The Ministry for Foreign Affairs on Monday handed a formal written warning to the head of Finland's Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal, Ambassador Titta Maja-Luoto.
According to the ministry, the warning was issued because the diplomat violated the civil servants' duty of conduct. It said that Maja-Luoto's actions met the criteria of inappropriate behaviour and harassment.
The decision to issue the warning was made by Niina Pesonen, the ministry's director of Human Resources, which has jurisdiction in the matter. It is possible to appeal such a warning at Helsinki's Administrative Court.
Last week, the ministry announced that it had started the process of removing Maja-Luoto from her post.
Foreign Affairs Minister Elina Valtonen (NCP) said that decision was made to safeguard the diplomatic mission's operations.
It was reported last month that eight embassy staff members had jointly accused Maja-Luoto of harassment and inappropriate behaviour.
According to the ministry, written warnings are issued to civil servants who act contrary to their official duties. However, in Maja-Luoto's case it said the threshold for dismissal was not breached and that she would continue to be employed at the ministry.
The ministry said its work to support staff at the mission in Lisbon was continuing, noting that the situation had been difficult for the workers.
