Current affairs

A possibility to vote by post will be introduced in the parliamentary elections of spring 2019. This means that eligible voters who reside abroad permanently (expatriate Finns) and eligible voters who reside in Finland but are abroad at the time of the elections may vote by post. Advance voting will be arranged at Finnish diplomatic and consular missions abroad in the same manner as before.

The Consulate General of Finland in New York will bring the portable passport unit to Chicago, Illinois on 12.-14. March, 2019. The passport needs to be applied for in person, and an appointment is necessary.

Finnish American Congressional Staffer Travel and Exchange Program, also known as FACSTEP, was organized now for the ninth time. Seven congressional staffers traveled to Finland in August. This bipartisan exchange program offers a great opportunity for the Congressional Staff members to learn about key elements of Finnish society.

In this part of our blog series 'Finns in the United States', the Honorary Consul of Pennsylvania Kristina Mattila shares information of the Finnish-American community in her area.

Nordic Impression showcases art from Åland, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, from years 1821-2018. Make sure to check out the exhibition, it is on view until January 13th 2019.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini will meet US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo in Washington DC on Thursday 15 November.

Finland is improving the submission of Schengen visa applications and study or employment based residence permit applications on the west coast.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is one of the most forested regions in the United States, but forestry in U.P. is mostly of the traditional kind. In October, eight representatives from Finland arrived in Houghton County to take part in the Michigan-Finland Forest Bioproduct Summit to share with many local organizations their know-how regarding bioproducts.

Curious about what our fantastic FInterns get up to in DC? Sophia Lawson, External Economic Relations Intern recaps her time in the U.S. capital and our Embassy.

Did you know there are dozens of enthusiastic Finnish motorcyclists in Dallas, Texas? Orvo Välilä tells the story and history of their motorcycle riding club Hakkapeliitta Finn Riders.