The decision comes as part of the Finnish Government Programme, which explicitly ties development cooperation to two key conditions: the readmission of nationals and support for the international rules-based order.
Helsinki, Finland – The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs announced today that it will suspend its bilateral development cooperation program with Somalia, citing lack of progress in readmissions cooperation.
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio stated, “The suspension means that no new funding decisions concerning the country programme will be made until we see concrete progress in readmissions cooperation with Somalia.”
He cited the government programme, according to which Finland’s development cooperation is conditional on countries’ agreement to repatriate their own citizens at Finland’s request and their support for the international rules-based order.
The decision comes as part of the Finnish Government Programme, which explicitly ties development cooperation to two key conditions: the readmission of nationals and support for the international rules-based order.
Suspension Details
The programme suspension will be gradual, allowing ongoing projects to be completed according to existing agreements. Importantly, the suspension will not affect:
- Humanitarian assistance
- Support for civil society organizations
- Private sector support
Annually, Finland had reserved €8-9 million for bilateral development cooperation with Somalia.
Continued Dialogue
Despite the suspension, Finland emphasizes that bilateral relations with Somalia remain diverse and important. The countries continue to cooperate in other foreign and security policy sectors, including crisis management and mediation.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs will continue working with the Ministry of the Interior to promote readmissions cooperation. Additionally, ongoing discussions between the EU and Somalia about migration management are expected to continue.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry noted that the Somali government has shown willingness to discuss readmissions, and diplomatic dialogue will persist.
“Return cooperation has not reached a sufficient level. States must naturally strive to ensure that all those illegally in their country are returned, when that can be done safely,” the minister said.
Background
Somalia has been a long-term partner country for Finnish development cooperation. The current suspension represents a significant shift in their bilateral relationship, contingent on progress in migration and readmission procedures.
