities and businesses with more reliable and up-to-date information on weather and natural hazards and to support rescue operations and preparedness. Reliable weather information is essential for many occupational groups, such as farmers.

“Finland supports the reconstruction of Ukraine and society’s resilience through concrete measures that increase people's safety. High-quality weather and early warning services are an important element in the resilience of a society,” says Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.

The project will focus on digitalising weather and maritime services, as well as improving the accuracy of weather forecasts and the accessibility of services across Ukraine. The project will develop digital forecasting systems and mobile services by utilising Finnish meteorology expertise and technology, while also improving the competence of Ukrainian experts.

The project will build on the results of the previous stage, which significantly strengthened Ukraine's capacity to produce reliable and up-to-date weather observation data and improved the quality of forecasts and warnings. At the same time, Ukraine’s weather warning systems were upgraded to become internationally comparable, which has improved the accuracy and accessibility of warnings and the operational capability of the authorities.

Inquiries

Elina Leväniemi, Unit for Eastern Europe, +358 295 351 856
Matti Väänänen, Unit for Eastern Europe, +358 295 350 702
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Finnish Government prepares to extend validity of Border Security Act

Ministry of the Interior — Tue, 26 May 2026 13:22:00 GMT

“The security situation at Finland’s eastern border is still tense but stable. However, we must be prepared for rapid and critical changes. Finland will continue its efforts to combat instrumentalised migration at its external border,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

The security authorities estimate that the threat of instrumentalised migration at Finland's eastern border remains high. The situation has not changed significantly since 2025, when the act was previously extended. Neither is quick improvement expected in the security situation.

Finland’s eastern border is the longest external border that both the EU and NATO have with Russia.

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 purpose of the act is to prevent foreign states from exerting influence on Finland through the instrumentalisation of migrants.
The aim is to submit the government proposal to Parliament in September 2026. The term of the legislative project is from 26 May to 31 December 2026.

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 issued on 16 April 2025. 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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Ministry of the Environment requests municipalities to contact those who have undertaken construction projects to ensure that balcony railings comply with requirements

Ministry of the Environment — Tue, 26 May 2026 11:01:00 GMT

The Ministry recommends that those who have undertaken construction projects ensure that the railing structures, including the fibre cement board structures, used in the protective parts of the railing comply with the requirements in ongoing construction projects that are subject to a permit. The Finnish Supervisory Agency is responsible for informing the municipalities about this.

More information on possible actions and recommendations after safety investigation has been completed

According to the press release of the Safety Investigation Authority, the safety investigation is expected to be completed in autumn 2026. Balcony railings with fibre cement board structures should be used with caution. The authorities will provide information on possible actions and recommendations concerning existing buildings when the safety investigation has been completed.

According to the Construction Act (751/2023), the building and its surroundings must be kept in such a condition that it meets the requirements of health, safety and fitness for use at all times. The maintenance of the building is the responsibility its owner. The owners of buildings, including housing companies, can commission an expert to explore the situation in terms of their buildings. General advice is available from the relevant municipal building control authority.

Requirements concerning railing structures

Provisions concerning railings and their structures are laid down in the Construction Act (751/2023) and decrees of the Ministry of the Environment issued under it.

According to the Act, those undertaking a construction project must ensure that the intended use of the building is accounted for in its design and construction in such a way that its structures are strong and stable, suitable for the conditions on the construction site and durable enough to last throughout the planned service life of the building. The planning and design of load-bearing structures must be based on the principles of structural mechanics and generally accepted design principles, or on reliable test results or other available data.

Construction products that are suitable for the strength and stability of the structures must be used in the construction of a building. The Decree of the Ministry of the Environment on the Safety of Use of Buildings (1007/2017) lays down provisions on the general requirements concerning buildings and on the height and protective part of the railing. The railing must be safe and it must sustain the loads imposed on it during the whole service life of the structure.

