European Union
The reform of the Foreign Service of Finland took a step forward on 1 August, when the reorganisation of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the updated rules of procedure took effect. The purpose of the organisational reform is to lay a suitable foundation for the Ministry’s work in the current international situation and in terms of Finland’s foreign policy change. At the same time, cooperation across organisational boundaries has become even more important.
Based on predetermined criteria, the contract was awarded to VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd, which is the current provider of the outsourced application services to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
At its meeting in Brussels on 27–28 June, the European Council decided on appointments to three high-level roles in EU institutions. The Council proposed that Ursula von der Leyen from Germany continue as President of the Commission, selected Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas as the candidate for High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and elected former Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa President of the European Council.
The EU leaders were gathered in Brussels for an informal meeting of the European Council 17 June to discuss the upcoming appointments to high-level EU roles. The leaders aim to reach a decision on the appointments at the EU summit on 27–28 June. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo represented Finland. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo took part in the
The EU’s Nature Restoration Regulation received a qualified majority of votes at the European Union Environment Council on Monday 17 June. The Regulation will enter into force in July-August. The Member States must submit their national restoration plans within two years from the entry into force of the Regulation.
In the light of Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine, the Council today adopted a set of legal acts ensuring that the net profits stemming from unexpected and extraordinary revenues accruing to central securities depositories (CSDs) in the EU, as a result of the implementation of the EU restrictive measures, will be used for further military support to Ukraine, as well as its defence industry capacities and reconstruction.
Finland will launch a new bilateral project in Nepal focusing in particular on the development of teacher education. The project will be implemented by the University of Helsinki's company HY+, which provides education and development services.
Information from the Austrian, Finnish, Slovenian and Swedish delegations, supported by the Bulgarian, Czech, Estonian, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian and Slovak delegations.
President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb made his first visit to Brussels on 9-10 April. The purpose of the visit was to discuss current topical issues, security and defense policy and the situation in Ukraine.
Finland as part of the EU strongly condemns Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Finland will continue its unwavering support to Ukraine as long as needed. Since February 2022, Finland’s total assistance to Ukraine amounts to 2,9 billion euros. Read more about Finland's support.
