President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö attended a meeting of the Arraiolos Group of European presidents in Portugal on 5–6 October 2023. This year, the meeting focused on the war in Ukraine, as well as the security in Europe and the challenges of the future.
At the press conference at the end of the meeting, President Niinistö stated that the European spirit was present in the discussions. He said all participants agreed that we need a stronger Europe to meet the challenges of today. “Part of our strength is the capability of unity. Europe must have a common voice and a common will.”
According to the President, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine has showed Europe’s capacity for unity, and it will continue to do so in the future. “The support for Ukraine continues. Ukraine must have a just peace that it accepts.”
In addition to Ukraine, unity is also needed in other areas. “We have daily news about climate change and even court cases dealing with it. I think the European Union has a solemn task here. We are leading the fight against climate change, and we must continue to do so.”
The President also raised the issues of artificial intelligence, quantum technology and cybersecurity. “It is very obvious that the one who is number one in these issues has a lot of power in his or her hands. Let us lead Europe.”
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President Niinistö and President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa met and held bilateral discussions before the start of the Arraiolos meeting in Porto on Thursday 5 October 2023. Photo: Riikka Hietajärvi/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal, the host of the meeting, welcomed President Niinistö to the venue. Photo: Riikka Hietajärvi/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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This year, the Arraiolos Group meeting was attended by 13 EU presidents. Photo: Riikka Hietajärvi/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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The meeting focused on European security and the war in Ukraine. Photo: Riikka Hietajärvi/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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According to president Niinistö the European spirit was present at the Arraiolos meeting. Photo: Office of the President of Portugal
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The presidents held a joint press conference after the meeting. Photo: Riikka Hietajärvi/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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At the press conference president Niinistö called for a stronger Europe. Photo: Riikka Hietajärvi/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Sauli Niinistö attended the meeting of the Arraiolos Group of European presidents for the last time, which is why he was invited to give a speech at a gala dinner hosted by President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Photo: Miguel Figueiredo Lopes/Office of the President of Portugal