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17.6.2026 | The EU heads of state and government will meet for the European Council in Brussels on 18–19 June. Discussions at the meeting will focus on Ukraine, the Middle East, global economic challenges for European competitiveness and the EU's multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2028–2034. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will represent Finland at the meeting.

19.6.2026 | EU heads of state or government urged Russia to engage in negotiations leading to a lasting peace as the European Council met in Brussels on 18 and 19 June. Leaders also focused in particular on global economic challenges, the situation in the Middle East and the EU’s next multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo represented Finland at the meeting.

EU affairs and the Finnish government The main responsibility for the preparation, monitoring and determination of Finland's positions in affairs relating to the European Union rests with the relevant ministries. Finland’s system for coordinating ...

28.5.2026 | The EU ministers responsible for competitiveness meet in Brussels on 28–29 May 2026. Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto (internal market and industrial policy) and State Secretary Kristiina Kokko (research and space) represent Finland at the meeting.

The aim of terminology work at the Prime Minister's Office is to harmonise the terms used in government texts, both in the national languages of Finland and in foreign languages, and to promote clear communication. This facilitates cooperation between branches of government and ensures that the same terms are used consistently across languages.

19.5.2026 | The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has submitted two applications to the European Commission to qualify for support from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). The support aims to help redundant workers find new jobs through learning of new skills and individual and locally targeted employment services.

12.5.2026 | EU ministers responsible for housing convene at an informal meeting in Cyprus on 11–12 May 2026. State Secretary Mika Nykänen represents Finland at the meeting.

15.6.2026 | The EU General Affairs Council will meet in Luxembourg on Tuesday 16 June. The main items on the agenda include the EU’s multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2028–2034 and preparations for the June European Council. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

7.5.2026 | Based on the 2025 hydrogen auction of its Innovation Fund, the European Commission has selected nine projects that will proceed to agreement negotiations. Among them is the Cloudberry project of Finland’s Vetyalfa Oy. The Commission published the results of the auction on 7 May 2026.

How the Government works The Government is an institution exercising the supreme executive power in Finland. It is a central part of Finland's political system. The Government is responsible for Finland's day-to-day administration and decision-mak...

18.3.2026 | In its meeting on Wednesday 18 March, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined Finland’s positions for the European Council meeting on 19–20 March and the Euro Summit to be held in connection with it. The ministerial committee also discussed the agenda for the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, which will focus on trade.

8.5.2026 | The EU ministers responsible for education, youth, culture and sport will meet in Brussels on 11–12 May. Education ministers are expected to adopt a general approach on the next Erasmus+ programme and outline the role of artificial intelligence in education. Other items on the agenda include the EU Youth Dialogue, the new AgoraEU programme, and mental health in sport.

25.5.2026 | The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet on Tuesday 26 May in Brussels. Items on the agenda for the meeting include the EU’s multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034, preparations for the June European Council and the continuation of the annual rule of law dialogue. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

28.5.2026 | On 28 May 2026, the Government proposed the approval of the national provisions supplementing the European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). The legislation will enter into force on 1 June 2026, with transitional periods aligned with those of the CRA during 2026–2027. The aim of the CRA is to improve the cybersecurity of products.

18.3.2026 | The EU heads of state and government will meet for the European Council in Brussels on Thursday 19 March. Discussions at the meeting will focus on recent developments in the Middle East, the situation in Ukraine, European competitiveness and the single market, defence and security, and the EU’s multiannual financial framework for 2028−2034. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will represent Finland at the meeting.

22.4.2026 | Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will attend an informal meeting of EU heads of state or government hosted by Cyprus, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU. The meeting will take place in Lefkosia and Agia Napa on 23–24 April. Discussions at the meeting will focus on current geopolitical challenges and the EU’s multiannual financial framework, which will serve as the Union’s long-term budget for 2028–2034.

20.4.2026 | The Government has submitted a Europe communication to Parliament concerning the European Affordable Housing Plan published by the European Commission on 16 December 2025. The Europe communication describes the main content of the plan and presents Finland’s opinion regarding it. Finland recognises the importance of a well-functioning housing market but points out that challenges related to housing vary a great deal between Member States.

16.3.2026 | The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) will meet in Brussels on Tuesday 17 March to discuss the EU’s next multiannual financial framework and continue preparations for the March European Council. The ministers will also agree on amendments to the European Election Act and review the progress of the 2026 European Semester. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will represent Finland at the meeting.

Progress of the government action plan to combat racism The government action plan to combat racism and promote equality implements the policies set out in the equality statement issued by the Government. The selected measures are based on an asse...

The aim of the project is to develop a cross-administrative strategy for broadening the international scope of culture.