News
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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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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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12.3.2026
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11.3.2026
Finland calls on EU to simplify regulation
The Finnish Government has sent the European Commission a list of concrete proposals that would simplify more than 40 pieces of EU legislation. The Government’s proposals focus especially on legislation that affects business and industry and that, if simplified, could reduce the administrative burden on companies. The Government put together the list of proposals to accelerate the simplification process ahead of the March European Council, where competitiveness and the single market will be on the agenda.
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13.2.2026
EU leaders' retreat: Prime Minister Orpo calls for bold decisions to reform the European economy
European Union heads of state and government gathered for an informal retreat at Alden Biesen Castle in Belgium on Thursday 12 February to discuss how to boost Europe’s competitiveness and strengthen the single market.
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5.12.2025
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3.12.2025
Historic consensus: EU to gradually ban imports of Russian gas and to reinforce energy self-sufficiency
On 3 December, the European Parliament and Council achieved a preliminary consensus on a regulation that would gradually impose a ban on importing Russian natural gas to the EU. This agreement is a key element in the REPowerEU roadmap, whose purpose is to dismantle dependency on Russian energy and to strengthen the energy self-sufficiency of Europe.
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24.10.2025
European Council Confirms Support for Strengthening European Defense – Finland Emphasizes Support for Ukraine
The European Council, meeting in Brussels on Thursday, 23 October, expressed strong support for strengthening European defense and security. During the meeting, it was decided to develop European defense capabilities based on the European Commission’s Defence Preparedness 2030 roadmap. Heads of state also discussed the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, as part of a “war reparations law.” In addition, EU leaders addressed the situation in the Middle East, competitiveness, and issues related to housing and migration.
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2.7.2025
Finland supports Commission’s proposal concerning 90 per cent emission reduction target by 2040
The European Commission has published a legislative proposal on the emission reduction target for 2040. The Commission proposes a net emission reduction target of 90 per cent by 2040 compared to the 1990 levels.
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27.6.2025
European Council: Defence strengthened, support for Ukraine, aid demanded for Gaza
EU leaders met in late June to discuss the security and foreign policy of the EU under increasingly tense geopolitical circumstances. The summit emphasised both rapid boosting of defence capability and the continuing provision of a wide range of support for Ukraine. Crises in the Middle East, Iran’s nuclear threat and global relationships of the EU were also prominently featured in discussions.