Suomi-Seura ry (Finland Society) is working with Finns living abroad to develop a new operating model for the Finnish Expatriate Parliament (FEP). The aim is to increase the participation, influence and equality of Finns around the world, promote a globally constructive culture of discussion and enable all expatriate Finns to have their voices heard.
This year, Suomi-Seura has conducted surveys and events to map the wishes of expatriate Finns for the future Finnish Expatriate Parliament. Based on the results, Finns living abroad hope that the Finland Society will update the operating model of the FEP to reflect the changed operating environment.
– We are working with Finns living abroad to create a modern operating model for the Finnish Expatriate Parliament. The starting point for this development work is to utilize the extensive expertise of Finns around the world and to promote issues that are important to expatriate Finns in cooperation with the government and decision-makers in Finland, says Pekka Sauri, Chairman of Suomi-Seura.
The activities of the Finnish Expatriate Parliament are based on the legal status of Suomi-Seura within the framework of the association’s rules. The chair of the Finnish Expatriate Parliament is the chair of the Finland Society, and the FEP meets at the invitation of the Finland Society.
– By jointly developing the operating model of the Finnish Expatriate Parliament, Suomi-Seura wants to strengthen democracy and build a constructive cross-border culture of discussion. The activities must be open and up to date. We will decide on the session of the Finnish Expatriate Parliament soon, taking into consideration the wishes of Finns abroad, says Pekka Sauri.
As a result of migration, nearly two million people of Finnish descent live abroad, of whom approximately 300,000 are Finnish citizens. There are over 260,000 expatriate Finns who are eligible to vote.
More information: Executive Director Tina Strandberg tina.strandberg@suomi-seura.fi tel. +358 (0)44 7129 230.