Municipalities responsible for official control of construction

The municipal building control authority has a duty to, in the public interest, supervise construction activities referred to in this Act and, for its part, ensure compliance with the relevant legislation in construction. It is also the duty of the municipal building control authority to provide general guidance and advice for construction as required in the municipality.

Besides the reviews, the building control authority may order that other inspections be conducted to supervise compliance with permit regulations, designs, or provisions and regulations concerning construction. The building control authority may give orders concerning inspections when issuing a permit for construction at the kick-off meeting or, for a specific reason, while the construction is in progress.

When processing a permit application or when construction work is in progress, the building control authority may require that the party undertaking the construction project obtain the opinion of an independent and competent expert on whether a planned solution or the construction meet the requirements set for it.

Inquiries

Jyrki Kauppinen
Senior Ministerial Adviser, Head of the Buildings and Construction Unit
tel. +358 295 250 122
firstname.lastname@gov.fi

Guidance of building control
Tomi Marjamäki
Senior Specialist
tel. +358 295 250 027
firstname.lastname@gov.fi

Safety of use of buildings and strength and stability of structures
Katariina Kevarinmäki
Senior Specialist
tel. +358 295 250 292
firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Government ramps up society’s preparedness for drone threats in extraordinary informal meeting

Government Communications Department — Tue, 26 May 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Many sectors of society are currently developing preparedness for drone-related threats. The Government convened for an extraordinary meeting to discuss society’s preparedness for drone threats on Tuesday 26 May.

Key measures to be implemented include speeding up the adoption of the cell broadcast warning system, developing tiered emergency warnings and resolving labour market and compensation issues related to drone threats. Social partners have already been invited to discuss the matter in a meeting led by Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen.

“Preparedness for drone threats involves a wide range of administrative branches and sectors of society. The authorities are determined to develop their ability to detect and counter drones and protect the population. It is equally important to update the instructions and practices related to drone threats and to communicate with the public in a way that is clear and effective. We want to make sure that the observations and lessons from all situations are shared and used to support joint learning. We have identified areas for development and are already addressing them. By working together, we can make things work even better,” said Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

The Government is setting up a new ministerial committee on preparedness and comprehensive security to deal with similar situations going forward. The aim is to strengthen political guidance on preparedness for incidents in society and to ensure the effective coordination of government activities during incidents and emergencies. The Government issued a resolution on establishing the ministerial committee as part of a comprehensive project to develop security management at the government level.

Inquiries: Marja Koskela, Diplomatic Adviser to the Prime Minister, tel. +358 295 160 978,
firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Text message reminders increased voter turnout in 2025 county and municipal elections

Government Communications Department — Tue, 26 May 2026 09:40:00 GMT

In the text message pilot carried out in connection with the 2025 county and municipal elections, a reminder to vote in the elections was sent to over 345,000 eligible voters. The target group consisted of eligible voters residing in municipalities that use the electronic voting register.

A randomly selected group representing around one fifth of all Finnish and Swedish-speaking eligible voters in these municipalities received a text message reminder, while the control group did not.

The study found that the reminders raised voter turnout to a statistically significant extent among both young and older voters. Voter turnout increased among Finnish and Swedish speakers aged under 30 by an average of around 0.9 percentage points and among older voters by an average of around 0.7 percentage points. For older voters, the effects were most pronounced in groups with low voter turnout.

Use of voters’ mother tongue and spillover effects enhance impact of reminders

In respect of foreign language speakers, the study also examined the significance of the language of the message. In a group consisting of speakers of the 21 most common foreign languages registered as a mother tongue in Finland, one third received the text message reminder in Finnish and Swedish, one third received it in their mother tongue and in Finnish, and one third acted as a control group.

The message sent in one’s mother tongue proved to be slightly more effective: it increased voting by 1.1 percentage points, while the reminder sent in Finnish and Swedish increased it by 0.6 percentage points. Messages written in one's own mother tongue were particularly effective for people coming from Western European countries.
The study also found that the effects of the text message reminders extended beyond individual recipients as they also affected the voting behaviour of those living in the same household as the recipient.

