Presidential Forum discussed Finland's foreign policy challenges and opportunities

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen hosted a discussion on foreign and security policy at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, 8 May 2007. The theme of the third Presidential Forum was Finland, Europe and the world - Finland's foreign policy challenges and opportunities.In her opening address, President Halonen noted that NATO is an important partner for Finland especially in crisis managent and our national defence benefits from this cooperation. “I never felt that we would in the ‘entrance hall’”. According to President Halonen, Finland retains the decision about a move to the ‘waiting room’ “and “then it is for others to decide if we can move move further from there”.

President Halonen opened the third Presidential Forum that discussed foreign policy. Photo: Lehtikuva

According to President Halonen, the membership of the European Union and active participation in the Union action are in the mainstream of our foreign policy. “The Union’s policy is based on the will of the Member States, and thus, it is not worth for anyone to just go with the flow”, President Halonen stated.

President Halonen said that the ‘reflection break’ of the European integration development is worryingly quiet and she foresaw that the problems on achieving a new founding treaty will increase the pressure for the closer cooperation between smaller Member States.

The coordination of foreign policy is working well

During the discussion of the Forum, many current issues were raised, such as the coordination of Finnish foreign policy in case of the statue dispute in Estonia. President Halonen emphasised that the Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister were in contact with the President during this dispute and their approaches were similar.

The Presidential Forum also discussed the definition of security, new security threats, human security and the role of the media in foreign and security policy.

People from different parts of society - political decision-makers, civil servants, researchers, representatives of civil society and the media – were invited to participate in the Forum.

In addition to President Halonen, speakers included Minister for Foreign Affairs Ilkka Kanerva; Professor Raimo Väyrynen, the director of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs; OSCE Special Representative Eva Biaudet; and Major Mika Kerttunen, head teacher of strategy at Finland's National Defence College. Mr Tarmo Ropponen served as moderator.

Two Presidential Forums were arranged in the autumn of 2006. Their themes were the competitiveness of Finnish work and skilled and innovative Finland.

The Presidential Forum was held at the Presidential Palace, in the Hall of State. Photo: Lehtikuva