Joint EU crisis preparedness helps support preparedness in all Member States

The civil preparedness ministers of the Nordic countries, Baltic States, Poland and Ukraine met in Vilnius on 6 September to discuss the current situation and common challenges. Items on the agenda included warning the population, civil defence shelters and mass evacuations across borders. Finland was represented at the meeting by State Secretary Antti Salminen.

“At the same time as we take national measures, we must also take into account the EU perspective. At the EU level, there is still much room for improvement in protecting the civilian population,” said State Secretary Salminen.

“Civil defence shelters are an important and long-term investment in Finland’s comprehensive security. Finland and Finnish businesses have a lot of expertise and good practices related to civil defence, which we are happy to share with other EU countries,” said Salminen.

Finland's proposal for Preparedness Union Strategy gains wide support in EU

Finland has proposed creating a Preparedness Union Strategy for the EU. The proposal has received broad support, and the European Commission has undertaken to prepare a Preparedness Union Strategy. 

From Finland's point of view, the most important objective of the Preparedness Union is to improve the preparedness of the EU and its Member States, which is also in the national interest of Finland and all Member States. 

Inquiries:
Pauliina Eskola, Director of Rescue Services, Accident Prevention and International Cooperation, tel. +358 295 488 263, pauliina.eskola@gov.fi