The final report of the expert group appointed by the Ministry of Education and Culture examines the decline in young people’s confidence in the future. The group presents 36 recommendations to improve the situation. The final report was submitted to the Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity Mika Poutala on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.
A new pilot scheme will offer free open university studies to young people who have not been admitted to a higher education institution. The aim of the scheme is to give young people the opportunity to explore different fields of study and to support a faster transition into higher education.
The 2026 Finnish State Award for Foreign Translators has been presented to the distinguished Danish translator Siri Nordborg Møller (b. 1981), whose work has greatly broadened the international visibility of Finnish literature. The EUR 15,000 award has been granted annually since 1975 by the Ministry of Education and Culture based on a proposal from FILI – Finnish Literature Exchange.
Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie has signed a joint statement from the ministers responsible for culture from 22 European countries, sent to the organisers of the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Allowing the Russian Federation’s participation is unacceptable, and the ministers call on the Venice Biennale to reconsider its decision.
Varkaus – a living industrial cultural heritage – was awarded the Cultural Heritage Label by the European Commission. The label is designated to sites located in the European Union that strongly embody the history, culture and integration of Europe.
The Ministry of Education and Culture is responsible for the development of education, science, cultural, sport and youth policies. The administrative branch of the Ministry of Education and Culture comprises 13 agencies, including Finnish National Agency for Education, Academy of Finland and Arts Promotion Centre Finland.
In international affairs, the Ministry participates in the work of major international organisations and regional councils, implements programmes and initiatives nationally and supports cultural cooperations and expatriate activities.
