Niinistö to write EU report on civilian, defence readiness

Former President Sauli Niinistö will write a report on how to enhance Europe's civilian and defence preparedness and readiness.

European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement from a joint press conference with Niinistö in Brussels on Wednesday.

“I asked you, dear Sauli, to write a report on how to enhance Europe's civilian and defence preparedness and readiness. In many ways, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has shuttered many illusions: the illusion that peace is permanent,” von der Leyen said.

She also said that Europe has a lot to learn from Finland.

“It is a specific mind-set, and I believe we should adopt it more widely in Europe. This is why I am very glad, dear Sauli, that you agreed to write the report on how to enhance Europe's civilian and defence preparedness and readiness,” she added.

She also said that Putin's ambition does not end in Ukraine, to the contrary: Putin speaks about his ‘historical mission'. And this is all too familiar to the Finnish people.

She said that Finns have learnt to live in close proximity to such an unpredictable and aggressive neighbour.

“And this has deeply shaped your society. Of course, Finland has always maintained strong defence. But in Finland, defence preparedness is not just the military's concern, it is everyone's concern. It is in fact a matter for the whole society. Your country has a comprehensive civil defence strategy so that Finnish people can be prepared for all emergencies, including military, hybrid threats and natural disasters,” the EC President added.

Niinistö said that peace is a fundamental aspect of human life and asserted that a stronger Europe is less likely to be attacked.

"I have been advocating for a strong European defence for decades, saying that we need a more European NATO," Niinistö said, adding, "now it's really time to wake up."