Finland's participation in the EU battle groups' standby period next year

Government Communications Unit
Press Release 322/2010
27 October 2010

On Wednesday, 27 October, the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the placing of two Finnish military detachments in a high state of readiness as part of the EU’s battle groups’ standby period between 1 January and 30 June 2011. A government report on the matter will be submitted to Parliament

As of the beginning of 2011, Finland will participate in two EU battle group standby periods. In addition to Finland, also Estonia, Ireland and Norway will participate in the battle group led by Sweden. The battle group led by the Netherlands will comprise Finland, Germany, Austria and Lithuania. Approximately 300 soldiers will be kept in readiness. An infantry company will participate in the battle group led by Sweden and a special operation task group in the battle group led by the Netherlands.

The meeting also discussed external relations issues to make part of the European Council meeting on 28-29 October.


Inquiries: Teemu Tanner, Director General, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5032 , Hannu Ojala, Lieutenant Commander, Staff Officer, Ministry of Defence, +358 9 1608 8175, and Outi Holopainen, Head of Unit, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5480