Finnish, Dutch PMs discuss European security, prosperity

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and acting Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte met in Helsinki on Thursday and discussed various bilateral and international issues including measures to guarantee European security and economic success, said an official press release.

They also discussed the topics of the June European Council, which will include support for Ukraine, security and competitiveness and senior appointments to EU institutions.

Orpo emphasised the importance of providing fast and effective military assistance to Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russia’s illegal attacks and fighting for the security of all of Europe.

“We must guarantee that Ukraine has a comprehensive capacity to defend itself in the short and long term. Finland strongly supports the swift adoption of the fourteenth package of EU sanctions against Russia,” said Orpo.

The prime ministers also discussed measures to improve and safeguard European competitiveness.

“Returning to the normal state aid rules and ensuring a fair single market based on genuine competition are crucial for the EU’s competitiveness. Deepening the EU Capital Markets Union also plays a key role in increasing investment in Europe,” said Orpo.

The Netherlands is a close ally and an important trade and investment partner for Finland.

The countries have many similar interests when it comes to both security and the economy. There is still great potential for growth in bilateral trade relations in areas such as the clean transition and the hydrogen economy.

On 17 June, the members of the European Council will meet for the first time to discuss senior appointments to EU institutions following the European Parliament elections.

In Orpo’s view, the new Commission should start its work as soon as possible in order to guarantee the operational capacity of the EU. With this in mind, the European Council should already agree on senior appointments at its meeting on 27–28 June.

Orpo thanked Rutte for the Netherlands’ strong support in developing the EU’s comprehensive security and preparedness union, which is one of the key objectives of Finland’s EU policy.

The prime ministers’ discussions also touched on the NATO Summit in Washington, D.C. 9–11 July, which will focus on strengthening the Alliance’s deterrence and defence and on NATO’s strong support for Ukraine.

While in Helsinki, the Dutch Prime Minister also met with President Alexander Stubb and took part in the Kultaranta Talks.