Current affairs
-
14.6.2024
Changes to management structure and foreign functions of Team Finland network
The management structure of the Team Finland network in Finland will be renewed and the foreign activities of Business Finland will be integrated into the Foreign Service. The changes will proceed in stages and the implementation will take place in cooperation with the business community.
-
7.6.2024
In European elections, 15,221 voters cast their vote at advance polling stations abroad
A total of 15,071 persons visited the Finnish diplomatic and consular missions abroad to vote in advance in the elections to the European Parliament. Altogether 150 crew members voted on board Finnish vessels. In the 2019 European elections, 16,547 persons voted abroad at the Finnish missions and on board vessels.
-
22.5.2024
Schengen visa fees to increase in June
The European Commission decided on 22 May 2024 to increase Schengen visa fees as of 11 June 2024. The increase will apply worldwide.
-
16.5.2024
Council of Europe to discuss support for Ukraine and defence of European values at its ministerial meeting
The 133rd Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe will be held in Strasbourg, France, on 16–17 May. State Secretary Pasi Rajala will represent Finland at the meeting. In connection with the event, the 75th anniversary of the organisation will be celebrated.
-
2.4.2024
Foreign Ministry invites tenders for services for submitting entry permit applications
The request for participation, instructions for responding and contact details regarding the competitive procedure are available for service providers in the HILMA official service for notices on public procurement in Finland. Service providers are requested to submit their responses by 2 May 2024.
-
9.2.2024
In the second round of presidential election, 62,294 people vote at advance polling stations abroad
In the second round of the presidential election, a total of 62,294 people cast their vote in advance at Finland’s missions abroad. Altogether 220 crew members voted on board Finnish vessels.
-
29.1.2024
Advance voting in Strasbourg in Finland’s presidential elections in 2024
The election day for a second election (second round) will be 11 February 2024, and advance voting abroad will be from 31 January to 3 February 2024.
-
25.1.2024
58,757 votes cast at advance polling stations abroad
A total of 58,757 persons cast their vote in advance in the presidential election at Finland’s missions abroad. The number of crew members who voted on board Finnish vessels was 223.
-
24.1.2024
Finland participates in developing interoperability within border and visa policies to detect multiple identities
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ project on interoperability (the UMPIO project) coordinates the data related to internal security, border security and migration management in the EU information systems for security. The project is part of the development of entry systems funded by the EU.
-
19.1.2024
Travel doesn’t always go smoothly – the Ministry for Foreign Affairs helps travellers around the world
In 2023, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the missions abroad provided consular services to approximately 244,000 customers. The demand for advisory services remained high. Over the course of the year, the Ministry’s 24/7 service was contacted around 8,000 times in total.