The European Commission recognises Mikko Mattinen for international cooperation

Publication date 24.9.2026 9.11
Type:Press release
Mikko Mattinen and Marta Kos hold a certificate for the TAIEX recognition. In the background are the flags of Finland and the European Union, along with the visual branding of the TAIEX event.
Director Mikko Mattinen and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos at the presentation of the recognition at the TAIEX 30th anniversary seminar. Image: Kosti Keistinen, Prime Minister’s Office.

The European Commission has recognised Mikko Mattinen, Director of International Affairs at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency, for their long-term commitment to the TAIEX cooperation. In the EU’s TAIEX programme, the authorities share their expertise to develop public administrations in different countries. The recognition was awarded at the 30th anniversary seminar of the programme, in Helsinki on 18 September 2026.

Mikko Mattinen has been engaged in international cooperation in the Digital and Population Data Services Agency for years. Mattinen has been actively involved in EU cooperation and Nordic networks. The work has been carried out together with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency and other public administration experts.

Specialists from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency have shared their expertise in the TAIEX cooperation, for example on Suomi.fi services and the management of digital transformation in public administration. Expertise has been shared through expert visits in Finland and abroad. Cooperation has been carried out with Moldova, Albania and Ukraine, among others, which are seeking EU membership.

“The competence of Finnish officials is appreciated in the work of the European Commission. Thanks are due to all those who participated in the cooperation,” Mikko Mattinen says.

Three Finnish experts received recognition

The 30th anniversary seminar of the TAIEX cooperation awarded experts who have contributed significantly to the objectives of the programme. The recognition was granted to Mikko Mattinen, Mona-Anitta Riihimäki (Häme University of Applied Sciences) and Jesse Seppälä (Finnish Border Guard). The recognitions were presented by European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. Mikko Mattinen received the recognition for promoting digital innovation and competitiveness.

"The recognition came as a surprise. However, I have always done my best to ensure successful cooperation,” Mattinen says.

One of Mikko Mattinen’s most memorable TAIEX experiences is related to the start of cooperation with Ukraine. During the initial meeting, there was an air alarm in Kyiv, and Ukrainian participants could not join the Teams meeting.

TAIEX cooperation is based on sharing expertise

TAIEX (Technical Assistance and Information Exchange) is an EU programme that supports the exchange of information between authorities and assists public administrations in different countries in developing their operations in line with European best practices.

Earlier in 2026, Finland also received the European Commission’s TAIEX recognition for its long-term efforts in the international sharing of public administration and digitalisation expertise.

TAIEX is one of the forms of international cooperation at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. The agency also actively participates in other EU cooperation and engages in close digitalisation collaboration with other Nordic countries. Networks created in various forms of cooperation support the sharing of expertise and international influence.