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Prime Minister Orpo and Federal Chancellor Merz highlight importance of European security

Finnish Government

Government Communications Department Publication date 27.5.2025 11.01 | Published in English on 27.5.2025 at 16.24

Type:Press release

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and newly elected Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz focused on European security when they met for discussions on Tuesday 27 May. Federal Chancellor Merz visited sunny Turku at the invitation of Prime Minister Orpo.

At the press conference after the meeting, Prime Minister Orpo noted that Germany is a very important partner for Finland from a political, economic and security standpoint. "Germany and Finland have a long history and a shared vision for the future of Europe," Prime Minister Orpo said.

Merz and Orpo held their bilateral meeting aboard the museum ship Suomen Joutsen. Topics on the agenda for the meeting included current EU and international issues and bilateral relations between Finland and Germany.

"Germany is at the heart of European security. Its role in supporting Ukraine has been vital. Germany's recent decision to significantly boost its defence spending represents a historic turning point for Europe as a whole," said Prime Minister Orpo.

"Together, we will ensure the security of the Baltic Sea and Europe's eastern border. This is not just in the interests of Finland and Germany, it forms the foundation for stability in Europe," said Prime Minister Orpo.

The leaders agreed to intensify their cooperation on security and economic issues even more ambitiously than before.

"We decided to deepen our strategic cooperation in areas such as energy policy and the use of hydrogen, the defence industry, digital technologies such as 5G and 6G network solutions, and the protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region," said Prime Minister Orpo.

The leaders also discussed a variety of topical EU issues. According to Prime Minister Orpo, Europe is facing enormous challenges.

"Now more than ever, Europe needs leadership and a common will to strengthen its competitiveness and defence. I am confident that Germany, as a large Member State, has the will and ability to find solutions that will strengthen the EU," said Prime Minister Orpo.

The venue for the meeting between Prime Minister Orpo and Federal Chancellor Merz, the frigate Suomen Joutsen, was built in France for use as a freighter in 1902. It was sold to Germany in the 1920s. In 1930, Finland acquired the vessel for use as a naval training ship. It has been used as a museum ship since 1991.

Federal Chancellor Merz also attended the working dinner of the Nordic prime ministers at Turku Castle on Monday evening.