Madam Minister, Finland shares a 1,300-kilometer border with Russia. A country that according to the American president is being run by a war criminal – how nervous is that making you right now?
We have a war in Ukraine, a war in Europe, it’s terrible. As far as our border with Russia is concerned, however, we in our government are fully capable of acting and not restless. However, it is understandable that there is growing unrest in parts of our society. But we have prepared for such a crisis situation, we have done so since the Second World War. Because we know what Russia is like, and now everyone knows how cruel Putin can be.
Finland has been trying to mediate between the West and Moscow for a long time, in 2018 Helsinki hosted a Russian-American meeting, and that didn’t help in the end either…
No, we are not neutral, so we are not an intermediary either. We are clearly part of the western sphere and, above all, a member of the European Union. When we became a member of the Union, that was also a security policy decision. The Union offers us security, which is very important, especially in the current situation, when we are discussing the strategic compass that is intended to define the EU’s strategic security and defense goals.
But who will help Finland defend itself against Russia should the worst happen? After all, you are not a member of NATO.
Our own defense forces are very powerful, we invest heavily in defense. We always prepared for the worst. This includes not only defence, but also security of supply for energy, agriculture or medicines. And for decision-makers in society there are courses lasting several weeks to learn what to do in the event of a conflict. We are prepared.
But even that won’t be enough?
Of course we understand that we can’t do it alone. For a while, but in the end we need help. That is why the European Union plays a very important role for us. Above all, the mutual assistance clause in the EU treaties.
You speak of Article 42, paragraph 7, which states: “In the event of an armed attack on the territory of a Member State, the other Member States shall owe it all the assistance and assistance in their power.”
Yes, that is something very specific for us. We want to put this into concrete terms in the strategic compass. At least that’s a start. We know that the EU will never be a military union and the mutual assistance clause is not the same as Article 5 in NATO. It is not a guarantee of security. But it means mutual support and we expect to get it.
But that doesn’t mean it’s military support.
It can also be military support, which is important to us. But it’s not a guarantee. We now want to develop this clause further.
Finnish EU policy has long been shaped by a desire to advance the EU’s common defense policy. Are you disappointed that before this war it hadn’t gotten that far?
Can’t say disappointed. But it has to be said that for a long time it was only France and Finland that talked about a common European defense. Now we are happy to see that many others are also talking about it. Europe must become stronger as a unit. NATO is another question.
In recent weeks, polls have revealed a huge shift in sentiment in your country – more Finns want to join NATO than ever before. There is still no majority in politics, will that change soon?
We are considering becoming a member. The discussion in society is very heated and the change of opinion in the country is absolutely historic, a turning point. I understand that very well, my constituency also borders on Russia and I am approached by restless citizens. But we remain pragmatic, patient and unyielding. We have therefore initiated a discussion process in politics, the outcome of which is open. It is possible that there is a membership application at the end.
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