Prime Minister Orpo promotes Finland’s EU policy priorities in Stockholm

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen met in Stockholm on Friday 19 January. In the discussions, the prime ministers highlighted issues they would like to see promoted during the next EU parliamentary term.

Finland’s policy priorities for the 2024–2029 EU parliamentary term are the following: strengthening Europe's strategic competitiveness, improving comprehensive security and promoting a clean transition, the bioeconomy and the circular economy.

“We had an excellent discussion. This meeting shows that we are united and strongly committed to solving problems,” Prime Minister Orpo said at a press conference after the meetings. 

Prime Minister Orpo emphasised that Europe must continue its ambitious military support to Ukraine, and stressed the urgent need for a decision on the next financial support package planned for Ukraine. 

“We also have to increase the capacity of the European defence industry and boost our production of ammunition,” the Prime Minister said. 

“In Finland, we can sleep soundly at night, we are well prepared. However, all EU and NATO countries should also be prepared for all possible scenarios,” Prime Minister Orpo said.

In Finland’s view, investing in European security is something the EU should focus on in its programmes for 2024–2029. During the discussions, Prime Minister Orpo highlighted Finland’s well-functioning comprehensive security model. Another key issue for Finland is promoting strategic competitiveness.

“Strategic competitiveness means strengthening our economic base, developing a more dynamic single market based on free movement, ensuring fair competition and improving our ability to conclude trade agreements,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

Discussions also touched on the clean transition and the opportunities offered by clean energy, the bioeconomy and the circular economy, as well as forests, all of which are important for Finland and Sweden. Prime Minister Orpo, Prime Minister Kristersson and Commission President von der Leyen learned more about these themes on their visit to the Stora Enso Innovation Centre.