"Finland bears global responsibility"

The President of the Republic of Finland, Tarja Halonen, reminds in her New Year’s Speech that Finland cannot observe world events from the sidelines. "Finland is, and should be, involved in building a more just world. This is morally appropriate and also in our own interests." According to President Halonen, in today’s world, peace, security and welfare of people are indivisible. Finland has to bear global responsibility for wellbeing of both people and the environment. As examples of this, Halonen highlighted international migration, climate change and crisis management.

There is still a lot to be done to make welfare society fairer also in Finland. President Halonen, for example, emphasized in her speech the importance of gender equality, elderly care, lifelong learning and coping at work.

"Finland is a small nation and can only compete with quality. This calls for expertise and creativity. People of all ages, whatever their regional and social origins, must have equal access to education and training. - - people who are already working have the opportunity to improve their professional skills and knowledge. Attitudes are also important in helping people cope. We can all play a part in making everyone feel that they are valued and meaningful members of their workplace community."


Satisfied with EU Presidency

In her speech, President Halonen thanked the Finns on the success of the EU Presidency. "During Finland’s Presidency, the EU presented a more unified front than before in external affairs. We also helped attain many decisions that will have a favourable impact on the everyday lives of Europeans. I feel that Finland has every reason to be satisfied with our EU Presidency."

According to President Halonen, with Finland’s membership in the EU, the whole of the EU has become our neighbourhood. "The Member States of the Union are not regarded as foreign countries in a traditional sense any more. EU matters have become part of our everyday lives, and people can move about freely within the EU."

“Finland has excellent relations with the Nordic countries and with our immediate neighbours Estonia and Russia. I consider it important to continue improving neighbourhood cooperation. Renewing the Northern Dimension partnership is a welcome development”, President Halonen said.

The New Year’s Speech of the President of the Republic of Finland also dealt with the 90th anniversary year of Finland’s independence and democratic development. President Halonen thanked the Finland’s generation of war veterans for defending our independence and rebuilding our country. In addition, she urged all Finnish citizens to take an active role in the spring parliamentary election that commemorates the 100th anniversary both of universal suffrage and of Finland’s Parliament.

Full text of the speech