Current affairs
Call for FLC project proposals in Georgia in 2023
The Fund for Local Cooperation (FLC) is a part of Finland’s official development co-operation. FLC is geared for local civil society actors to carry out well-targeted projects with clear goals and sustainable outcome. The office of the Roving Ambassador of Finland to South Caucasus is now seeking proposals for non-profit projects in Georgia that it will fund through the Fund for Local Cooperation (FLC) instrument in 2023-2024.
Appearance of passports and identity cards to change
Passports and identity cards issued by the Finnish authorities will have a new appearance as of 13 March 2023. Minor technical adjustments will also be made to residence permit cards and residence cards. The changes will have no effect on the validity of previously issued passports, identity cards or residence permit documents.
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.
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.
Finland is preparing to apply for NATO membership
Finland is preparing to apply for membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). On 15 May, the Government submitted a report to Parliament on Finland’s accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and proposed that the President of the Republic decide that Finland will apply for membership in NATO after Parliament has been heard.