Sauli Niinistö, Finland’s President considers France’s plea for military assistance by utilising the EU Security Guarantees a considerable initiative. All EU member states approved the plea, including Finland. According to Mr Niinistö, Finland will help France in all possible ways. However Finland cannot by law send armed military personnel, but police assistance is possible. Mr Niinistö believes that EU’s joint security and defence will proceed, but he does not believe that things will change quickly and the idea of an EU army is still very distant.

• Media:  Helsingin Sanomat
• Date: 17.11.2015
• Journalist: Heidi Lämsä
• Main source: President Sauli Niinistö