The meeting brought together over 40 colleagues from across EUNIC member organisations, and for the first time, the gathering convened both colleagues from member headquarters and cluster representatives from across the Nordic and Baltic countries, creating a valuable opportunity for exchange across different levels of the network. Participants exchanged perspectives on the realities of cultural relations work and the specific dynamics shaping this region of Europe.

The meeting was held at Hanasaari-Hanaholmen, a Swedish-Finnish cultural centre with a deep history shaped by geopolitics and a part of the Finnish Institutes' network. Located on an island just outside Helsinki, the venue symbolised cooperation between neighbouring countries and provided an inspiring backdrop for this year’s meeting.

Helsinki’s unique geopolitical position made it a particularly relevant setting for deeper reflection on the relationship between cultural relations, resilience, and comprehensive security.

International cultural relations in Finnish cultural and foreign policies are now on the rise with cooperation at EU level intensifying.

Hanna Lämsä Director, Finnish Cultural and Academic Institutes

The programme included a panel discussion at Helsinki City Hall, with welcoming remarks by Deputy Mayor for Culture Paavo Arhinmäki, followed by contributions from Mikko Koivumaa (Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs), Mari Männistö (City of Helsinki), Krista Petäjäjärvi (Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture), and Annukka Ylivaara (Finland's Secretariat of the Security Committee).

The discussion emphasised that preparedness and collaboration are essential in times of crisis. Cultural exchange and relational capital contribute to Europe’s resilience in the face of uncertainty, while culture plays a crucial role in building a sense of togetherness, identity, and psychological resilience.

The only way art can support any instrumental values is when we relentlessly defend artistic freedom for its own sake.

Mari Männistö Director of Culture - City of Helsinki

The programme covered a range of topics relevant to cultural relations today, including best practices in bilateral cultural seasons, the intersection of culture and climate action, and navigating evolving national political landscapes. Participants also explored opportunities to strengthen regional collaboration in the Nordic and Baltic region, with valuable contributions from Nordic Culture Point and the Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture.

The presence of Nordic and Baltic cluster colleagues added an important dimension to discussions. Participants heard directly from the EUNIC Helsinki cluster and from Taru Elfving, curator of the EUNIC Cluster Fund project Guarding the Baltic Sea - a multidisciplinary project that brings together arts, culture, policy, and environmental sciences.

Over the two days, EUNIC Focal Points received updates on key programmes, projects, and areas of EUNIC activity, while also reflecting on and reimagining ways of working as a network. Discussions focused on the evolution of EUNIC programmes such as the EUNIC Cluster Fund, the Mobility Scheme, and upcoming Knowledge Sharing Workshops.

EUNIC extends its sincere thanks to the Finnish Cultural & Academic Institutes - especially Aleksi Malmberg and EUNIC Board Member Hanna Lämsä - for co-organising and hosting the meeting with warmth and thoughtfulness.

Photos from the meeting can be found here.