Current affairs
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12.11.2026
Restrictions placed on entry of Russian athletes into Finland
Finland is tightening restrictions on the entry of Russian citizens into the country. On 12 November 2026, the Government issued a resolution, which stated the threat that the entry of Russian citizens into the country poses to Finland’s international relations. The new restrictions apply to short-term work carried out under a visa, including professional sports. As of 16 November 2026, public authorities will take the new resolution into account when considering visa applications and assessing the conditions for entry and short-term stay.
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11.11.2026
Finland contributes to the global transition away from fossil fuels
Over 96% of Finland's electricity is generated from non-fossil sources, one of the highest shares in the world. Total fossil fuel consumption has been halved over the past 15 years, decreasing from 47% in 2010 to 26% in 2025.
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10.11.2026
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29.10.2026
Finland supports UN Women initiative to strengthen women’s participation in peace processes
Finland is providing EUR 200,000 to a UN Women initiative aimed at promoting women’s participation in mediation and peace processes. Finland is strongly committed to promoting human rights and gender equality through its foreign policy and has long supported the United Nations’ Women, Peace and Security agenda.
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19.10.2026
The Embassy of Finland in Nairobi will be closed on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, due to Mashujaa Day.
The Embassy of Finland in Nairobi will be closed on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, due to Mashujaa Day. In case of emergency, please contact the Finnish Foreign Ministry´s emergency number +358 91605555 or paivystys.um@gov.fi
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13.10.2026
Foreign Ministry introduces AI service for processing classified information
Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs has introduced its AI Assistant UMAI to an initial group of pilot users. The service enables the use of artificial intelligence to process information at national security classification level IV in a secure environment. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Government ICT Centre Valtori are acting as pilot organisations in the development of a common secure AI platform for central government.
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1.10.2026
New partnership agreement strengthens cooperation between EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries
The Government proposes that Parliament approve the partnership agreement between the European Union and its Member States and the members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), also known as the Samoa Agreement.
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16.9.2026
Ministers Valtonen and Tavio to attend high-level week of UN General Assembly in New York
The high-level meetings of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 81) will begin in New York on 21 September. Finland’s delegation will be led by President of the Republic Alexander Stubb, who will deliver Finland’s statement at the general debate on 22 September. The delegation’s vice-chairs are Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.
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8.9.2026
Visas for Somali nationals
On 25th of June 2026, European Council decided to temporarily restrict visa provision for Somali nationals.
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26.7.2026
Aalto Works inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has decided to inscribe the Aalto Works on the World Heritage List at its 48th session held in Busan, Republic of Korea, from 19 to 29 July 2026. The property comprises 13 modern architectural sites across Finland designed by Alvar, Aino and Elissa Aalto.