Verkkouutiset reports that a recent foreign and security policy statement by the National Coalition Party proposes that Finland should apply for NATO membership in the next few years. According to the statement, a broad interpretation of the EU’s mutual assistance clause is an advantage for Finland. At the same time, it must be remembered that the EU is not a defence alliance. The EU does not have a credible military capability to plan and command required by a common defence. These capabilities will not be created since 22 of the 28 member states are NATO members.

Media:  Verkkouutiset

Date: 26.5.2016

According to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Timo Soini, the future of the European Union is at stake due to possible Brexit, refugee and euro crises and tense relations with Russia, among other things. « I’m not a fan of the EU, but I don’t enjoy this situation, » the Minister said on Monday at a foreign policy seminar. According to Mr Soini, EU does not need more integration but decision-making close to the people who have lost their faith in the Union. The Minister supports closer collaboration between EU and NATO, and wants joint actions from the Union towards Russia.

Media:  Turun Sanomat

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met his Finnish counterpart Timo Soini (Finns) on Tuesday. Mr Zarif, whom the article calls the « pin-up boy of international politics », said that Iran will not negotiate its missile program with the US. He said that the interest in Iran is huge, but that the banks’ operations are the only obstacle. Iran is interested in Finnish expertise in transport, cleantech, agriculture and information technology. Mr Zarif dodged the questions about Iran’s democracy, the status of minority peoples, such as Arabs, Azeris and Kurds. Mr Soini said in general terms that Finnish companies should consider the human rights issues. « Companies have social responsibility. If human rights are not in order, it is harmful for business in the long run. This will be addressed at national and EU level, » said Mr Soini. He described Mr Zarifet as « moderate, sharp and very professional ».

Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö has commented on Finland’s foreign and security policy in YLE’s Ykkösaamu. President Niinistö said he would organise a referendum on Finland’s possible NATO membership. He thinks it would be such a major change in Finland’s foreign policy that the people must have their say in it. President Niinistö thinks referendums are part of democracy.

Media:  Helsingin Sanomat (E-edition) 

Date: 29.5.2016

Journalist: Eeva Palojärvi

Main source: President Sauli Niinistö