Government Security and Defence Policy Report submitted to Parliament

On Thursday 20 December, the Government submitted to Parliament a report on Finnish security and defence policy 2012. The Government Security and Defence Policy Report is built on the comprehensive concept of security, in accordance with the Government Programme. The Report gives special attention to themes in which significant changes have occurred since the previous report issued in 2009.

The Security and Defence Policy Report lays the foundation for guiding Finland’s policy to advance Finland's interests and goals. The focus of the Report extends into the 2020s. It analyses the changes and trends in the international operating environment, Finland’s security policy guidelines, defence development and action to secure the vital functions of society.

The most important functions of Finland’s security and defence policy are safeguarding Finland’s independence, territorial sovereignty and society’s basic values, advancing the security and well-being of the population and sustaining the functioning of society. Finland’s security policy encompasses both actively creating security and anticipating and repelling threats.

Finland’s security is built on good bilateral relations, a strong influence within the European Union and broad-based cooperation with other states and international actors. Finland participates in international burden-sharing and problem-solving together with the development of viable global governance.

Finnish Security and Defence Policy 2012

Inquiries: Olli-Pekka Heinonen, State Secretary, tel. +358 9 1602 2006 and Antti Vänskä, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister, International Affairs, tel. +358 9 1602 2068, Prime Minister's Office