Study confirms earlier findings on effectiveness of text message reminders

The objective of the 2025 pilot was to see whether the findings of earlier studies that had focused on young voters – that text message reminders have a positive effect on voter turnout – would be similar when applied to the entire population eligible to vote. A new aspect studied was whether reminders received in one's own mother tongue would be more effective in increasing voter turnout. The study found that voter turnout increased across the population. In addition, a message sent in one's mother tongue was found to be slightly more effective.

The study was carried out by the University of Turku, the Ministry of Justice and the Finnish Behavioural Policy Team (FINBEPOL) of the Prime Minister's Office in cooperation with Statistics Finland and the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. It was funded by the Strategic Research Council (SRC).

Earlier studies conducted by the same research team only focused on young voters. In the study conducted in connection with the 2022 county elections, text message reminders increased voter turnout most strongly among those young people who lived in low voter turnout households but had themselves voted in previous elections. The messages also increased voter turnout among the parents of young people who received them. The findings were similar in the pilot carried out in connection with the 2023 parliamentary elections. Another finding was that the text message reminders do not affect voter turnout in subsequent elections.

Voter turnout among young people still low

In Finland, voter turnout is significantly lower among young adults than among older voters. Around 34 per cent of eligible voters aged under 30 voted in the 2025 county and municipal elections, while around 54 per cent of eligible voters aged over 30 did so. In addition to age, factors that have a considerable negative effect on voter turnout include a low level of education, a low income level and an immigrant background.

Low voter turnout may lead to a situation where not all groups are equally represented in decision-making. Based on studies, text message reminders are a simple and effective way to increase voter turnout and reduce gaps between population groups.

Inquiries:

Salomo Hirvonen, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Turku, salomo.hirvonen@utu.fi, +358 40 158 5628
Janne Tukiainen, Professor, University of Turku, janne.tukiainen@utu.fi, +358 50 308 3620
Niklas Wilhelmsson, Ministry of Justice, niklas.wilhelmsson@gov.fi +358 295 150 348

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Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen to visit Greece

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Tue, 26 May 2026 06:54:00 GMT

The foreign ministers will discuss bilateral cooperation between Finland and Greece, European security and other current foreign and security policy issues.

“Greece is an important EU and NATO partner for Finland and plays a key role in the eastern Mediterranean. The visit will provide a good opportunity for exchanging views on European security, among other topics,” says Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.

Minister Valtonen will also meet Finnish businesses operating in Greece, and Greek technology, innovation and start-up players.

Inquiries

Paavo Kotiaho, Diplomatic Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 295 351 016
Miia Lahti, Director, Unit for South-Eastern Europe and EU Enlargement, tel. +358 295 350 543
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Finland’s nuclear energy expertise showcased at Nordic Nuclear Forum in Stockholm

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment — Tue, 26 May 2026 05:44:00 GMT

Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala will open the event. The forum will focus on the future of nuclear energy, energy security, industrial competitiveness, innovation and skills development in the Nordic region and internationally under the theme “A Region Moving Ahead”.

“Nordic cooperation is more important than ever as countries seek reliable, clean and competitive energy solutions. This forum provides an opportunity to showcase our strong expertise, strengthen partnerships and identify opportunities for future investment and growth,” says Minister Multala.

“Finland is known as a frontrunner in the nuclear energy sector, and our example is attracting interest around the world. I will be proud to highlight Finland’s planned measures to promote nuclear energy and our robust expertise in nuclear safety and nuclear waste management in my speeches and discussions at the forum,” says Multala.

The forum programme will also include a large exhibition area and numerous opportunities for business-to-business networking. Participants will discuss developments across the entire nuclear energy lifecycle, including new nuclear power projects, advanced technologies, supply chain opportunities, safety, waste management and skills development.

