Finland

According to the commander of the Estonian Defense Forces, russia is deliberately disrupting GPS in Europe to test equipment and interference capabilities amid potential future conflicts with NATO.

Zelenskyy thanked Finnish President Sauli Niinistö for his personal support of Ukraine, including defense assistance and advocacy for Ukraine's integration into Euro-Atlantic organizations.

In 2023, Ukraine was ranked 104th out of 180 countries in the Global Corruption Perceptions Index, improving its position by 3 points and receiving 36 points out of 100. Over the past 10 years since the Revolution of Dignity, Ukraine has added 11 points, the largest increase among the current EU candidate countries.

Former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb received the most votes (27. 2%) in the first round of the presidential election in Finland. He will face former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto (25.8% of the vote) in the second round on February 11.

The United Kingdom, Italy and Finland have suspended funding for the UN Refugee Agency in Gaza following allegations that some staff members were involved in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Earlier, the United States, Australia and Canada also froze funding for the Agency.

Finland has decided to send Ukraine the 21st package of military aid worth 106 million euros, the content of which is not disclosed for security reasons.

The Economist magazine named Greece the Country of the Year for its successful economic reforms and recovery from the debt crisis. The country continues to develop despite past difficulties.

Turkish President Erdogan has made Sweden's accession to NATO a condition for the United States to approve Turkey's request to buy F-16 fighter jets and called on Canada to end its arms embargo on Turkey.

Estonia has made the necessary exceptions to sanctions against russia to avoid environmental hazards associated with stuck fertilizers and to ensure a transition away from russian investments.

ISW analyzed statements by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who emphasized ongoing military expansion and preparations to support the war in Ukraine. Shoigu repeated threats against NATO. as ISW notes, Russia's military growth is mostly a confirmation of existing troop levels, not new builds.

The United States is forming a new military pact with European countries, increasing the number of American soldiers and bases in Northern Europe.

Denmark has signed a defense agreement with the US to station US troops and equipment in Denmark, which is pending parliamentary approval, which could take a year. This agreement is in line with similar US agreements with Norway, Sweden and Finland.

The EU Council has reached consensus on packaging waste reform, adding exemptions for wine and cardboard to gain broader support, while environmental activists express disappointment over the weakening of reuse targets. Denmark and Belgium have expressed concerns about the revised proposals.

Finland has approved about 200 exemptions from sanctions against Russia out of more than 500 requests, mainly for lifting personal sanctions and transferring funds. The exemptions also allow payments related to the property of sanctioned persons and facilitate the exit of Finnish companies from russia.

A Finnish court has detained Russian neo-Nazi Jan Petrovsky on suspicion of committing war crimes in Ukraine; he is to be charged by May 31, 2023. Petrovsky is associated with terrorist activities in Donbas and is under international sanctions.

Rheinmetall will supply the Ukrainian Armed Forces with tens of thousands of artillery shells in 2025 under a framework contract.

American Admiral Aquilino is "very concerned" about the growing military ties between China and Russia, as he said during meetings with representatives of the Japanese defense industry.

Finland has stepped up border security, maintaining stability despite two people recently crossing the border illegally and seeking asylum. Since the closure of the Niirala border crossing, no unauthorized border crossings have been recorded.

Austria tops the EU's "quality of life" index with a score of 7. 9/10, while Bulgaria has the lowest score of 5.6, while the EU average is 7.1. Life satisfaction is also influenced by factors other than income, such as education and family.

Europe is facing a cold week. Some parts of Scandinavia are experiencing electricity imports due to low wind power production

The World Bank's new INSPIRE project, supported by a $1. 2 billion loan, will finance social benefits for nearly 10 million Ukrainians affected by the Russian invasion. The project aims to finance social assistance to the poor and vulnerable

The Finnish city of Turku buys the former Russian consulate for 1. 6 million euros to demolish it and build a kindergarten.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson supports Finland's decision to close the border with Russia.

Finland expects an increase in the number of migrants from countries such as Afghanistan and Syria arriving through Russia and is considering new measures to control the influx after having already closed most of its entry points.

Finland may close the remaining 4 checkpoints on the border with Russia on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday .

For the first time as a NATO member, Finland will lead the international naval exercise "Ice Wind 23" near the Russian border. A total of 30 warships and more than 4,000 troops are taking part in the exercise