Current affairs
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7.7.2026
Majority of seasonal work visa applications for wild-berry pickers refused
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has received approximately 2,200 seasonal work visa applications this year for the purpose of wild-berry picking in Finland. To date, a majority of the applications have been processed, approximately 1,600 applications in total. The processing has revealed indications of a risk of worker exploitation, as well as shortcomings in employers’ compliance with their statutory obligations. The majority of the applications, approximately 1,400, have been refused.
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15.6.2026
Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ policy on Finland’s Indo-Pacific approach: Prioritising stability and cooperation
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has adopted Finland’s first comprehensive Indo-Pacific policy, responding to the region’s growing economic and geopolitical significance.
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15.6.2026
The Embassy of Finland is closed on Friday 19 June 2026
The Embassy of Finland is closed on Friday 19 June 2026 due to Midsummer Eve. Embassy will resume normal operations on Monday, 22 June 2026. In emergency please call 24/7 service +358 9 160 55555 or send email [email protected].
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1.6.2026
Finnish food tech attracts interest in Thailand, creating opportunities in rapidly growing market
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs arranged a trade mission to Thailand for innovative Finnish food sector and food technology companies. The visit opened up new opportunities in this rapidly growing market. The aim of the visit was to explore business opportunities, build networks and enhance understanding of Thailand’s food and innovation ecosystem.
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28.5.2026
The Embassy of Finland will be closed on Wednesday, 3 June 2026 due to a public holiday in Thailand
The Embassy of Finland will be closed on Wednesday, 3 June 2026 due to a public holiday in Thailand, in observance of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana. Embassy will resume normal operations on Thursday, 4 June 2026.
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20.5.2026
The EU adopts more favourable Schengen visa rules for Thailand
The European Union and Thailand are getting closer! Relations took another step forward with the adoption of Schengen visa facilitations for Thai nationals residing in Thailand through a “visa cascade” system. The new rules will further enhance people-to-people exchanges and the abilities of Thai nationals to experience Europe.
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12.5.2026
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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.
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30.4.2026
Exceptional opening hours in May 2026
The Embassy of Finland is closed on Labor Day, Friday 1 May 2026 and on Coronation Day 4 May 2026.
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28.4.2026
Crisis Management NOW – Serving peace 70 years and beyond
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and its partners will organise the Crisis Management NOW event focusing on crisis management and peacebuilding on Tuesday 5 May.