Current affairs

Friday 24 February marks the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs will mark the day in many ways. Finland wants to show its solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and to commemorate the victims of Russia’s aggression.

Finland contributes EUR 5 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) to support the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. With Finland’s support, WFP is buying grain from Ukraine and taking it to African countries affected by the food crisis.

Over the last decades Nordic countries have been pioneering green technologies. Together, the Nordics and India can power the green transition the world needs.

The number of visas applied for at Finnish missions abroad are on the rise again after the pandemic years. However, the number of visas granted was only about one fifth of the number of visas granted in 2019, the year before the pandemic started.

Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari will visit New Delhi and Mumbai from 8 to 10 February. The visit aims to promote commercial and economic opportunities between Finland and India. In Mumbai, Minister Skinnari will inaugurate Finland’s new Consulate General. Parts of his programme will be a collaboration with Norway’s Minister of Trade and Industry.

This is FINLAND Magazine 2023–2024, a publication exploring Finland’s strengths and expertise, is now available in English. This year’s Magazine highlights some of the building blocks of a good life in Finland: nature, work, culture, renewable energy and innovation.

Chairperson, Managing Director of Kirloskar Systems, Ms. Geetanjali Kirloskar, has been awarded Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland‎ by the Grand Master of the Order, President of the Republic, Mr. Sauli Niinistö.

Remember to inform the Digital and Population Data Services Agency in Finland if your address changes.

Amendments to the Aliens Act will extend the use of a long-term visa known as a D visa. The amendments will contribute to promoting education-based and labour-based immigration and streamline entry procedures. The President of the Republic approved the amendments on 20 December.