Summary:

Finland wants to examine carefully the meaning of Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s proposal of a joint headquarters for EU military missions, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä says. As such, Finland supports intensifying defence cooperation in the EU and has proposed e.g. greater cooperation in research related to the military field. Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini says the EU should concentrate on practical problems in foreign and security policy. He sees no future for an EU army but says yes to cooperation in e.g. security of supply.

Media:  MTV – Finland

Date: 14.9.2016

Journalist: Juha Kaija

Main source: PM Juha Sipilä, Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini