NEWS DIGEST
Millions Earmarked to Enhance Finland’s Anti‑Drone Shield
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen (Finns) emphasized a million investment as crucial for improving detection and countering of drones along Finland’s eastern border and coastline.
At the Cairn: Remembering the Day Finland Stood Free
Paula Risikko (NCP), Parliament’s first deputy speaker, visited Kilpisjärvi’s historic tripoint on National Veterans’ Day to honor the veterans’ sacrifice and resilience at the site where Finnish soldiers raised a flag in 1945, marking the war’s end.
‘Michael’ Film Review: Fuqua Swaps Gunfights for Moonwalk in a Bright Biopic of the King of Pop
Action-man Antoine Fuqua trades gunfire for groove in a vivid biopic that sets aside scandal and spotlights the making of a legend.
Kela: Ukrainians in Finland Have Received Almost €500 Million in Social Benefits
Since 2022, around 80,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Finland, with Kela providing nearly half a billion euros in support to meet their needs.
Tourist Tax Plan Set to Shake Up Finnish Travel
Finland is planning a tourist tax that may leave travelers paying more for their trip.
MORE CURRENT NEWS
Film Review: ‘Lee Cronin’s The Mummy’ Puts Other Mummies to Shame
Here’s why ‘Lee Cronin’s The Mummy’ receives an impressive score of 90%.
How to Reduce Exposure to Elevated Levels of Street Dust in Helsinki: Map and Tips
HSY reports elevated street dust levels and poor air quality, especially in areas with heavy traffic.
Sunny Skies and Mild Spring Days Ahead
Mild, spring-like weather stays in place with plenty of sun, cool nights and just a small risk of showers as the week wraps up.
BMW Bursts Into Flames in Central Helsinki on Friday Traffic Hour
A BMW ignited on a bustling street in Helsinki Friday afternoon, releasing a thick plume of smoke that enveloped the city and temporarily disrupting traffic.
Yle: Fuel Costs Force Slower Sailings on the Helsinki–Stockholm Line
Viking Line will slow its Helsinki–Stockholm crossings from April 13 to save fuel as costs rise amid the war in Iran. The company is shifting departure times but keeping fares steady, while Tallink Silja is making similar changes.
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Politics
Millions Earmarked to Enhance Finland’s Anti‑Drone Shield
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen (Finns) emphasized a million investment as crucial for improving detection and countering of drones along Finland’s eastern border and coastline.
President Stubb Heads to Egypt for High‑Level Talks
President Alexander Stubb will visit Egypt on Tuesday for high-level discussions, cultural engagements and business connections.
Tourist Tax Plan Set to Shake Up Finnish Travel
Finland is planning a tourist tax that may leave travelers paying more for their trip.
Stubb and Valtonen Join Key Meetings in Washington, D.C.
Finland’s president and foreign minister will visit Washington in mid-April for the annual Bilderberg Meeting, followed by public talks and high-level meetings across the U.S. capital.
Finland and Canada Set for Busy Bilateral Visit
Finland’s president will spend two days in Ottawa meeting Canadian leaders,...
Music
‘Michael’ Film Review: Fuqua Swaps Gunfights for Moonwalk in a Bright Biopic of the King of Pop
Action-man Antoine Fuqua trades gunfire for groove in a vivid biopic that sets aside scandal and spotlights the making of a legend.
April Jazz: Eleven Days. Two Cities. One Big Jazz Vibe.
For 11 days, nearly 200 artists from 17 countries fill Espoo and Helsinki with jazz energy. These highlights set the mood for the festival’s 40th year.
Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen Win UMK 2026 with ‘Liekinheitin’; Set to Represent Finland at Eurovision
Internationally acclaimed violinist Linda Lampenius and pop star Pete Parkkonen won Finland’s UMK 2026 with their song “Liekinheitin (Flamethrower) at the Nokia Arena in Tampere on Saturday night.