While in Stockholm, Minister Multala will also visit Novatron Fusion Group’s (NFG) full-scale experimental fusion facility at KTH Royal Institute of Technology.

Nordic Nuclear Forum 2026 is organised by FinNuclear in cooperation with Nuclear Sweden and the Norwegian Nuclear Association. The Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the Government Offices of Sweden are also involved in this cooperation.

Inquiries:
Juho Korteniemi, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7054
Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Climate and the Environment, tel. +358 50 322 9636
Elina Johansson, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 301 4607

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Prime Minister Petteri Orpo: Preparedness for drone threats requires cooperation across society

Government Communications Department — Mon, 25 May 2026 16:31:00 GMT

Security is built on preparedness and the ability to act in changing situations. In addition to gaining an up-to-date picture of the situation, the participants discussed ways in which the current instructions and practices related to drone threats should be supplemented and areas where completely new practices are needed.

“Drone threats are a new issue for Finnish society. In this new situation, people naturally have questions, and they have the right to receive answers and instructions. It is important for us to be able to meet the needs of people in Finland. We had a good discussion today on what we have done so far to prepare for drone threats and how we can work together to make things work even better,” said Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

“We need to develop our emergency warning system. We should look into tiered emergency warnings, and we should supplement the current alarm system with a cell broadcast warning system as soon as possible. There is room for improvement when it comes to the flow of information to the public. We need to be sure that information flows seamlessly to wellbeing services counties and municipalities in exceptional situations. It is important for employers to have clear practices in place for who should come to work even in exceptional situations and who should stay at home until the danger has passed,” Prime Minister Orpo said.

Along with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen, Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen, Minister of Local and Regional Government Anna-Kaisa Ikonen and Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne took part in the roundtable discussion. They were joined by a large group of representatives from public authorities and decision-makers from central government.

The Government will discuss preparedness for drone threats, instructions and communications to the public in its informal meeting on Tuesday 26 May.

Inquiries: Marja Koskela, Diplomatic Adviser to the Prime Minister, tel. +358 295 160 978,
firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Legislative proposal to streamline maritime regulation circulated for comments

Ministry of Transport and Communications — Mon, 25 May 2026 15:11:00 GMT

The amendments in the draft government proposal would apply to the Act on Ships’ Crews and the Safety Management of Ships, the Act on the Technical Safety and Safe Operation of Ships , the Act on Transport Services, the Maritime Act and the Water Traffic Act. Amendments are also proposed to the Decree on the Manning of Ships and Certification of Seafarers. In addition, the Government Decree on the Qualification Requirements of Nominated Surveyors, Tonnage Admeasurers and Inspectors would be replaced with a new government decree concerning experience and competence requirements. The amendments aim to reduce the administrative burden and streamline regulation. They promote maritime safety and align national provisions with international obligations.

The need for changes and harmonisation in maritime regulation was identified in a survey carried out as part of the productivity programme in the Ministry of Transport and Communications branch of government.

The proposed legislative amendments would affect in particular the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom’s supervisory powers in maritime matters. The new regulation would expand Traficom’s powers, for example in the supervision of ship safety, inspection and measuring practices and in the assessment of safe manning documents. In addition, provisions on seafarer qualifications would be specified and made more flexible. In waterborne traffic, Traficom would also be given the authority to address any failure to install the required navigational aids, while greater flexibility would be allowed in provisions on the temporary closure of water areas.

What’s next?

Comments on the draft government proposal and decree amendments may be submitted at lausuntopalvelu.fi until 18 June 2026. The Ministry of Transport and Communications will take the feedback from the public consultation into account as it continues the law drafting.

The government proposal is due to be submitted to Parliament in autumn 2026, followed by the amendments to the decrees.

