Government Communications Department
28.10.2022
Press release
In their meeting on Friday 28 October, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the Finnish Defence Forces’ participation in international exercises.
Finland’s decision to apply for NATO membership, deepening bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation, and the fundamental change in the security environment following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine affect the foundations of international exercises. This change requires active and deepening international exercise cooperation, which will also strengthen Finland’s defence and regional security.
The President and the Committee decided that Finland will prepare to participate in the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).
The President and the Ministerial Committee also discussed Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the security situation in Europe, and had a preliminary discussion on the priorities for civilian and military intelligence in 2023.
Inquiries: Piritta Asunmaa, Director General, tel. +358 295 350 353, Marja Liivala, Director General, tel. +358 295 351 727, Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Janne Kuusela, Director General, tel. +358 295 140 300, Harri Ohra-aho, Ministerial Adviser (military intelligence), tel. +358 295 140 039, Ministry of Defence; Teemu Turunen, Deputy Director (civilian intelligence), tel. +358 295 480 131, Finnish Security Intelligence Service