Prime Minister Orpo to host EU commissioners in Helsinki

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has invited Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Henna Virkkunen and the commissioners reporting to her to Finland on 20–21 February. Prime Minister Orpo and the commissioners will discuss current EU affairs and international issues on Thursday, 20 February.

Virkkunen will be accompanied by Commissioners Andrius Kubilius (defence and space), Magnus Brunner (internal affairs and migration), Ekaterina Zaharieva (startups, research and innovation) and Michael McGrath (democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection). In the Commission that began work in December 2024, these commissioners are responsible for areas that are of key interest to Finland, such as technological self-sufficiency, security and democracy.

“My Government has made determined efforts to promote the objectives of Finland’s EU policy. These efforts involve establishing a strong connection with the new Commission at the very beginning of its term. I am very pleased that we have this opportunity to meet with key commissioners in Helsinki to discuss the priorities and necessary reforms for Europe in the current geopolitical situation,” says Prime Minister Orpo.

During their visit, the commissioners will also meet with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and with the Finnish ministers relevant to their areas of responsibility: Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen, Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen, Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie, Minister of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman, Minister of Justice Leena Meri and Minister for European Affairs Joakim Strand.

The commissioners will also visit the Merihaka civil defence shelter in Helsinki and the Finnish Border Guard’s patrol vessel Turva.

Inquiries: Tuomas Tikkanen, Senior Adviser to the Prime Minister in European Affairs, tel. +358 40 523 5768, Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser for EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 444, and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office