In 1939, both countries were victims of the German-Soviet Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, according to which they were to be divided into "spheres of influence" between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

The Polish government-in-exile was willing to assist Finland militarily against the Soviets by establishing a Polish air squadron in neighboring Sweden, a plan that collapsed due to Sweden's refusal out of fear of the Germans and Soviets and its claimed neutrality.

[5] Finnish requests for Polish naval assistance at the Arctic Circle to unblock the supply route through Petsamo were unsuccessful amid Britain's refusal.

Finland and Poland co-hosted the 2021 Men's European Volleyball Championship and 2025 Men's European Basketball Championship In 2022, Finnish and Polish gas markets were connected, following the commissioning of the Balticconnector and GIPL interconnections, also providing Finland with a connection to the EU gas market.

[10] On 22 July 2022, Polish President Andrzej Duda signed and approved the proposals for Finland and Sweden to apply to join NATO.