At the autumn meeting of the Europe Forum Association in Turku on 13 December 2024, Ambassador Matti Anttonen, currently Ambassador in Paris, was elected as the new President. He has extensive experience in international relations and European affairs and succeeds Mr Matti Niemi, who served two terms as President of the Association in 2023–2024.
Commenting on his election, Mr Anttonen said:
‘Thank you very much for your confidence. The Europe Forum has become the most important annual event in Finland, where we discuss the EU, its impact on the lives of Finns and how we can promote Finland’s cause within the Union. It is great to be able to contribute to this debate and thus to the success of the EU and Finland.’
The Association would like to thank Matti Niemi for his valuable work. Under Mr Niemi’s leadership, the Europe Forum has become an important national event, bringing together decision-makers, experts, business representatives and citizens to discuss the EU and its importance for Finland.
New Board from 1 January 2025
The Board of the Turku Europe Forum consists of a wide range of experts from the member organisations:
– Mika Akkanen, City of Turku, Manager of International Affairs
– Tarja Nuotio, Regional Development Director, Regional Council of Southwest Finland
– Marko Joas, Åbo Akademi University, Vice Rector
– Maija S. Peltola, University of Turku, Vice Rector
– Anders Blom, Turku University Foundation, Doctor of Political History
– Sami Savolainen, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Director of Services
– Kaisa Leiwo, Turku Chamber of Commerce, CEO
– Ville Niinistö, Schuman Society, M.Pol.Sc., Member of the European Parliament
– Elina Ravantti, Sitra, Director, Communications and Public Affairs
– Totti Sivonen, European Movement Finland, Executice Director
The student unions of Åbo Akademi University and the University of Turku are also represented on the board, bringing a youth and student perspective to the discussions.
The association organises an annual Europe Forum in August, which provides a diverse platform for discussion on the European Union, Finland’s role in the Union and current EU-related issues. The next Europe Forum will be the eighth in a row and will take place in Turku on 27 – 29 August 2025.
Welcome to join the debate on the future of Europe!
Ambassador, future President of Europe Forum Association in Turku Matti Anttonen
