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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 | -

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

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...

29.6.2026 | Venezuela was hit by two devastating earthquakes on 24 June. Finland is assisting Venezuela by providing emergency shelter assistance through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

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...

10.6.2026 | Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior Matti Sarasmaa will visit Estonia on 10 June. During the trip, they will observe a joint exercise organised by Estonia, involving authorities from several European countries. The Finnish Police and the Finnish Border Guard will also take part in the exercise. 

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...

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...

19.3.2025 | The Finnish Ministry of the Interior and the Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industries signed a joint letter of intent concerning cooperation on civil defence shelters on 19 March 2025 in connection with the meeting between President of the Republic Alexander Stubb and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Civil defence Civil protection means assisting and safeguarding the civilian population from dangers during war or similar conditions. Finnish authorities are prepared to protect the population Planning and preparedness for civil protection are pa...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Helsinki City Rescue Department Helsinki City Rescue Department works for the safety of the capital, its residents and visitors. Contact us Instructions and forms Services Current issues About us Helsinki Rescue School Work or study with us Histor...

Länsi-Uusimaa Rescue Department Emergency medical care The Länsi-Uusimaa Rescue Department provides first response and emergency medical services in 10 municipalities in line with the cooperation agreement concluded with the Hospital District of H...