Transatlantic relations on agenda at European Council

Transatlantic relations on agenda at European Council

The members of the European Council held an informal meeting on Thursday 22 January. Topics on the agenda included recent developments in transatlantic relations, the role of the European Union, and actions needed in the changing geopolitical situation. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo represented Finland at the meeting.

"Finland supports the right of self-determination of the Greenlandic people and the Kingdom of Denmark. Only Greenland and Denmark can decide on matters concerning Greenland. The United States, Denmark, Finland and other NATO member countries have shared security interests in the Arctic region. As Allies, we must also be able to resolve disputes in a spirit of cooperation," said Prime Minister Orpo.

"The EU aims primarily to resolve these matters through negotiations, but all EU instruments are available to respond to pressure if necessary. We are united on this issue. That is the clear message from our meeting," said Prime Minister Orpo.

The European Council also discussed the Ukraine peace process and efforts to bring an end to Russia's war of aggression. Finland is strongly committed to supporting Ukraine and its reconstruction and is open to various funding solutions to support Ukraine and achieve a just and lasting peace.

"Ukraine continues to require our immediate attention and all our support. We must be able to respond together to both to the long-term threat posed by Russia and the need to improve security in the Arctic region and Greenland. The EU and NATO play a key role in this work," says Prime Minister Orpo.

Inquiries: Tuomas Tikkanen, Senior Adviser to the Prime Minister in European Affairs, tel. +358 40 523 5768, Elisa Tarkiainen, Special Adviser for EU Affairs, +358 50 595 7751 and Lauri Heikkinen, Senior Communications Specialist, tel. +358 46 923 5090, Prime Minister's Office