JEF summit to cause brief traffic disruptions in Helsinki on Thursday

The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit and related VIP movements will lead to temporary traffic closures and diversions in central Helsinki on Thursday, according to Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb will host the JEF heads of state meeting in Helsinki on 26 March 2026, with discussions focusing on support for Ukraine and Europe’s broader security situation. The event will also trigger a no-fly zone over the city centre from 16:00–23:00 on Wednesday, 25 March, and 08:00–23:00 on Thursday, 26 March, affecting all manned and unmanned aircraft, including drones.

Helsinki Police confirmed that while motorcade movements may cause short-term disruptions, no prolonged traffic delays are expected. “The impact on traffic will be minimal,” said Chief Superintendent Dennis Pasterstein, adding that officers from other regions will assist with security and traffic management. Police have not disclosed exact route closures but stressed that any interruptions would be brief.

The JEF, led by the UK, includes Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Iceland. The alliance focuses on military cooperation, crisis prevention, and joint operations in Northern Europe and the Baltic region. The last JEF summit was held in Norway in May 2025.