Prime Minister Sipilä: Together with Norway we can set an example of cooperation

Bilateral relations, Arctic issues and the situation in Ukraine, as well Brexit, other topical EU affairs and the Finnish Presidency of the EU Council were the main topics of the bilateral discussions between the Prime Ministers of Finland and Norway Juha Sipilä and Erna Solberg. The two Prime Ministers met in Helsinki on Friday 25 January in connection with the Nordic climate meeting.

In addition the Prime Ministers discussed the implementation of rule of law in Europe.

“Respect for the rule of law is at the heart of our societies, both in the Nordic countries and in the whole of Europe. However, right now our key values are facing serious threats. In difficult times it is important for like-minded nations, such as Finland and Norway, to defend the rule of law in Europe. We must be persistent and innovative as we look for solutions to these challenges”, Prime Minister Sipilä says.

Supporting the single market of the European Union is one of the priorities for Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU. Digitalisation is an important element for even better functioning of the single market.

“I have been very pleased to see how Norway has been active in promoting cooperation among the Nordic and Baltic countries in digitalisation. Together we can show leadership and set an example of well-functioning cooperation”, Sipilä says.

As a non-EU member Norway is still part of the single European market. 

Inquiries: Jani Raappana, Special Adviser (international affairs), tel. +358 295 160 306 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office