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International cooperation Finnish rescue services engage in continuous international cooperation with the European Union, the UN, NATO, the Nordic countries and other neighbouring countries alike. The Ministry of the Interior Department for Rescue...

6.5.2026 | -

13.5.2026 | The rescEU Medical Stockpile hosted in Finland reached its full material readiness at the end of April. All products specified in the original plan have now been purchased and stored and they are ready to go. The project was completed on schedule, thanks to seamless cooperation among the different parties.

8.12.2025 | The Finnish Ministry of the Interior and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) have agreed to deepen cooperation across different sectors. The cooperation emphasises support for Ukraine's international civil defence coalition. 

Ministry of the Interior Department for Rescue Services The Department for Rescue Services directs and oversees rescue services. The Department is led by Kimmo Kohvakka, Director General for Rescue Services. The Ministry of the Interior Department...

Rescue services Accident prevention, rescue operations, preparedness and civil defence form a coherent system in Finland that covers all types of incidents from daily accidents to major disasters. The Ministry of the Interior guides and directs em...

9.1.2026 | Finland has sent material assistance to Ukraine from the EU-funded rescEU strategic stockpile for the third time. The deployment from Finland included supplies to respond to chemical, biological and radiological threats, as well as medical items.

16.4.2026 | Ministers responsible for internal security and preparedness (or their deputies) from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden will meet in Helsinki on 16 April to discuss how the EU can prepare for security threats and various crises. Sauli Niinistö, former President of Finland, and Hadja Lahbib, the EU Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, will deliver the opening addresses.

Helsinki City Rescue Department Expertise in the air We prepare for threats to the capital with special expertise and equipment. Maritime Incident Response Group MIRG Obliged by the Maritime Search and Rescue Act, we participate in sea rescue oper...

16.4.2026 | Ministers responsible for preparedness from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Poland and Germany have issued a joint statement in connection with their meeting in Helsinki on 16 April. According to the statement, Russia’s large-scale war of aggression against Ukraine remains the most significant factor affecting Europe’s security in the long term.

Rescue Department of Kymenlaakso Research and development activities Rescue Department of Kymenlaakso is actively involved in research and development activities in the area. Research and Development activities The Kymenlaakso Rescue Department is...

Helsinki City Rescue Department Research Society around us is changing and the Rescue Department with it. Responding to these challenges requires systematic evaluation of our operations, constant research and development and the application of bes...

13.5.2026 | On 13 May 2026, the Government adopted a National Security Concept as a government resolution. The concept defines Finland’s key national security interests and focuses on measures to counter the most serious threats.

Rescue sector organisations Several organisations support and complement the work of the authorities within the sphere of the rescue services. These organisations play important roles in areas such as accident prevention, increasing public awarene...

Answers to questions about civil defence shelters and protection This page provides answers to common questions about civil defence shelters and protection. Finland is currently not under any military threat. There is no need to take defence shelt...

Become a volunteer Volunteer organisations and associations play a very important role in rescue departments’ daily work, helping rescue departments perform their basic tasks and achieve their objectives. Vital societal functions are secured in co...

Länsi-Uusimaa Rescue Department Strategy Perustehtävämme on parantaa ihmisten turvallisuutta ja vähentää onnettomuuksia. Toimimme ammatillisesti, inhimillisesti, luotettavasti ja yhteistyössä. Values Our values include acting professionally, human...

21.1.2026 | The Ministry of the Interior has published three new guides containing practical instructions on how to use and maintain civil defence shelters and on how to draw up emergency plans. The guides are intended, for example, to support building owners (such as housing companies) and other building operators.

Helsinki City Rescue Department Current issues Helsinki Rescue Departments current issues News and press releases Inter‑agency cooperation at the core of the Rescue Department’s exercise - Helsinki Rescue services, 6.5.2026 15:07 Rescue Exercise i...

Calendar Current Issues Current news, press releases and events of the rescue services. Latest news RSS (Opens New Window) (Opens New Window) Finland’s rescEU Medical Stockpile reached full readiness The rescEU Medical Stockpile hosted in Finland ...