Prime Minister Juha Sipilä on Wednesday said Brexit did not lead to the disintegration of the European Union; rather it drew the Union closer together.

Speaking at parliament on current European Union agenda, he also addressed six areas that he considers key and in many ways critical to the success of the European Union in the years to come, according to a government press release.

“I dare to say that right now the European Union is stronger than before the UK’s referendum on EU membership. Brexit did not lead to the disintegration of the European Union; rather it drew the Union closer together,” said the prime minister, adding, “it forced us to look in the mirror and think what the Union has to offer to the Member States and their citizens and businesses.”

He said the last 18 months have shaken the European Union perhaps harder than ever before in its history. After Brexit, the existence and legitimacy of the whole Union were called into question.

He also wanted a Union where citizens have new opportunities for cultural and social development and economic growth.

“We are also aware that the European Union is facing unprecedented challenges, both global and domestic: regional conflicts, terrorism, growing migratory pressures, protectionism and social and economic inequalities,” Sipilä added.

He focused six areas where the EU needs to work more closely. The areas include: security and defence cooperation in the European Union, need for migration policy that creates stability, EU based on well-functioning Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), necessity for an ambitious climate policy, promoting a trade policy defending open and free trade and further development of the social dimension of the EU.

He said the government works actively and takes initiatives in EU policy and is in the front line of exerting influence.

“The government’s EU policy is based on national positions adopted well before decisions are made in the EU. It allows Finland to have influence at all levels of EU decision-making and at the same time take account of our national interests and special circumstances,” said the prime minister.