JEF Finland celebrated its 28th year on Friday, 26 September 2025, at the organisation’s anniversary celebration in Helsinki. At the event, the organisation’s new medals of honour were awarded for the first time, based on the medal charter adopted in spring 2025.
The medals of honour were awarded in three categories: special recognition, gold medal of honour, and silver medal of honour.
- The special recognition was awarded to Jutta Urpilainen for her exceptional work in advancing JEF Finland’s values and activities.
- The gold medal of honour was awarded to Lauri Tierala and Jesse Jääskeläinen for their highly significant, long-standing and impactful work.
- The silver medal of honour was awarded to the following individuals:
- Iiris Asunmaa
- Antti Avoranta
- Hanna Kivimäki
- Petteri Kolmonen
- Iida Laurila
- Risto Rajala
- Kati Systä
- Nea-Maria Törmänen
Both current and former officeholders took part in preparing the medal charter, which was adopted at JEF Finland’s Executive Board meeting in May 2025. According to the charter:
- The silver medal of honour may be awarded for long-standing or exceptional activity at the regional or national level.
- The gold medal of honour may be awarded for highly significant, long-standing and impactful activity at the national or international level.
- The special recognition may be awarded for exceptional or special work for JEF Finland’s activities and values, and its recipient may also be a party outside the organisation.
The establishment of the medals of honour is an important step in JEF Finland’s history — they make it possible to recognise and thank those who have left their mark on the organisation’s activities and on advancing European cooperation in Finland.
For more information:
Nea Baarman
President
[email protected]