Improving comprehensive security in Europe

The security environment in Europe has changed dramatically. Finland, through its active influence efforts, has succeeded in putting security at the top of the EU’s agenda. Security and preparedness are important priorities for the new Commission, which began its work in 2024.

The EU must strengthen its resilience and preparedness for many kinds of crises and hybrid threats. Each country is responsible for its preparedness, but measures at the EU level can bring significant added value to national preparedness and improve the Union’s capability to respond to situations affecting several Member States. Improving the level of preparedness in the EU Member States also strengthens Finland’s security.

Developing preparedness is a new policy area in the EU that is still in its early stages. Finland has a good opportunity to influence the form it will take. Finland’s initiative represents a shift in how we think about security: security aspects must be taken into account in all policy areas. In line with its comprehensive security model, Finland’s view is that different actors have a role to play in preparedness. The Finnish model for comprehensive security means that public authorities, businesses, organisations and citizens work closely together to safeguard the vital functions of society. Finland hopes that the EU will also adopt a comprehensive approach to security.

EU Preparedness Union Strategy expected in spring 2025

Finland has proposed drawing up a Preparedness Union Strategy for the EU, and the initiative has been met with broad support. The European Commission is expected to issue the strategy in spring 2025.

The report of former President Sauli Niinistö on strengthening Europe’s civil and military preparedness and readiness published in October 2024 provides a good basis for this work. In his report, President Niinistö also calls for preparedness across all areas of society. The report stresses the importance of a shared, coordinated situational picture of the threats.

Once the Preparedness Union Strategy has been adopted, the Commission will propose concrete measures and initiatives to improve preparedness throughout the EU.

Better coordination and cooperation

Preparedness in the European Union covers all sectors and society as a whole. With this in mind, it is important to ensure that different parties can work together smoothly and coordinate their activities at both the national and EU level. The present scattered structures and tools should be brought together into a coherent EU policy that is stronger than the sum of its parts.