National Focal Point

Mr Vesa KEKÄLE, Senior Specialist, Unit for Russia and Central Asia, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

National Campaign Committee

Following a consultation process with national stakeholders, Finland established a national committee involving in its creation Mediapooli (chair), the Union of Journalists of Finland, News Media Finland, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The composition of the committee is based on consultations with different involved actors in Finnish society. The Media community has the ownership in the committee and in the national implementation of the campaign. 

The committee, which has already started its work, oversees planning, coordinating of activities related to the campaign through a dialogue with different actors in society and an updated knowledge on the topic. It is holding regular meetings.

2025 update

Finland continued to promote journalists’ safety through cooperation between public authorities, media organisations, journalists and civil society actors. Particular attention was given in 2025 to the theme of effective prosecution and the role of authorities in responding to threats against journalists. Stakeholder dialogue continued throughout the year, involving police authorities, journalists, media companies and human rights advocates, with media organisations reporting an increase in the number of incidents being brought to the attention of law-enforcement authorities.

Finland also continued to monitor emerging challenges affecting journalists, including online threats and abusive litigation. While Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) have not yet emerged as a significant challenge nationally, efforts have focused on awareness-raising and preparedness in anticipation of possible future developments.

The Finnish approach continues to emphasise trust, stakeholder cooperation and self-regulation, while maintaining readiness to respond to new challenges affecting journalists’ safety and media freedom.