Wartime diplomacy included a heightened need to decorate, particularly foreigners from aligned countries, chiefly Germany.

[6] The new order also allowed for more flexible decorations, taking in account the rank and achievements of the recipients.

Ahtisaari's party chairman Erkki Tuomioja said that giving the medals was questionable, since he feared the act may tarnish the public image of Finnish human rights policy.

[8][9] Artist Marjatta Hanhijoki [fi] and author Leena Krohn returned their Pro Finlandia medals to protest the Indonesian decorations.

[11] Ambassadors accredited to Helsinki leaving their post are given the Grand Cross provided that their country also awards medals reciprocally.