Current affairs
-
16.6.2026
EU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova begin – what happens next?
The EU’s enlargement policy has gained new momentum in recent years due to geopolitical changes. In particular, the applications of Ukraine and Moldova have reignited debate about the future shape of the Union. On 15 June, both countries officially opened their EU accession negotiations in Luxembourg, marking a major milestone in their path towards membership. However, the road to accession remains long and demanding, requiring extensive reforms from the candidate countries and unanimous support from all EU Member States.
-
12.6.2026
EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russia’s war of aggression, the Middle East and China
EU foreign affairs ministers will convene for a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 15 June. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.
-
5.6.2026
-
4.6.2026
Foreign Ministry’s Permanent State Secretary Jukka Salovaara appointed as EU Ambassador to London
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has appointed Permanent State Secretary Jukka Salovaara from the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs as EU Ambassador to London, starting on 1 September 2026.
-
28.5.2026
Foreign Minister Valtonen to attend Council of the Baltic Sea States meeting in Poland
Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will attend the foreign ministers’ meeting of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) in Sopot, Poland, on 28–29 May.
-
15.5.2026
EU development ministers to discuss future of external action and Global Gateway strategy
The EU Foreign Affairs Council will meet in its development configuration in Brussels on 18 May. Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will represent Finland at the meeting.
-
8.5.2026
Foreign Minister Valtonen to attend EU foreign ministers’ meeting
EU foreign affairs ministers will convene for a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 11 May.
-
3.5.2026
World Press Freedom Day highlights importance of freedom of expression for democracy and security
World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on 3 May. The day reminds us of the importance of free and independent media as the foundation for democracy, the rule of law and an open society. Finland promotes media freedom, which is fundamental to freedom of speech and expression, as part of its foreign and security policy.
-
28.4.2026
Crisis Management NOW – Serving peace 70 years and beyond
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and its partners will organise the Crisis Management NOW event focusing on crisis management and peacebuilding on Tuesday 5 May.
-
24.4.2026
Minister Adlercreutz to visit Brunei to attend ASEAN–EU foreign ministers’ meeting
Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz will visit Brunei on 27–28 April 2026 to represent Finland at the ASEAN–EU foreign ministers’ meeting.