Government Communications Department
17.11.2015
PRESS RELEASE 611/2015
In a written procedure on Tuesday, 17 November, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed a formal request submitted by France to other EU member states to express solidarity with France in the fight against Europe’s common enemy. The request is based on the mutual assistance clause (article 42.7) of the Treaty of the European Union.
The President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy noted that the EU is a security community, whose importance is highlighted in a situation where Europe is facing a threat. The mutual assistance clause is of strong significance both politically and in principle, and is an expression of the member states’ solidarity towards each other.
The President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy outlined that Finland is prepared and willing to show solidarity with France in accordance with and in the spirit of the EU treaties. Finland will act as it would hope other member states to act towards it and will assist France by any means in its power. The matter will be reconsidered after France has presented a more concrete request.
Inquiries: Timo Kantola, Deputy Director General, tel. +358 295 351,477