Prime Minister Orpo in Copenhagen: Europe is fending off the threat from Russia

The EU’s strong support for Ukraine and the security situation in Europe were the main topics on the agenda at the seventh meeting of the European Political Community in Copenhagen on Thursday 2 October. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo represented Finland at the meeting.

Support for Ukraine was the focus of the meeting’s plenary session, where President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also in attendance. President Zelenskyy said that Europe must respond to Russia’s actions by doing the opposite of what Russia expects: acting together and with strength.

“Next, it is extremely important that we move swiftly with the use of immobilised Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine. By using these funds, we could ensure that Ukraine receives the support it needs in 2026 and 2027,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

The other main themes of the meeting were the security situation in Europe and building a stronger Europe in a challenging geopolitical situation.

“In the discussions, I pointed out that Russia will continue to pose a threat for a long time to come. Supporting Ukraine is the best way to invest in European security. I highlighted the need to strengthen European defence, especially in the countries on the eastern flank. This view is widely shared,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

Prime Minister Orpo also called attention to Russia’s recent hybrid attacks and emphasised the importance of close cooperation between European countries in responding to them.

In connection with the meeting, Prime Minister Orpo also had several bilateral meetings. Prime Minister Orpo and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed support for Ukraine and security in the Baltic Sea region. Prime Minister Orpo also met with President of Moldova Maia Sandu and congratulated her on the outcome of the country’s parliamentary elections, which shows the Moldovan people’s strong commitment to democracy. They also discussed Moldova’s path to EU membership. The main topics of discussion in Orpo’s meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof were European security and the EU’s next multiannual financial framework.

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