Inquiries:

Väinö Pitkänen, Senior Officer, tel. +358 295 342 127, vaino.pitkanen@gov.fi
Katja Viertävä, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 342 612, katja.viertava@gov.fi
Laura Sarlin, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 342 063, laura.sarlin@gov.fi

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Ministers for European affairs to hold policy debate on next financial framework

Government Communications Department — Mon, 25 May 2026 12:35:00 GMT

The Commission submitted its proposal for the EU’s next multiannual financial framework (MFF) in July 2025. The MFF sets maximum expenditure ceilings for different policy areas and serves as a framework for the Union’s annual budgets.

The GAC will hold a policy debate on the financial framework with a particular focus on the EU’s single market. The general priorities of the proposal are worthy of support and in line with Finland’s key EU policy priorities. Finland emphasises the importance of allocating funds in ways that align more strongly than at present with the EU’s key policy priorities, such as improving Europe’s defence and competitiveness.

“It is essential to find a level that does not make Finland’s burden of payment unreasonably heavy but enables the implementation of key priorities, such as strengthening defence and competitiveness, and secures our most significant receipts, such as funding for agriculture. Particular attention should be paid to Finland’s unique position as both a Member State on the EU’s eastern external border and a net contributor to the EU budget. Finland also supports the goal of strengthening the conditionality of EU funding with regard to the rule of law and fundamental rights,” said Minister Strand.

“Finland supports the Commission’s objective of simplifying access to EU financing, especially for SMEs. Finland also considers it important to improve the availability of risk financing for companies in order to promote innovation. We need to provide research, development and innovation financing based on open competition and a high standard of quality while also leveraging private financing,” Minister Strand continued.

While in Brussels, Minister Strand will also meet separately with Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration Piotr Serafin and French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad.

The GAC will begin preparations for the European Council meeting on 18–19 June by discussing its annotated draft agenda. Discussions at the June European Council will focus on Ukraine, the Middle East, the next MFF, global economic challenges and European defence and security.

In addition, the GAC will continue its annual rule of law dialogue with country-specific discussions on the situations in France, Croatia, Italy and Latvia.

The ministers will also receive a briefing on the EU-UK relations.

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

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Inclusion pilot incorporates views of children and young people into Government’s preparation work

Government Communications Department — Mon, 25 May 2026 07:07:00 GMT

In autumn 2025 and spring 2026, the Government carried out a pilot project in which children and young people in Finland shared their views and wishes for the next government terms. The pilot project’s final report was presented at a publication event at the House of the Estates on Monday 25 May.

The pilot was targeted at pupils in years 5–9 across Finland. The national survey sent out as part of the pilot received 17,000 responses, which were supplemented with dialogues, digital panels and workshops involving a total of 200 children and young people.

The final report highlights those themes that children and young people considered most important. The children and young people consulted in the pilot project felt that Finland should be focusing most on issues such as climate change, safety and security, mental health systems and inequality.

The themes explored in the pilot were based on the themes discussed in the key messages from the permanent secretaries to be published later, and some of the children’s views were directly incorporated into the permanent secretaries’ report. The key messages from the permanent secretaries present the shared views of senior public officials across the ministries on the most important policy challenges of the next parliamentary terms and possible approaches to solutions.

Towards a permanent model for hearing the views of children and young people

The main purpose of the inclusion pilot is to incorporate the views of children and young people directly into the preparations for the next government term. The results of the pilot project also show that there is a clear need to hear the views of children and young people, and that their inclusion strengthens the knowledge base for decision-making and builds trust in society and democracy.

During the pilot project, the ministries identified the need to develop a permanent and systematic way to hear the views of children and young people on a regular basis and put them to use when preparing for future government terms. The pilot project on inclusion is an important first step towards this goal.

“Taking into account the views of children and young people is an essential component of sustainable and future-oriented decision-making. This pilot project shows that their voices can be systematically included in the Government’s preparations. This work will also continue in the second part of the Government Report on the Future, where the main focus will be on young people,” said State Secretary Risto Artjoki.

