New EU Ambassador Jori Arvonen: Voice of Finland in the thick of things
Jori Arvonen has taken up his post as Finland’s new EU Ambassador in Brussels. He assumes control of the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU at a time when the EU is facing multiple great changes and challenges. Arvonen has years of experience in prominent EU duties, mainly while stationed in Helsinki; now, he is excited to get into the thick of things in Brussels.
“It is great to have the opportunity to do this work in Brussels just now as the new session of the European Parliament has started, the Commission appointment process is under way and a new programme period begins. It is an excellent moment to be starting, because many things are beginning, and there is plenty of scope for having an influence,” says Arvonen.
But the times ahead are not easy. The EU is facing multiple considerable challenges, including geopolitical tensions, economical competitiveness pressures, climate change and migration. Shared solutions must be found to all of these, and the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU will play a significant role in shaping them.
Hit the ground running
Arvonen’s first days in Brussels have been busy, his calendar full of important meetings. On his very first day, he was invited by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, to attend a breakfast meeting of Coreper II delegates, i.e. Permanent Representatives, to discuss the EU’s coming five-year period and Commission appointments. The first proper Coreper meeting in the middle of the week was where Arvonen met his new colleagues and began discussing the agenda for the autumn.
Finland’s EU priorities in a changing world
Finland’s EU priorities stem from major issues affecting all of Europe, such as support for Ukraine and a broad concept of European security that covers both North and South. “Security, economic competitiveness and responding to climate change are key issues for Finland. It is important that we consider Europe and the world not just from our own northern perspective; we also have to understand, say, the security challenges of southern Europe and collaborate to resolve them.”
Another key goal is reinforcing European competitiveness, for which Finland is actively seeking new approaches. Arvonen explains that Finland has clearly defined priorities at the EU, including development of the internal market and supporting innovations. Finland has a number of specific focus points derived mainly from the structure of our economy, our climate and our geographical location, the latter in terms of security implications and also our remoteness from our principal markets. “These issues are being addressed together with other Member States. It is important that Finland’s special interests, such as forestry, the circular economy and the bioeconomy, are considered in EU decision-making.”
Childhood dream job morphed into international career path
Arvonen has travelled a long road to become Finland’s EU Ambassador. Born in Salo in Southwest Finland, Arvonen told his mother in childhood that he wanted to become the office manager at Salora, the TV factory based in Salo at the time. But that was not where the road took him. Arvonen developed an interest in international affairs in upper secondary school, being captivated by foreign news on a daily basis. This interest eventually took him to the University of Turku, and around the same time Finland joined the European Union. “Studying with Professor Esko Antola fostered a huge interest in EU affairs in me, and in 1996 I got my first job in Brussels, at the European Parliament.”
Ambassador enjoys cooking
Although his new job at the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU is demanding, Arvonen considers it important to balance work and leisure. He has a number of leisure pursuits, including tennis, golf, riding, running and swimming. “Cooking is a pastime that benefits my family as well. I’m the one who cooks meals in our household.” Arvonen anticipates visiting the various markets of Brussels, with their wealth of produce.
Young people wanted for EU careers
There has been a lot of public debate in recent years about how young people should seek out EU careers to fill the gaps left by retiring boomers. Arvonen, too, encourages young people to consider the EU as a career path and to find out what the European Union has to offer. “There are now more opportunities for international careers than when I was a student. Working at the EU has unique potential not only for promoting Finland’s interests but also for influencing the great issues of our time at a global level.”
Having a job at the EU means having the potential for influencing many of our shared challenges. Arvonen believes that many young people are keen to be able to have a say in the climate, education and research policies of the EU. “Working at the EU is an opportunity to work with like-minded people from all 27 Member States. It is truly fascinating to be able to work together to tackle shared challenges.”