Military crisis management operations discussed at the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy

Government Information Unit

Press release 156/2005
20 May 2005




On Friday, 20 May, the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed Finland's participation in military crisis management operations in the near future, the Memorandum of Understanding on the EU battle group established by Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Norway, and military flight training.

In the near future, Finland's participation in military crisis management operations will, on average, remain at the same level as over the recent years. Finland will continue to contribute in a significant manner in the Western Balkans. In 2006-2008, the main crisis management challenge will be the creation of capabilities for rapid reaction within the EU.

The Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, on the battle group established by Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Norway lays down the principles governing the formation and operation of the Nordic battle group. The memorandum defines the objective, structures, principles, decision-making procedures and security arrangements for cooperation under the battle group. The memorandum is not a treaty. The Memorandum of Understanding will be signed by the Defence Ministers of the represented countries in connection with the meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on 23 May. The Nordic battle group will be in readiness during the first half of 2008.

Poland has made a preliminary request with regard to Finland's possibility to provide language and military flight training for Polish pilots. Training could be offered in Kauhava as a joint venture between the Finnish Air Force and Finnish aviation industry. The project would be economically viable and in line with principles and regulations governing the activities of the Finnish Defence Forces. The intention is to begin negotiations provided that the Poles are interested in the suggested arrangement.

Further information: Kimmo Lähdevirta, Head of Unit, tel. +358 9 160 55480, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Olli-Pekka Jalonen, Head of Unit, tel. +358 9 160 88154 and Jari Takanen, Counsellor, tel. +358 9 160 88258, Ministry of Defence