Current affairs
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1.10.2026
New partnership agreement strengthens cooperation between EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries
The Government proposes that Parliament approve the partnership agreement between the European Union and its Member States and the members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), also known as the Samoa Agreement.
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18.9.2026
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos to visit Helsinki
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will visit Helsinki on Friday 18 September and meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.
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26.7.2026
Aalto Works inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has decided to inscribe the Aalto Works on the World Heritage List at its 48th session held in Busan, Republic of Korea, from 19 to 29 July 2026. The property comprises 13 modern architectural sites across Finland designed by Alvar, Aino and Elissa Aalto.
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24.7.2026
EU expands sanctions on Russia with extensive 21st sanctions package
The EU approved its 21st sanctions package on 23 July. The package continues to increase pressure on Russia by weakening Russia’s ability to wage its war of aggression in Ukraine. The new sanctions enter into force on 23 July 2026. The package contains a record number of new listings. The EU also expands sanctions on the energy and financial sectors and on the shadow fleet and similarly expands the import and export ban lists. The package also tightens sanctions against Belarus.
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16.7.2026
Johanna Kaprio-Papageorgiou appointed to serve as Counsellor for Public Diplomacy and Communications at Finland's Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has appointed Johanna Kaprio-Papageorgiou to serve as Counsellor for Public Diplomacy and Communications at Finland’s Permanent Representation to the European Union in Brussels from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2029.
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10.7.2026
EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russia’s war of aggression, the Middle East and the Black Sea
EU foreign affairs ministers will convene for a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 13 July. State Secretary Pasi Rajala will represent Finland at the meeting.
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1.7.2026
Strength with unity – Ireland begins its EU presidency
Ireland starts its presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July 2026. During Ireland’s six-month term, discussions in the EU will continue on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, EU enlargement, safety and security and competitiveness.
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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.
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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.
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5.6.2026