Finland prepares for the Atalanta operation

Government Communications Unit
Press Release 273/2010
14 September 2010 

On Tuesday, 14 September, the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed Finland's participation in EU military crisis management through the deployment of a naval vessel to the EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta conducted off the coast of Somalia and the adjacent maritime areas. Finland is preparing to participate in the operation with minelayer Pohjanmaa and a total of 120 soldiers during the first half of 2011.

The European Union Naval Force Somalia - Operation Atalanta was launched on 8 December 2008 off the Somali coast. The operation supports the UN Security Council resolutions. The mandate of the Atalanta operation is to protect World Food Programme (WFP) and other shipments. It also contributes to help deter, prevent and repress acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. The EU Atalanta operation is part of the international community’s comprehensive efforts to stabilise the situation in Somalia.

The meeting also discussed the launching of the work of the High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability (GSP) announced by the UN Secretary-General. The Secretary-General has invited President Tarja Halonen to act as Co-Chair to the Panel.

The discussion also touched on the European Council meeting which will be held on 16 September and focus on the EU's strategic partnerships.

Inquiries: Finland’s participation in the EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta: Teemu Tanner, Director General, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5032, Outi Holopainen, Head of Unit, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5480, and Helena Partanen, Defence Counsellor, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 9 1608 8135; UN High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability: Hannu Kyröläinen, Ambassador, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 6033