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Finnish migration policy is based on Government objectives, EU legislation and international agreements

Government Programme measures to reform migration policy The Government Programme’s objective is to reform Finland’s migration policy so that it offers assistance to the most vulnerable people and prevents abuse of the system. Finland’s asylum pol...

International and EU cooperation The general premise of the international and EU activities in the Ministry of the Interior’s branch of government is to comprehensively promote the objectives of the security-focused Government Programme, Finland’s...

Coordination of EU matters Finland’s system for coordinating EU affairs aims to ensure that Finland can present a coordinated position in line with Finland’s general EU policy on any issue under consideration in the European Union at any stage of ...

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...

9.4.2026 | In its meeting on 9 April, the Ministerial Committee on Economic Policy decided that Finland would apply for EUR 35 million in additional funding from the European Commission’s Border Management and Visa Policy Instrument (BMVI). The funding would be used by the Border Guard to procure drone detection and counter-drone systems.

16.4.2026 | The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum establishes a common EU system to strengthen external border control, ensure effective identification of third-country nationals and enhance procedures for asylum and return. The Pact will be implemented in Finland through a series of national legislative amendments. The Government submitted a proposal on these amendments to Parliament on 16 April.

20.3.2026 | Finland will receive EUR 17 million from the European Union to strengthen the surveillance of the eastern border and the Gulf of Finland and improve Finland's ability to maintain an up-to-date picture of the situation. With support from the EU Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (BMVI), the Finnish Border Guard will acquire unmanned surveillance systems that are resistant to interference with satellite positioning systems (GNSS disruptions).

13.3.2026 | The EU ministers responsible for energy issues will convene in Brussels on 16 March 2026. The meeting agenda will include the European grids package for 2028–2034, the action plan for affordable energy, and energy security. Finland will be represented by Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala.

5.3.2026 | The EU home affairs ministers will gather in Brussels on 5 March for a meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council. The agenda includes the state of the Schengen area and partnerships with third countries concerning migration. Finland will be represented at the meeting by Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen, who will underline the importance of preventing illegal entry and stay.

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. 

Migration The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for drafting legislation on migration. It also guides and develops the immigration administration, and is responsible for the performance management of the Finnish Immigration Service. The aim ...

22.12.2025 | The Ministry of the Interior has circulated for comment the draft government proposal on the national legislative amendments that relate to the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The deadline for comments is 2 February 2026.

20.11.2025 | On 16 July, the European Commission presented a proposal for a new Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. The proposal would significantly increase EU funding for home affairs. The Government informed Parliament of the proposal by submitting a Union communication on 20 November.

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...

Finnish experts serving in operations Decisions to take part in civilian crisis management are based on Finland's foreign and security policy and justice and home affairs objectives, national capabilities, and the needs in crisis areas. Our focus ...

The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for the preparation of migration policy and legislation

Departments and units Police Department The Police Department deals with matters concerning the police administration under the National Police Board, combating crime, public order and security, licencing, firearms, gambling policy, the private se...

23.4.2026 | On 23 April, the Government decided that Finland would apply for EUR 35 million in additional funding from the European Commission to procure drone detection and counter-drone systems for the Finnish Border Guard. Finland will seek the funding from the EU Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (BMVI).