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16.4.2026 | Helsinki, 16 April 2026 Statement of the European Coalition for Civil Preparedness and Resilience Ministers and representatives responsible for the internal security, civil preparedness and resilience of the Kingdom of Belgium, the Kingdom of Denm...

Flying the EU flag Displaying the flag of the European Union has become common in Finland in recent years. There are no national provisions concerning its use though the Ministry of the Interior recommends that it should be flown alongside the Fin...

Order of precedence International flag etiquette should be observed when flags of more than one nation are flown. On international occasions, the flag of the host nation should have pride of place. This rule has also been incorporated in the decre...

The EU or member states themselves are responsible for readmission agreements

Fight against organised crime The fight against organised crime in Finland is based on ensuring the safety and security of society under all circumstances, broad-based cooperation within society, knowledge-based operating models, and respect for f...

Counter-terrorism builds on extensive cooperation Terrorism is a serious attack on democracy and the rule of law. It is an exceptionally serious violation of universal values such as human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity, and respect for...

EU migration and asylum system The new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum will help the EU improve the control of its external borders and increase the efficiency of asylum and return procedures. At the same time, the rights of asylum seekers will be...

Temporary protection for people fleeing from Ukraine Temporary protection is intended for people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Granting temporary protection makes it possible to provide protection to a limited group of people in a swift process that...

Government Programme measures to reform national security Finland’s security environment changed significantly when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Government Programme aims to strengthen national security ...

22.1.2026 | EU home affairs ministers will gather in Nicosia, Cyprus, on 22 January for an informal meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council. The home affairs ministers will discuss returns, reintegration and safeguarding the Schengen area. Finland will be represented at the meeting by Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen. 

15.5.2025 | In March, the European Commission submitted a proposal for a new return regulation that aims to improve the effectiveness of the return of persons staying illegally in the EU and to prevent unauthorised movements within the Schengen area. The regulation would replace the current Return Directive. The Government informed Parliament of the Commission's proposal by submitting a Union communication on 15 May.

15.9.2025 | EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner visited Finland on Monday 15 September at the invitation of Finnish Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen. During his visit, he learnt about the arrangements at the Vaalimaa border crossing point and the fence being built on the border.

8.12.2025 | The EU home affairs ministers will gather in Brussels on 8 December for a meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council. The agenda includes returns of people staying illegally in the EU and implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. Finland will be represented at the meeting by Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

8.6.2023 | The Justice and Home Affairs Council will meet in Luxembourg on 8 June. Finland will be represented at the meeting by Markku Keinänen, Head of Mission to the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU. One of the topics on the agenda of the meeting of home affairs ministers is the reform of the EU’s asylum system. The aim is to reach agreement on two proposals for regulations, which are essential to the whole, in order to proceed with the negotiations with the European Parliament.

14.4.2020 | The information systems used by law enforcement authorities in the EU Member States will be developed to improve their interoperability. The aim is to ensure that the end-users of the systems (the police or border authorities, for example) have rapid and controlled access to the information they need for the performance of their duties.

10.10.2025 | A study commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior looks at how Ukrainians are managing in Finland, focusing on their employment, future plans and whether they intend to return to Ukraine after their temporary protection ends. Progress in language skills and registering with municipal services after leaving the reception system have helped Ukrainians settle in Finland. However, the relatively low employment rate remains a challenge.

27.2.2025 | The process of granting temporary protection will become easier both for the beneficiaries and the authorities. At its session on 27 February, the Government proposed amendments to the Aliens Act and the entry-into-force provision of the Act on Temporarily Amending the Aliens Act. The President of the Republic is to approve the amendments on 28 February.

19.12.2024 | On 19 December, the Government appointed General Staff Officer Matti Sarasmaa, Chief of Division, as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior. He will take up his new post on 1 February 2025 and his term of office will last for five years.

12.6.2019 | National legislative work relating to the new European Union Home Affairs Funds has started at the Ministry of the Interior by setting a working group. The working group will review the implementation of the Home Affairs Funds in the current financial programming period and prepare legislation concerning the funds for the national implementation of the EU financial programming period 2021–2027.

19.1.2024 | The Ministry of the Interior has sent out for comments a proposal for an act on the protection of infrastructure critical to society and on the improvement of resilience. The legislative project will enhance national security and the resilience of society.