Current affairs
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13.11.2026
EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russia’s war of aggression and situation in the Middle East
The EU foreign ministers will meet in Brussels on Monday 16 November. State Secretary Pasi Rajala will represent Finland at the meeting.
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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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9.11.2026
Exceptions in the opening hours -Embassy is closed 10.11.2026
The Embassy will be closed on 10 November 2026, and the consulate’s customer service will be closed. The Milan office will be open.
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9.11.2026
New online appointment system for consulate's customer service from 16 November 2026
The Consular Section of the Embassy of Finland in Rome and in Milan Office use an online appointment system for customer services. An appointment is required for passport, identity card and residence permit applications, as well as for notarial services and population information registrations for Digital and Population data agency. New Online Appointment System from 16 November 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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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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16.9.2026
Appointment necessary for consular services
Consular section of the Embassy in Rome and Milan Office have adopted a new electronic appointment system.
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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.
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3.5.2026
World Press Freedom Day highlights importance of freedom of expression for democracy and security
World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on 3 May. The day reminds us of the importance of free and independent media as the foundation for democracy, the rule of law and an open society. Finland promotes media freedom, which is fundamental to freedom of speech and expression, as part of its foreign and security policy.