PM highlights role of security in development of EU

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and other EU Heads of State or Government on Thursday met for a discussion on the next EU Strategic Agenda in Warsaw, said a government press release on Friday.

In addition to Orpo, the Prime Ministers of Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Poland and Spain attended the dinner meeting.

According to Prime Minister Orpo, the exchange of views focused mainly on European security and defence, competitiveness and the EU’s common values. These are also important priorities for Finland when it comes to developing the Union.

“Europe must be able to respond to rapid changes in the international operating environment. We need to support Ukraine over the long term and strengthen our defence industry in order to guarantee our security. We must improve Europe’s resilience to crises,” said Orpo.

Orpo also highlighted Finland’s other key objectives for the development of the EU, especially the need to deepen the single market, speed up the clean transition and promote the circular economy and bioeconomy.

The meeting was held at the invitation of European Council President Charles Michel. It was hosted by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Orpo also met with the newly elected Taoiseach of Ireland, Simon Harris.

During the spring, the European Union will decide on its key priorities and objectives for the next five-year period 2024–2029.

These will be outlined in the Strategic Agenda, which is to be adopted in June after the European Parliament elections. The Strategic Agenda will also have an impact on the programme for the next Commission.

The EU Heads of State or Government will next meet for a Special European Council on 17–18 April in Brussels.