Current affairs

Helsinki and Eindhoven in the Netherlands are the two runners up for the title of the World Design Capital of the Year 2012. The biannual title, granted by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (lCSID), went to Turin (Italy) in 2008, will be held by Seoul (Korea) in 2010. For 2012, the jury are accessing the two contestants in August and deciding on the winner in November.

The Ministry for Foreigh Affairs has invited 19 recently graduated journalists or journalism students about to graduate to The Foreign Correspondents' Programme (FCP), a media and training programme organised by the Ministry.

Some say that the golden age of Finnish athletics has gone and now Finland is only gathering bits and pieces of the former glory. But all this can change with the next generation of Finnish track and field athletes. Sportsmen and sportswomen like Visa Hongisto, Minna Nikkanen and Vanessa Vandy are emerging strongly not only on the Finnish fields but also in international sport circles. All still under 25, they have a notable medal account have set several new Finnish records.

Are you interested in studying in Finland? Good choice! Foreign students at Finnish universities highly recommend the experience. The high quality of life, the flexibility and range of choice at universities and the affordability of education makes Finland an attractive place to study. In addition, you can get by perfectly well in Finland speaking English.

Finland's Baltic Sea policy aims to achieve wellbeing and success for the region while protecting its delicate sea environment. The key to these goals is increased cross-border cooperation and improved collaboration with neighbours. Finland’s efforts to promote the region’s development have been boosted by the publication of the proposed EU strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and by Sweden naming the Baltic Sea as a priority for its EU Presidency during the second half of 2009.

The Finnish Institute in London and FILI – Finnish Literature Exchange are pleased to announce a translation competition to source new talent in translating fiction from Finnish to English. You do not have to be a language professional; eligible participants include everyone from novices to experienced translators. What you do need is a passion for language, a good understanding of Finnish and a talent for writing in English. Closing date for submissions is 31st August 2009.

Finnish string quartet Meta4 performed at St Vedast Alias Foster church in July as part of the City of London Festival. The quartet is familiar with British stages, having participated in the BBC's New Generation Artists programme since 2008. This time the concert programme featured Finnish music only in line with the festival's 60 Degrees North theme promoting culture from countries situated on the 60th latitude north.

The Guildhall Yard, located in the heart of London, was the stage for some very special tango performances earlier this month. As a part of the City of London Festival, Finnish tango workshops were held at the Guildhall Yard on 3rd July, to allow volunteers to try the basics of Finnish tango. The tango theme extended beyond the workshop with tango duo Milla Viljamaa & Johanna Juhola and tango orchestra Unto performing for Londoners at the Yard.

In To, the joint Kela and Finnish Tax Administration service point, offers initial assistance to foreign workers coming to work in Finland. The two countries with the largest number of In To customers are Estonia and Russia.

As from 29 June, all new passports issued in Finland will include fingerprints. The President of the Republic approved the amendments to the Passport Act on 26 June. The amendments will enter into force on 29 June.