Keynote by Prime Minister Orpo at the Hanaholmen Initiative Summit on 12 November 2024

Muutokset puhuttaessa mahdollisia / Check against delivery.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are meeting today here in Hanaholmen at a critical moment. Our security is being put to the test in so many ways. It is therefore my great honour to be here today. 

I am happy to say that cooperation between Finland and Sweden is at a level we have never seen. And Nordic cooperation is more important than ever before.

The presidential election in the United States is now behind us. The anticipation is over. During his first term, President Trump said that Europe must do more for its own security. Since then, we have delivered, but there is still more we could do. During his second term, President Trump will require Europe to do even more. I agree. 

I have said for a long time that the European Union needs to do more, and work faster, for its own security and to deepen defence cooperation. Finland has done and will continue to do its share. 
Russia is the most significant and direct threat to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. It is using conventional, cyber and hybrid means, including disinformation and instrumentalised migration, against us.

Defence, comprehensive security and strategic competitiveness. This is the priority list for the European Union now and in the near future. We must continue to support Ukraine and invest in strategic competitiveness. A strong economy is the cornerstone of our security.  

We need to be better prepared for all kinds of threats. We need to move from reacting to being proactive. 

Preparedness requires a long-term approach. The recent Safer Together report by former President Sauli Niinistö highlights security as the foundation for everything we do. It focuses on the importance of maintaining safety through preparedness. 
We need to start seeing the EU’s role differently.  

The EU needs to adopt an all-hazards, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to preparedness. Finland will continue to promote this policy area in the EU. We appreciate Sweden’s support in this effort. At the joint meeting of the governments of Finland and Sweden this September, we decided that we will continue to enhance our cooperation also in this area. 

We need a comprehensive EU Risk Assessment. We need to define the vital functions of government and society at the EU level. This must include a vision for the EU’s role in preparing for and responding to external armed aggression. 

The aim of the assessment is clear: the EU must be prepared to make decisions and respond effectively in times of crisis. 

The preparedness of the private sector is vital. Effective public-private partnerships play a key role here. We also need to find ways to build concrete EU-NATO cooperation. The EU must assess how a major military threat might impact us and what the EU’s role would be. And once we have built a framework for preparedness, we need practice. Practice reveals the gaps in our plans. 
We must involve the people in this work. Preparedness is an attitude. Building awareness and agency will take time, but it plays an essential part in securing our societies.

Economic growth requires stability. Preparedness is a key part of providing a secure investment environment. Smart investment in our preparedness will minimise the cost of non-preparedness. 
Preparedness at the EU level is about more than just a safety net. It represents our commitment to protecting our citizens, values, and societies under all conditions.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s call for “new ambition on crisis and security preparedness” highlights the need for united action. We trust that it will continue as the new Commission starts its work. In the end, preparedness is built through actions, not words. The people in this room understand this better than most. 

I want to use this opportunity to thank you for gathering around this topic. You want to learn more, and do more, for comprehensive security in Finland and in Sweden. 

The bond between Finland and Sweden is strong and unique. We share common values and ways of thinking and doing. There is no issue we cannot resolve together. Keep up the excellent work you are doing to make sure our societies are prepared for all scenarios. 

Thank you.