Summary:

Helsingin Sanomat reports that the President of Finland Sauli Niinistö strongly criticised the state of the European Union in his speech at the Annual Meeting of Finnish Heads of Missions. He said that the EU’s problem is mostly political as decision-making and implementation were both ineffective. There is room for improvement, he finds. President Niinistö added that the Union should also be able to outcome difficult times. Moreover, he pointed that the lack of trust in European leaders is a genuine risk if it continued to grow. Mr Niinistö said that the EU should focus on the basics and take care of the citizens’ daily lives and security. Foreign Minister Timo Soini agreed with President Niinistö’s criticism.

Media:  Helsingin Sanomat

Date: 23.8.2016

Journalist: Karoliina Liimatainen

Main source: President Sauli Niinistö