Skip to content
Media
Valtioneuvosto frontpage

Prime Minister Rinne’s statement about his telephone call with Prime Minister Johnson

Government Communications Department
Publication date 5.10.2019 16.54 | Published in English on 5.10.2019 at 19.53
Press release 501/2019

Prime Minister Antti Rinne had a telephone conversation today with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The call was made at Johnson’s initiative.

Prime Minister Rinne made the following comments about the conversation:

“I spoke today with Prime Minister Boris Johnson about the Brexit situation at Johnson’s initiative. Prime Minister Johnson described the current situation in the United Kingdom and provided his assessment of the conditions for negotiations with the EU Commission.

I responded by stating Finland’s position, which is that it is important that the UK has now put forth written proposals for alternative solutions to replace the previously negotiated withdrawal agreement. I remarked that the proposed solutions do not ensure the upholding of the Good Friday Agreement, the unity of the EU and a well-functioning internal market. The proposals will also be assessed from a legal standpoint by the EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and his team. Barnier has the full support of the EU27 in his work.

I told Johnson that it is important to find a solution within a week so that the matter can be dealt with properly at the October European Council. Johnson stated that he agreed with the timetable and understood that the conditions I presented regarding upholding the Good Friday Agreement, maintaining the unity of the EU and ensuring a functional internal market are a prerequisite for a solution. I said that I would discuss the situation with Barnier during the weekend.”

Inquiries: Jari Luoto, State Under-Secretary to the Prime Minister in EU affairs, tel. +358 50 468 5949

 
Back to top