FIIA DAY 2026

FIIA DAY 2026

Dear recipient,

The Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA) has the pleasure of inviting you to an event: 

FIIA DAY 2026

Russia and Europe: Managing antagonism and risks

Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 13:30–17:15
Bio Rex Lasipalatsi
Mannerheimintie 22-24, 00100 Helsinki

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has lasted longer than any war that Russia or the Soviet Union waged in the 20th century. All international efforts in general and the US involvement in particular notwithstanding, prospects of peace or a lasting ceasefire are uncertain. Although all parties have emphasised the “constructive” character of the negotiations, the concrete results of the talks are slim. In the meantime, the European debate on Russia is at a crossroads: some seeking a dialogue with Moscow, while others urge Europeans to prepare for a war with Russia in a short-to-medium term perspective. In turn, the Kremlin puts the blame for the continuation of its war with Ukraine on Europe, which does not encourage de-escalation.

FIIA Day 2026 offers an analytical perspective of where Russia is heading, what are the main trends in the country’s economy, internal developments and international posture, what implications all this may have for Europe, and how the latter could manage the current, highly conflictual, bilateral relationship. Also, the main conclusions and recommendations of the recent study on Russia’s full-spectrum influence on Finland in 2000s will be discussed.

FORUM program     DANCE performance

13.30-15.00  Session I

Opening remarks

Hiski Haukkala, Director, FIIA

Panel discussion: Where is Russia Headed?

Speakers:

Jussi Lassila, Senior Research Fellow, FIIA
Laura Solanko, Senior Adviser, BOFIT
Margarita Zavadskaya, Senior Research Fellow, FIIA

Moderator: Jussi Niemeläinen, Editorial Writer, Helsingin Sanomat

15.00-15.30  Coffee break

15.30-17.15  Session II

Presenting the lessons learned from the report on Russia’s full-spectrum influence activities in Finland in the 2000s

Speaker:
Sinikukka Saari, Leading Researcher, FIIA

Panel discussion: Implications for Europe

Speakers:

Thomas Gomart, Director, Ifri
Stefan Meister, Head of the Center for Order and Governance in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia, DGAP
Kristi Raik, Director, ICDS

Moderator: Samu Paukkunen, Deputy Director, FIIA

17.15-18.30   Cocktails & networking

This event will take place in person and it will also be livestreamed. 

Please reserve enough time for the entrance, where you will be required to present your ID.

We kindly ask you to confirm your participation in the event at the very latest on Thursday 12 March. 

This invitation is personal and cannot be shared with another individual. If someone you know is interested in attending the event, please contact us to request an invitation. 

More information: FIIA Events, events@fiia.fi

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                                                 Source of address: Finnish Institute of International Affairs