Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini believes that if the EU cannot agree on issues, member states will start limiting the number of asylum seekers, and Finland is no exception to this. Minister Soini told news agency STT that also Finland could set a daily limit to the number of asylum seekers arriving in the country in the future. According to him, Europe cannot withstand the current situation for long. So far, at least Austria, Slovenia and Croatia have set daily limits to asylum seekers.

Media:  Keskisuomalainen 

Date: 2.3.2016

Journalist: STT

Main source: Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini

HS writes that in this government term, foreign and security policy has become as important as financial policy in Finland. The EU is crumbling: first the euro crisis, then the asylum seekers and soon the UK votes on EU membership. Russia has become an unpredictable neighbour and the international situation has become more complicated. So far, the Sipilä government and President Sauli Niinistö have collaborated well in foreign and security policy. The government has let the President take the role of the leader in the sector. The policy will be in focus later this year as the government showcases its foreign and security policy report to the Parliament. Also in the EU, financial issues have become less important as foreign and security policy concerns have been on top of the agenda.

Foreign Affairs Minister Timo Soini commented on the military drill to be held this spring, in which US army vehicles will also participate. According to Minister Soini, Finland does not aim to show off. However, he pointed out that Finland has always been very keen to defend itself. When asked what kind of message the US army vehicles’ visit would send to Russia, Minister Soini said that the message is that Finland takes care of its own defence and looks after its competence. According to Minister Soini, Finland’s collaboration with the United States has increased but Finland is still in charge of its own defence.

President Sauli Niinistö decided to bring clarity to the blurred discussion regarding military drills with the US on Wednesday. He said that the drills to be held this spring are technical and related to military skills, which develop Finland’s ability to defend the country. According to President Niinistö, they play no part in Finland’s view on NATO operations or Finland’s foreign policy. Finland’s security policy position is determined in so called Crisis Management Exercises, in which NATO partners’ position in relation to NATO is determined. « As NATO partner, we secure Finland’s territorial integrity. It is and will be the political content of Finland’s military drills », he added.

According to Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö, the refugee situation in Europe is as bad as it looked at the beginning of the year, Maaseudun Tulevaisuus writes. « The almost chaotic situation in Southern and Central Europe has led to each country introducing their own measures, which might not be in line with international agreements, » he said. Turkey and Germany have suggested that NATO would help in the crisis. President Niinistö thinks it could be the most effective solution but its compatibility with international agreements will be discussed.

Media:  Maaseudun Tulevaisuus

Date: 24.2.2016

Journalist: Riitta Ryynänen

Main source: President Sauli Niinistö