Current affairs
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12.10.2026
EU targets largest ever package of sanctions against individuals and entities supporting Russia’s war industry
The European Union (EU) adopted new sanctions against individuals and entities in Russia’s military industry complex and against individuals involved in organising the so-called elections for the Russian State Duma in the unlawfully annexed or occupied territories of Ukraine. This is the single largest set of sanctions listings ever agreed by the EU.
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10.10.2026
EU Finance Ministers Advance Capital Markets Integration and Discuss Banking Sector Competitiveness
EU finance ministers met in Luxembourg for meetings of the Eurogroup and the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN). ECOFIN reached a common position on the Markets and Institutional Supervision Package (MISP), which aims to advance the integration of Europe’s capital markets and strengthen competitiveness. Other topics included the competitiveness of the banking sector, climate finance and economic developments. Finland was represented by Minister of Finance Riikka Purra.
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9.10.2026
EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russia's war of aggression and hybrid actions, security impact of EU enlargement, and the Middle East
The Foreign Affairs Council will meet in Luxembourg on Monday 12 October. State Secretary Pasi Rajala will represent Finland at the meeting.
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8.10.2026
Minister Tavio to attend informal meeting of EU development ministers
EU ministers responsible for development are holding an informal meeting in Dublin, Ireland, on 8–9 October. Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will represent Finland at the meeting.
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2.10.2026
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.
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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.