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Prime Minister Orpo highlights importance of strengthening European defence and security at eastern border in letter to EU leaders

Finnish Government

Government Communications Department
Publication date 17.10.2025
Type:Press release

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen outlining Finland's EU policy objectives with regard to security and defence. In the letter, Prime Minister Orpo called for quick, resolute action to strengthen European defence and enhance security at the eastern border.

Prime Minister Orpo pointed to the growing security threat posed by Russia and stressed the need for Europe to respond. The EU leaders will discuss efforts to strengthen European defence at the European Council meeting in Brussels next week. On Thursday 16 October, the Commission presented a new Defence Readiness Roadmap that will guide the work to strengthen European defence by 2030.

"The Commission's plans are based on its recognition that Russia poses a persistent threat. This is an important starting point for strengthening our shared defence. The Commission's efforts are well in line with Finland's objectives. The focus of European defence must be on the eastern frontline, where we are responding to threats concretely. Europe must prepare for a long-term strategic confrontation," said Prime Minister Orpo.

The flagship projects presented in the Commission's roadmap - the European Drone Defence Initiative, the Eastern Flank Watch and the European Air Shield - are welcome developments with respect to Finland's priorities. Prime Minister Orpo also highlighted the importance of learning from Ukraine's experiences and innovations as Europe develops its defence.

"Finland has a strong, central role to play in strengthening European defence. We can also offer our own expertise in building solutions at the EU level. In Finland, the Defence Forces, Border Guard and police work in close cooperation," Prime Minister Orpo said.

Prime Minister Orpo stressed the need to strengthen the European defence industry and ensure technological self-sufficiency.

"Europe must invest in its defence industry and research. We need to ramp up ammunition production quickly, develop our ground forces and invest in cutting-edge technology. This is both a question of security and an economic opportunity," said Prime Minister Orpo.

Finland supports the Commission's proposal to significantly increase the amount of funding for defence in the next financial framework and would like to see funding targeted specifically at the countries on the eastern border.