The inclusion pilot was carried out through broad-based cooperation across a variety of sectors. It was coordinated by the National Child Strategy in cooperation with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Education and Culture. Motiva Oy, 1001 Lakes, the Timeout Foundation, the Deaconess Institute and Save the Children Finland also contributed to the implementation.

Inquiries: Laura Kuusio, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 29 516 3504 and Laura Salovaara, Coordinator, tel. +358 29 516 3177
Email addresses are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi.

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Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour to visit Finland

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Mon, 25 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In addition to his meeting with Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio, the Minister of Industry and Trade will meet Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto and Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen during his visit. On the agenda are also meetings with Finnish businesses and a visit to the Vuosaari Harbour.

Minister Mezzour will be accompanied by a business delegation and representatives of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises. During his visit, Minister Mezzour will learn about Finnish solutions relating to the maritime and mining industry, renewable energies and industrial wastewater treatment.

The Confederation of Finnish Industries, the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises and the Technology Industries of Finland will organise a Finnish-Moroccan business forum during the visit.

“Morocco and Finland have an active relationship. We welcome closer business cooperation between the countries. This will open up new opportunities in trade,” Minister Tavio says.

Inquiries

Saila Barke, Diplomatic Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, tel. +358 295 350 226
Krista Napola, Director, Unit for Northern and Western Africa, +358 295 350 812
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Foreign Minister Valtonen receives honorary doctorate from Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Sat, 23 May 2026 12:10:00 GMT

LUT University granted the title of honorary doctor to Minister Elina Valtonen in recognition of her strong commitment to democracy, sustainable development and innovation. According to LUT, Valtonen has also distinguished herself through her ability to combine technological, economic and societal expertise in an internationally impactful manner.

The honorary title is awarded in recognition of exceptional achievements and does not require the recipient to have a doctoral degree. In the ceremonial conferment of doctoral degrees in Lappeenranta on Saturday, LUT conferred 13 honorary doctorates in technology, nine in business administration and one in social sciences.

More information

Emma Virkkunen, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 50 564 6271
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi.

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New heads of mission appointed to Dar es Salaam and Copenhagen

Ministry for Foreign Affairs — Fri, 22 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Embassy of Finland in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

At its session on 21 May, the Government appointed Counsellor Anna Merrifield to the public office of Counsellor for Foreign Affairs as of 1 September 2026. The President of the Republic appointed Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Anna Merrifield to serve as Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Dar es Salaam, starting on 1 September 2026.

Anna Merrifield

Merrifield will transfer to Tanzania from her current post as Director for Climate and Environmental Diplomacy, which she has held since 2022. In the Diplomatic Service, she has held posts in the embassies in Pretoria and Tunis and in the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU in Brussels. Merrifield has also served as the Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Uganda.

At the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Merrifield has worked at the Units for Humanitarian Assistance and Trade Policy. Before joining the Foreign Service she worked as a correspondent for Reuters news agency.

Anna Merrifield holds the degree of Master of Political Science. She joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 2005.

Embassy of Finland in Copenhagen, Denmark

At its session on 21 May, the Government appointed Counsellor Lotta Nymann-Lindegren to the public office of Counsellor for Foreign Affairs as of 1 August 2026. The President of the Republic appointed Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Lotta Nymann-Lindegren to serve as Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Copenhagen as of 1 August 2026.

Lotta Nymann-Lindegren

Nymann-Lindegren will transfer to Denmark from the Confederation of Finnish Industries, where she has held the post of Director of EU Affairs since 2024. She has previously served as Deputy Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Copenhagen and as First Secretary at the Embassy in Berlin. She has also served at the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU.

At the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Nymann-Lindegren has held posts as Deputy Director General of the Unit for Public Diplomacy, as Assistant at the Department for External Economic Relations and as EU Assistant at the Political Department. She has also served as Director of the Government EU Policy Unit and as Senior Advisor at Miltton Europe.

