Films from all around Europe

The European Film Week began. During the next days 23 movies from around Europe will be shown at the Eurooppasali at Kampintori.

The movies cover themes such as immigration, education, the situation of women and girls as well as peace and security. These films bring their stories from different parts of the world close to the viewer by means of drama, documentary, music and humour.

All screenings are for free. You can collect your ticket one hour before it starts. The Eurooppasali can fit up to 100 people. So to make sure to still get in try to be there early enough.

The European Film Week still continues until April 29. You can find more information and the program on the website of the European Commission.

Have fun at the movies!

A Day for Europe

Today is election day. Europe is electing a new European Parliament. And if you are entitled to vote, then don't waste your chance.

And remember that you should decide not only on a party but on a candidate as well. What you will do to cast your vote is write your candidate's number on the ballot paper.

If you still don't really know which party is closest to you, check out the EUvox 2014 website to find your perfect match.

Starting from 19:30 tonight YLE 1 will be covering everything around the election including the results.

Who to vote for

In just a bit over two weeks the election for the European Parliament take place. If you are over 18 and citizen of the European Union you are entitled to vote. But who to vote for? Especially if it is your first election in Finland and you are not familiar at all with the Finnish party landscape.

The EUvox 2014 website can help you. No matter what EU country you vote in the system gives you the opportunity to find your best match among the local parties by asking you several questions that you can give your opinion on. And don't worry if you don't speak any English. EUvox always supports English in addition to the local language.

With your result EUvox gives you detailed information on the parties, their opinions and on what matters you agree or disagree with them.

Check it out. And don't forget to vote on May 25!

Election Day

Everywhere in Finland the polling stations just opened. If you are entitled to vote in the communal elections you have time till 20.00 to do so.

In case you still don’t really know who to vote for check out the parties’ websites. Most of them have an English version.

Every vote counts!

Make your vote count

One week from now the communal elections will be held in Finland. Those elections will decide who is going to sit in the town parliament and will decide about the development in your neighborhood. So the outcome of those elections will affect you directly. It will be about matter like where the new playground will be put, if the street you live on will get new traffic lights and so on.

But who is allowed to vote? In case you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland or Norway, are 18 years or older and where registered in Finland latest at the 51^st day before the election you have the right to vote. You should in that case have received an election notice by mail. There you can see where you have to go next Sunday to give your vote. The polling stations are open on 28 October from 9.00 till 20.00.

Everyone has just one vote in this election that has to be given to one specific candidate. This way you help to get your candidate into the parliament but also support his or her party at the same time. All parties are advertising in all over the city at the moment. So if you don't know who to vote for, approach them and ask who represents them in your neighborhood and what his or her plans are.

More information on the Kunnallisvaalit can be found from the official elections website of the Ministry of Justice.

From Helsinki to outer space

The European Space Expo is coming to town.  At Narinkkatori they already started the preparations. A big igloo shaped tent was put up and till Friday everything is going to be ready.

The exhibition is a project of the European Commission. They want to show how space and its applications provide benefits to Europe's citizens.

To get a first idea what is awaiting you there next week, take a look at the officialwebsite and watch the small video.

The European Space Expo will be open from 17.08 till 21.08.2012.

Celebrate the Europe Day!

Preparations are going on at Kamppi Square at the moment. The square is being made ready for tomorrows Europe Day. The event is arranged by the European Movement officein Finland. The Europe Day will be celebrated there as a big event with an outdoor fair and live program. The embassies of the EU countries will be present. Important Finnish politicians like Prime minister Jyrki Katainen and Europe minister Alexander Stubb will be speaking.

The event will start at 9 a.m. and last till 5 p.m. More information and the program for the whole day can be found on the Europe Day website.

European Union information center in Helsinki

This might be interesting for those of you who are EU-citicens and might need some information or advice about possibilities, duties and right that you have when you move or spend time in Finland.

In Malminkatu 16, close to Kamppi shopping center you can find the Representation of the European Commission in Finland. You can find info material on lots of different topics e.g. what you have to consider when moving within the EU. There is also always someone sitting at the information desk that can help you with problems or questions. Furthermore they arrange events and lectures on various topics. You should drop by and ask for their program. You can also find information about them on their website which unfortunately is just available in Finnish and Swedish.