Summary:

According to president Sauli Niinistö, Russia and Nato have this week continued the dialog that began from ensuring secure flights above the Baltic Sea and both parties are widening the discussion to more general security issues. Mr Niinistö points out in a blog entry that flight security above the Baltic Sea has been a cause of concern for Finland and that even small steps to improve security are positive. Nato’s secretary general Jens Stoltenberg has kept Mr Niinistö up to date on the latest developments.

Media:  Satakunnan Kansa 

Date: 18.9.2016

Journalist: STT

Main source: President Sauli Niinistö

Summary:

Finland’s and Sweden’s Ministers for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini and Margot Wallström have commented on the defence cooperation between Sweden and Finland in an op-ed in Helsingin Sanomat on Monday. The ministers state that Finland and Sweden are stronger together and that it is natural for the neighbouring countries to increase cooperation in foreign and security policy as cooperation advances stability. According to Mr Soini and Ms Wallström, cooperation will be strengthened through joint efforts in security policy and diplomat exchange.

Media:  STT Mediapankki 

Date: 12.9.2016

Journalist: STT

Main source: Ministers for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini and Margot Wallström

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

Summary:

Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini says the recent Nato report ordered by the Swedish government is a reminder that Swedish solutions are carefully monitored also in Finland, as the countries share a security environment. Mr Soini is not sorry that the report does not tie together Sweden’s and Finland’s possible Nato membership like the Finnish Nato report did and points out that both countries would make their decisions independently. Mr Soini also commented on the report’s view that an intensification of the defence cooperation between Sweden and Finland would also include risks for Sweden. Mr Soini does not see any major risks for Finland, and he emphasises the importance of cooperation in training.

Summary:

Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini says the EU should make sure that relations with Turkey do not become too inflamed because of disputes. According to Mr Soini, the EU should demand Turkey to respect human rights and state of law but avoid unnecessary confrontation. Turkey should be kept close for reasons relating to the economy and security policy. According to Mr Soini, membership negotiations between the EU and Turkey are currently in a bad state and Turkey will not become a member of the EU at least in 20 years. The minister is concerned about Turkey’s motives in the war in Syria.

Summary:

Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini emphasised the role of international cooperation in fighting off threats in a speech at the National Safety Survey seminar in Helsinki on Tuesday. According to Mr Soini, Finland’s strategy is not isolation and the government actively seeks to utilise the possibilities offered by international cooperation to improve security. Mr Soini also referred to the refugee crisis, stating that Finland will take care of its responsibilities as part of the international community but that the country’s possibilities to offer asylum are limited. According to the Minister, Finland is not only morally obligated to give development aid and act as peace keepers and conflict solvers in crisis areas but it also benefits from these actions in the long term.

Summary:

Ilta-Sanomat reports on Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini’s speech at the Annual Meeting of Finnish Heads of Missions. According to Mr Soini, he does not believe in deepening integration nor does he hope for EU’s demise. Regarding Russia, he said that Finland must not turn its back on Russia. There are still no alternatives for implementing the Minsk Agreement. He says that Finland is not planning to apply for Nato membership, but keeping the option open improves the Finnish security.

Media:  Ilta-Sanomat

Date: 22.8.2016

Journalist: Mika Lehto

Main source: Foreign Minister Timo Soini

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.