Summary:

Helsingin Sanomat reports that Presidents Sauli Niinistö and Petro Poroshenko stated on Tuesday that the sanctions against Russia will not be lifted. Mr Niinistö noted that Finland took part in the EU decision to set the sanctions and respects this decision. Ukraine and Finland also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on energy cooperation regarding energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy and alternative energy sources. Mr Niinistö also commented on the war in Eastern Ukraine and stated that Finland supports Ukraine’s territorial autonomy and continues to condemn the occupation of Crimea as unlawful.

Media:  Helsingin Sanomat 

Date: 24.1.2017

Summary:

The Finnish State Under-Secretary for EU Affairs Jori Arvonen has confirmed that the European hybrid threat centre will come to Finland. Arvonen says the interest has been very high, both in the framework of EU and Nato. The main goal of the centre is to strengthen the defence against hybrid threats and increase awareness about them. The participants will come from EU and Nato countries. The centre will have a network structure wherein the day-to-day operations are run from Helsinki while the core competences come from other state capitals. The centre will start its first operations already during the spring.

Summary:

Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini said on Monday that the EU must continue dealing with Turkey. Austria and the European Parliament have proposed freezing EU membership negotiations with Turkey because of the Turkish government’s actions against the press and the opposition after the failed July coup. Soini says during his recent visit in Ankara he emphasised that there are two possible directions for Turkey to take – Europe or the Middle East – and that the EU would like the country to come their way.

Media:  YLE Uutiset

Date: 16.1.2017

Journalist: Petri Raivio

Summary:

Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini says that Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit speech was clear and streamlined, and diminished speculations. Mr Soini considers it important that the negotiations are carried out with no hard feelings or revenge mentality and that the aim is to reach the best possible solution for Finland, the EU, and Britain. Prime Minister Juha Sipilä highlighted the fact that Britain is willing to maintain trade relations with the EU. Mr Sipilä also found it important that Prime Minister May emphasised Britain’s willingness to cooperate with the EU in security policy and anti-terrorism activities.

Summary:

Finnish President Sauli Niinistö says that defence cooperation in the EU should be taken as far as possible, but he does not advocate a confederation but rather an agreement on defending the EU. Mr Niinistö does not believe Russia would try to influence the Finnish presidential election, like it is suspected of doing in the United States. He praises Sweden and other European countries for their eagerness to engage in bilateral Russia politics and believes Finland has shown the way in the matter.

Media:  Helsingin Sanomat (E-edition) 

Date: 15.1.2017

Journalist: Marjukka Liiten

Main source: President Sauli Niinistö

Summary:

Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini says Europeans should not be worried about recent statements by US president-elect Donald Trump. Mr Soini considers it very unlikely that Europe and the US diverged from each other as it would be very unprofitable for both. He believes the greatest possible free trade between the EU and the US is the advantage of both. Mr Soini is not worried that the US will withdraw from European defence structures, but believes that European NATO countries will increase their defence spending.

Media:  Helsingin Sanomat 

Date: 16.1.2017

Journalist: Pekka Mykkänen