Current affairs
Finland becomes a NATO invitee
The NATO member countries signed the Accession Protocols concerning Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO membership at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on 5 February, making Finland and Sweden invitees of the Alliance. The Accession Protocols must next be ratified in each member country for Finland and Sweden to become members.
Restrictions on external border traffic imposed due to COVID-19 will end on 30 June
Restrictions on entry at Finland’s external borders imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic will end on 30 June. This means that third-country travellers arriving in Finland will no longer be required to hold vaccination or COVID-19 test certificates, and COVID-19 tests will not be carried out at border crossing points.
Entry restrictions due to COVID-19 to be lifted on 1 July
Restrictions on entry at Finland’s external borders imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be lifted on 1 July 2022. Third-country travellers arriving in Finland will no longer be required to hold vaccination or COVID-19 test certificates, and COVID-19 tests will not be carried out at border crossing points.
Football player Danielle Carter awarded the 2022 UK HÄN honour
Finland is championing the gender-neutral Finnish pronoun “hän” to promote equality around the world and to highlight individuals and organisations engaged in important work for equality. This year’s recipient of the Hän honour in the UK is Danielle Carter, a professional football player who frequently takes part in initiatives to make the world of football equal and inclusive.
Finnish decorations awarded by Ambassador Siukosaari
Juha-Matti Lampola from the FBCC and Terhi Bunders, Riitta Kärkinen, Outi Mäkilä and Jaana Palmer from the Embassy of Finland have been awarded decorations for their services for Finland. Lampola and Bunders received Knights First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland. Kärkinen, Mäkilä and Palmer were awarded Medals First Class of the Order of the White Rose of Finland. Ambassador Jukka Siukosaari presented the decorations in a small ceremony at the Ambassador’s residence in June 2022.