Minister of the Interior Rantanen meets Sweden’s Minister for Migration Forssell and Minister for Civil Defence Bohlin

Finland’s Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen and Sweden’s Minister for Migration Johan Forssell met in Helsinki on Wednesday 23 April. Later the same day, Minister Rantanen also had a meeting with Sweden's Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin in Espoo.

Finland and Sweden to tighten their migration policy

At their meeting, Ministers Rantanen and Forssell discussed the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, the reception of asylum seekers, and the promotion of returns.

“Finland and Sweden are currently taking very similar steps in tightening their migration policy. It is valuable that we are like-minded in this regard, as together we can influence the contents of EU policy. It is now important that the EU continue its work to prevent the submission of unfounded asylum applications and to return illegally staying non-EU nationals, particularly when it comes to criminals and persons posing a security threat,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

Both Finland and Sweden are currently outlining their positions on the European Commission's proposal for a regulation aiming to make the EU's return policy tighter and more effective.

Sweden is an important partner for Finland in civil preparedness and emergency planning

On Wednesday 23 April, Minister Rantanen also met with Sweden's Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin. The Ministers discussed the letter of intent concerning the joint planning of the protection of the civilian population that Finland and Sweden signed last autumn. The objective is to improve the conditions for protecting the civilian population in a serious crisis, armed attack or threat of an armed attack. 

“In the current security situation, we must work together to strengthen our civil preparedness and emergency planning. The work has got off to a good start,” Minister Rantanen says.

At their meeting, the Ministers also discussed other topical issues, such as the Preparedness Union Strategy recently published by the European Commission and the protection of critical underwater infrastructure.

Sweden is an essential partner for Finland in matters related to civil preparedness, emergency planning and rescue services. Finland's bilateral cooperation with Sweden also supports other cooperation with the Nordic countries, the EU and NATO.

Inquiries:
Minna Hulkkonen, Director General, tel. +358 295 488 600, firstname.lastname@gov.fi (migration)
Wivi-Ann Wagello-Sjölund, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 488 640, firstname.lastname@gov.fi (civil preparedness)