The Finnish EU Representation reopens with a focus on Finnish Solutions
The renovated premises of the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU and the Embassy of Finland in Brussels are once again officially open. Following a year-long renovation, the Permanent Representation is once again able to welcome visitors, host events and provide a venue for discussions on current European issues. The new facilities offer an excellent setting for seminars, receptions, networking events, and stakeholder gatherings. Activities in the premises will be built around the “Finnish Solutions” concept.
Finland has always taken a constructive and solution-oriented approach to EU affairs. The Finnish Solutions concept highlights the importance of cooperation in addressing shared European challenges. In line with this approach, the renewed premises aim to serve as a meeting place where people can come together to exchange ideas and develop solutions to challenges facing Europe.
The reopening of the premises was started by the event “Shaping the Future of the EU – Megatrends and Foresight”, organised jointly by the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU and Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra. The event brought together representatives of EU institutions, Finnish organisations and foresight experts to discuss Europe’s future and the megatrends that will shape our societies in the decades ahead. Discussions focused on major developments affecting Europe, including geopolitical change, climate change, and technological transformation, as well as how strategic foresight can help the EU prepare for future challenges.
The event was opened by Lauri Hirvonen, Deputy Permanent Representative. Veera Heinonen, Director of Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, delivered the main address. Commentaries were delivered by Thomas Hemmelgarn, Head of Unit at EU Policy Lab, JRC, European Commission, and Kajus Hagelstam, Director of Directorate for Impact Assessment and Foresight, EPRS, European Parliament. The lively discussion highlighted the importance of dialogue and knowledge-sharing between different stakeholders in responding to Europe’s future challenges.
The evening concluded with the official inauguration of the renovated premises. Opening remarks were delivered by Jori Arvonen, Permanent Representative of Finland to the European Union, and Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy. Alongside the launch of the Finnish Solutions concept, Permanent Representative Arvonen underlined that the new premises will host many future events, discussions and encounters.
The renovated facilities mark a new chapter for Finland’s Permanent Representation to the EU, providing a welcoming venue for dialogue, partnerships and cooperation at the heart of Brussels, while showcasing Finnish solutions to shared European challenges.