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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its effects in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Education and Culture On this page, we will update information on the impacts of the situation in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Education a...

14.7.2026 | EU ministers for sports have asked the European Commission to consider whether EU funding should be restricted for international sports organisations that have allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in international competitions during Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

31.3.2026 | Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie visited Ukraine from 29 to 31 March. In Lviv, she took part, at Ukraine’s invitation, in a meeting on culture that examined the state of Ukrainian culture, the protection of cultural heritage and international cooperation including practical support measures. During the visit the Minister held one-to-one discussions with Deputy Prime Minister ...

16.4.2026 | Finland will refrain from participating in the Venice Biennale at the political level if Russia takes part in the Art Exhibition. Participation will be maintained at the level of public officials. Finland emphasises its backing of Ukraine and its commitment to European cooperation.

1.11.2022 | The EU Ministers responsible for Sports, submitted a letter to the President of the International Olympic Committee Mr Thomas Bach, have expressed their concern about the deteriorating situation in Ukraine caused by the ongoing Russian war of aggression supported by Belarus. In the letter, the Ministers reiterated the requirement to exclude Russia and Belarus from all international sports activities.

11.3.2026 | 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.

12.11.2025 | The Sports Ministers of 33 countries and the European Commission have expressed their grave concern about the decision of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in September to discontinue the partial suspensions of the National Paralympic Committees of Belarus and Russia from the Paralympic Games.

21.2.2023 | In their statement published on 20 February, the ministers of sport from 34 countries state that the International Olympic Committee should not change its decision of 28 February 2022 concerning the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international sports. According to the ministers, the situation in Ukraine has deteriorated over the past year.

11.3.2026 | Mr Pietrangelo Buttafuoco President of La Biennale di Venezia Mr Luigi Brugnaro, Ms Tamara Gregoretti, Mr Luca Zaia Board of Directors of La Biennale di Venezia For information: Mr Alessandro Giuli Minister of Culture of the Italian Republic Honou...

4.5.2023 | Ministers of sport from 36 countries have issued a fourth collective statement on the exclusion of Russia and Belarus from international sports.

28.4.2022 | Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences will open up new study opportunities to help Ukrainians entering the country. Students will be given opportunities to start or continue their studies, and researchers will be offered the opportunity to continue their research work in Finland.