Lotta Nymann-Lindegren holds the degree of Master of Social Sciences.
She joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 1998.

Inquiries

Niina Pesonen, Director of Human Resources, Human Resources Unit, tel. +358 295 350 082
The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format firstname.lastname@gov.fi

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Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs discusses proposal to reduce administrative burden on businesses in single market

Government Communications Department — Fri, 22 May 2026 08:10:00 GMT

The Commission submitted its proposal for the EU’s 28th company law regime (EU Inc.) on 18 March 2026. The proposal would create a new, optional company structure that would operate under a single set of EU-wide rules. The goal is to simplify and accelerate the operations and cross-border expansion of businesses, especially small and innovative startups, within the EU’s single market. The proposal would give companies a uniform, pan-European option that would operate alongside national company structures.

The Government’s position on the proposal will be made public once the Union communication on the matter has been discussed in a plenary session.

The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs also specified Finland’s positions on the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive. The Commission has announced that it will submit a proposal for a renewable energy framework for the coming decade at the end of 2026.

In addition, the ministerial committee outlined Finland’s positions for four upcoming meetings:

Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 26 May
General Affairs Council on 26 May
Competitiveness Council on 28 and 29 May
Informal Foreign Ministers’ meeting (Gymnich) on 28 May

The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will discuss trade-related agricultural issues.
Finland supports the Commission in quickly finalising the ongoing trade agreement negotiations. The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will also discuss the availability and affordability of fertilisers in the EU.

The General Affairs Council will hold a policy debate on the EU’s multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034. The GAC will also begin preparations for the June European Council (18–19 June) by discussing its draft agenda. In addition, the ministers will receive a briefing on the relations between the EU and the United Kingdom and continue their annual rule of law dialogue.

The Competitiveness Council will hold policy debates on the Industrial Accelerator Act and the Commission’s proposal for the 28th EU company law regime. The Council will also approve conclusions on tourism and exchange views on the impact of the crisis in the Middle East on the EU tourism sector. On the second day of its meeting, which will focus on research, the Competitiveness Council will adopt a partial general approach on the Horizon Europe Package put forth by the Commission in July 2025. The ministers will also adopt a Council recommendation on science diplomacy.

The informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers (Gymnich) will focus on the geopolitical effects of the crisis in the Middle East crisis, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and security in Europe, including the forthcoming European Security Strategy.

Inquiries: Elisa Tarkiainen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 363, Minna Kivimäki, State Secretary for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 431 and Lauri Heikkinen, Senior Communications Specialist, tel. +358 46 923 5090, Prime Minister’s Office

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Minister Ranne to visit Stockholm

Ministry of Transport and Communications — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In Stockholm, Minister Ranne will meet two Swedish ministers: Minister for Infrastructure and Housing Andreas Carlson and Minister for Public Administration Erik Slottner. Ministers Ranne and Carlson will discuss Nordic cooperation on military mobility and related EU and NATO funding, among other matters.

“Transport infrastructure efficiency is part of Finland’s comprehensive security and hard security. Cross-border lines of communications in the north are critical for the Nordic countries, but also for the EU and NATO. Equipment or troops cannot move, nor can evacuations succeed without robust infrastructure. Drones will not change this, and the infrastructure must function in all conditions,” Minister Ranne said.

One of the means of implementing Nordic infrastructure cooperation is the Joint Nordic Strategy for Transport System Preparedness which was issued in March 2026. Its key objective is to strengthen preparedness by improving cross-border connectivity, by enhancing military mobility and by supporting secure and resilient supply chains.

Minister Ranne and Minister Slottner, who is responsible for digitalisation in the Swedish administration, will discuss digital regulation in the EU.

Minister Ranne will also speak at a high-level infrastructure seminar organised by the Embassy of Finland in Stockholm. Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing Carlson will also address the seminar.

Inquiries:

Jani Haapsaari, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 067, jani.haapsaari@gov.fi

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