Finnish government discussed the EU´s Common Security and Defence Policy

Government Information Unit
Press release 361/2003
3 December 2003

On Wednesday, 3 December 2003, the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the Articles on Common Security and Defence Policy within the EU's Constitutional Treaty.

Finland's objective is the joint development of the EU's Security and Defence Policy applicable to the Union as a whole.

Finland's objectives in the IGC negotiations deal with the wording of the obligation regarding mutual assistance whereby such assistance and decisions on the kind of assistance must be left to each Member State to determine. The assistance could also be of a type other than military and it would be provided subject to the consent and cooperation of the recipient country.

Finland can, in principle, accept the Articles and Protocol on the development of military crisis management capabilities, or structured cooperation, although their wording should be further considered in a manner that would improve the openness of the cooperation.

Further information: Markus Lyra, Director-General, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 160 55032