Current affairs
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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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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.
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25.2.2026
President Alexander Stubb and security policy drew global attention to Finland in 2025
Security policy topics, which have dominated international coverage on Finland since 2022, continued as the key theme in 2025. The number of news headlines about Finland was lower than the previous year, but President of the Republic Alexander Stubb assumed a significantly more visible role on the international stage. Country brand surveys indicate that Finland’s brand has become more positive, and awareness of Finland has increased since 2024. However, Finland’s positive image development has not fully kept pace with other countries.
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11.2.2026
Foreign Ministry’s consular services assist over 245,000 Finns around the world in 2025
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Finnish missions abroad provided consular services to approximately 245,000 customers in 2025. In addition, the Ministry’s 24/7 service was contacted around 6,700 times over the course of the year.
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2.1.2026
Unified export promotion network serves Finnish companies worldwide
As of 1 January, the foreign operations of Business Finland related to export promotion have been integrated into the structures of the Finnish Foreign Service. The reform will strengthen the Team Finland network and provide a better platform for a unified team for export promotion.
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5.12.2025
Finland’s national soundscape recognised in London
Finland’s national soundscape Ääniä has received recognition in a prestigious place-branding competition in London. The work, composed by Lauri Porra, was honoured in the Best Use of Design category assessing strategic country branding initiatives. The soundscape is published on music streaming platforms on 5 December 2025, just ahead of Finland’s Independence Day.
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5.12.2025
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26.8.2025
‘Finland on a Plate’ project to boost international visibility of Finnish food culture
The Culinary Team of Finland has created a new set of plant-based recipes with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. While specifically geared to the needs of Finnish embassies and missions around the world, the recipes will also serve those organising international meetings and events in Finland.
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26.8.2025
Nordic Countries Host a Side Event at MONDIACULT 2025
MONDIACULT, the world’s biggest cultural policy conference, will be held in Barcelona, Spain from September 29 until October 1, 2025. In co-operation with the Nordic Council of Ministers, the Nordic countries will host a side event with the theme "Access to culture and cultural heritage bolsters societal development and resilience in times of crisis". Freedom of expression and artistic freedom will also be discussed to hear how they help equip regions better in times of crisis.
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20.8.2025
Heads of Finland’s missions abroad to gather for annual meeting in Helsinki
Heads of Finland’s missions abroad and foreign policy leaders will meet at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission in Helsinki, to be held at the Parliament Annexe ‘Little Parliament’ on 25–27 August.