Finnish Minister of Defence Jussi Niinistö is unhappy with Finland’s ability to give military assistance to France in the fight against terrorism. Mr Niinistö thinks that the Finnish reserve troops, which will join the EU Battle Group next year, will be used to merely support professional soldiers after real work is done. There is also uncertainty over who is responsible for the costs of operations. Mr Niinistö says that Finland does not have laws about the surveillance of civilians who are potential security threats, and that such laws could be in conflict with the constitution, making the legislative process slower. The terrorist attacks in France show that Finland also needs these laws.
- Media: Aamulehti + liitteet (E-edition, PDF)
- Date: 19.11.2015
- Journalist: Aulis Alatalo
- Main source: Minister of Defence Jussi Niinistö