Prime Ministers of Finland and Ireland stressed importance of EU unity and continuous support to Ukraine
Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Taoiseach, Prime Minister of Ireland, Micheál Martin met in Helsinki on Friday 8 April. The main topics in the discussion were the EU’s actions to end Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, support to Ukraine, and the economic and energy situation in Europe.
The discussion stressed the important role of the unity of the EU and the West in condemning Russia’s actions and assisting Ukraine. Support to Ukraine must continue for as long as necessary now that Ukraine is defending itself against Russia’s attack and, after that, to rebuild the country. Sanctions against Russia have been strong, they will be tightened even further, and they will affect Russia’s capabilities.
The Prime Ministers stressed that, because of the actions Russia has taken, it is justified to exclude the country from international forums in order to further increase the pressure to put an end to the war. It is also important to combat Russia’s disinformation and hybrid influence activities. The truth must be told about Russia’s illegal military aggression against Ukraine.
Prime Minister Marin told her colleague about the report on changes in the current security environment that discusses Finland’s foreign and security policy. The report will be submitted to Parliament during April.
The Prime Ministers also discussed the best ways to help people fleeing from the war in Ukraine. Under the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive that has now been activated, protection can be granted quickly to Ukrainians without conducting an individual asylum investigation. The Temporary Protection Directive also allows transfers of those covered by temporary protection from one Member State to another.
Also on the agenda was the role of the green transition in phasing out the use of fossil energy from Russia, and the importance of diverse sources of energy in the current situation. Finland and Ireland strongly support the ambitious climate policy of the EU.
In addition, the Prime Ministers discussed the consequences of Brexit and the importance of honouring the EU-UK withdrawal agreement.
During his visit, Taoiseach Martin also met with President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö.
Inquiries: Jari Luoto, State Under-Secretary for European Affairs, tel. +358 50 468 5949, Lauri Voionmaa, 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