 With its activeness, Finland has been able to influence the content of the strategy and the action plan (photo: MEK-image). | EU's Baltic Sea strategy energises regional development
Finland's Baltic Sea policy aims to achieve wellbeing and success for the region while protecting its delicate sea environment. The key to these goals is increased cross-border cooperation and improved collaboration with neighbours. Finland’s efforts to promote the region’s development have been boosted by the publication of the proposed EU strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and by Sweden naming the Baltic Sea as a priority for its EU Presidency during the second half of 2009. Read more |
 Pole vaulter Vanessa Vandy has won several gold medals both in Finnish competitions and in the Finnish-Swedish Athletics International (Photo: SUL). | Bright prospects for Finnish track and field
Some say that the golden age of Finnish athletics has gone and now Finland is only gathering bits and pieces of the former glory. But all this can change with the next generation of Finnish track and field athletes. Sportsmen and sportswomen like Visa Hongisto, Minna Nikkanen and Vanessa Vandy are emerging strongly not only on the Finnish fields but also in international sport circles. All still under 25, they have a notable medal account have set several new Finnish records. Following Vandy and Hongisto's performance at the Beijing Olympic Games the future of Finnish track and field looks promisingly bright. Read more |
 Helsinki's Finlandia Hall designed by Alvar Aalto (photo: Visitfinland Imagebank). | Helsinki shortlisted for the World Design Capital 2012 titleHelsinki and Eindhoven in the Netherlands are the two runners up for the title of the World Design Capital of the Year 2012. The biannual title, granted by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (lCSID), went to Turin (Italy) in 2008, will be held by Seoul (Korea) in 2010. For 2012, the jury are accessing the two contestants in August and deciding on the winner in November. Read more |
 Students praise Finnish universities as a place to acquire solid building blocks for a future career, and note that Finns are not as shy as the stereotypes might imply (photo: Veikko Somerpuro/Helsinki University). | Choosing your future
Are you interested in studying in Finland? Good choice! Foreign students at Finnish universities highly recommend the experience. The high quality of life, the flexibility and range of choice at universities and the affordability of education makes Finland an attractive place to study. In addition, you can get by perfectly well in Finland speaking English. Read more |
 Heli Heikkinen: Every Spring | Northeast – Finnish art in the Smithfield gallery
Painters Heli Heikkinen and Riitta Koivistoinen hold an exhibition together with textile artist Riitta Turunen in the Smithfield Gallery from Monday 31 August to Saturday 5 September. Vernissage is on Tuesday 1 September at 6:30–8:30pm. Read more |
 As a prize George wins a trip to a village school in Finland and a wilderness course and camping adventure in the school's own forest (picture © Aino Havukainen, Sami Toivonen & Otava). | Congratulations to the Kidzone Finland forest competition winners!
11-year-old George Wood from Saint Mary's Catholic Primary School, Derbyshire, has won the Kidzone Finland forest competition. He correctly explained that regeneration means cutting old trees down and planting new seedlings to replace them. The correct answer could be found on the Kidzone Finland website. |
 Everyman's right means that access to the land is free of charge, and does not require the landowner's permission. | Fun Finland: Forest mushrooms and berries
These are both abundant and free in the summer and autumn months. Thanks to the tradition of Everyman's Right anyone is free to wander into the forest and pick at will. Unusually for Finland you can also sell what you pick on the market tax free! Who wants to be a berry millionaire?
Text and picture from Ian Bowie's book Fun Finland (Island Media 2007)
Tuore Kustannus |
Upcoming culture events
17.8. Esa-Pekka Salonen makes his first Proms appearance as the Philharmonia's new Principal Conductor: Read more
23.8. Osmo Vänskä, Monica Groop and Helena Juntunen at Prom 51: Read more
25.8. Soprano Anu Komsi at Prom 54: Read more
30.8. String quartet Meta4 plays at the BBC Proms: Read more
For more events and further information see the Embassy's Culture Calendar.
Feedback & tips
Feel free to alert the Embassy to interesting events or other topics at sanomat.lon@formin.fi.