Tuska 2026 Lineup Finalized: Loudness, Warmen and Caskets Join the Metal Festival
The Tuska 2026 festival in Helsinki has finalized its lineup.
Di’Anno: The Forgotten Voice Behind Iron Maiden’s Early Sound
‘Di’Anno: Iron Maiden’s Lost Singer (2025)’ explores the life and legacy of Paul Di’Anno, the original frontman of Iron Maiden. The documentary is being shown at the DocPoint Helsinki Documentary Festival.
Films
‘Michael’ Film Review: Fuqua Swaps Gunfights for Moonwalk in a Bright Biopic of the King of Pop
Action-man Antoine Fuqua trades gunfire for groove in a vivid biopic that sets aside scandal and spotlights the making of a legend.
Film Review: ‘Lee Cronin’s The Mummy’ Puts Other Mummies to Shame
Here’s why ‘Lee Cronin’s The Mummy’ receives an impressive score of 90%.
Glamour and Grit at the 2026 Jussi Awards: Stars Shine Bright in Our Gallery!
The best Finnish filmmakers have received their appropriate awards. Here’s our report from the award ceremony, the Jussi-gaala, which brought families together around the national TV broadcast and made photojournalists sweat on the red carpet.
Di’Anno: The Forgotten Voice Behind Iron Maiden’s Early Sound
‘Di’Anno: Iron Maiden’s Lost Singer (2025)’ explores the life and legacy of Paul Di’Anno, the original frontman of Iron Maiden. The documentary is being shown at the DocPoint Helsinki Documentary Festival.
‘Kalevala: The Story of Kullervo’ Film Review: A Fierce New Vision of Finland’s Legendary Outcast
‘Kalevala: The Story of Kullervo’ is a visually striking adaptation that reimagines Finland’s national epic with selective fidelity and creative liberties.
Business
A Three‑Day Coffee Wonderland Is Brewing in Helsinki
A three-day flavor festival is set to take place at the Helsinki Cable Factory.
Yle: Fuel Costs Force Slower Sailings on the Helsinki–Stockholm Line
Viking Line will slow its Helsinki–Stockholm crossings from April 13 to save fuel as costs rise amid the war in Iran. The company is shifting departure times but keeping fares steady, while Tallink Silja is making similar changes.
Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov Visits Finland for Talks on Bilateral Relations and Security Policy
Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov of Uzbekistan is visiting Finland to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss foreign and security policy with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (NCP).
President Stubb to Strengthen Ties with India on Landmark 2026 State Visit Beginning Today
President Alexander Stubb is scheduled to visit India from March 4 to 7, 2026, representing an important move toward enhancing bilateral relations.
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen to Visit Rome for Diplomatic Talks, Business Forum and Arctic Policy Speech
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (NCP) is scheduled to visit Rome from March 2 to 3 to enhance diplomatic and economic relations between Finland and Italy.
Helsinki
A Three‑Day Coffee Wonderland Is Brewing in Helsinki
A three-day flavor festival is set to take place at the Helsinki Cable Factory.
April Jazz: Eleven Days. Two Cities. One Big Jazz Vibe.
For 11 days, nearly 200 artists from 17 countries fill Espoo and Helsinki with jazz energy. These highlights set the mood for the festival’s 40th year.
How to Reduce Exposure to Elevated Levels of Street Dust in Helsinki: Map and Tips
HSY reports elevated street dust levels and poor air quality, especially in areas with heavy traffic.
BMW Bursts Into Flames in Central Helsinki on Friday Traffic Hour
A BMW ignited on a bustling street in Helsinki Friday afternoon, releasing a thick plume of smoke that enveloped the city and temporarily disrupting traffic.
Fatal Fire at Kontula Shopping Center in East Helsinki Causes Extensive Damage
A deadly fire erupted early Monday at the Kontula shopping center in East Helsinki, claiming the life of a man who worked at the site.