Key issues for European security raised during President Niinistö’s working visit to France

President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö made a working visit to France and met with President of France Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday, 7 September 2021.

Finland and United States announce deeper cooperation on digital empowerment in developing countries

On 19 October, Administrator of the US Agency for International Development Samantha Power and Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari announced their dedication to robust collaboration on efforts to advance economic productivity, gender equality and human rights in developing countries through inclusive digitalisation.

Prime Minister Marin to speak with several EU leaders

On Tuesday 19 October, Prime Minister Sanna Marin will attend a video meeting with the President of the European Council and the leaders of three other EU Member States.

Parliamentary Committee on National Defence Obligation and Conscription proposes call-up day for women as well as stronger links between non-military service and comprehensive security concept

The Parliamentary Committee submitted its report on 26 November 2021 and proposes extending the call-up system to the entire age group. The Committee has set the goal of organising a compulsory call-up day for both women and men. This would provide young people with more extensive knowledge and readiness to fulfil national defence obligation.

Additional funding to support the development of university consortia and to boost their impact

The Ministry of Education and Culture has allocated a total of EUR 3 million in additional financing to six university consortia to develop their activities and to strengthen their regional and social impact. The one-off resources will be allocated from the unallocated strategy-based funding of universities for 2020.