Request by France concerning mutual assistance; written procedure of the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs

In a written procedure on Tuesday, 17 November, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discussed a formal request submitted by France to other EU member states to express solidarity with France in the fight against Europe's common enemy. The request is based on the mutual assistance clause (article 42.7) of the Treaty of the European Union.

The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs noted that the EU is a security community, whose importance is highlighted in a situation where Europe is facing a threat. The mutual assistance clause is of strong significance both politically and in principle, and is an expression of the member states' solidarity towards each other.

The Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs outlined that Finland is prepared and willing to show solidarity with France in accordance with and in the spirit of the EU treaties.  Finland will act as it would hope other member states to act towards it and will assist France by any means in its power. The matter will be reconsidered after France has presented a more concrete request.

Inquiries: Kare Halonen, State Secretary, EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 315, Anna-Kaisa Heikkinen, Special Adviser (International Affairs), tel. +358 40 7483 867, Jari Haapiainen Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 406 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office

English translation of the press release published on 18 November 2015