European Coalition for Civil Preparedness and Resilience to meet in Helsinki: Russia is the most serious security threat to Europe

Ministers responsible for internal security and preparedness (or their deputies) from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden will meet in Helsinki on 16 April to discuss how the EU can prepare for security threats and various crises. Sauli Niinistö, former President of Finland, and Hadja Lahbib, the EU Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, will deliver the opening addresses.

EU-level preparedness cooperation is being promoted by a coalition of ministers from 11 countries that was established in spring 2025. Now meeting for the third time, the European Coalition for Civil Preparedness and Resilience focuses on matters including the importance of risk and threat assessments, the protection of critical infrastructure and the role of civil-military cooperation. Joint EU preparedness is more important than ever.

“Russia is the most serious security threat to Europe. This threat is existential and does not concern only frontline countries. Its impacts are felt across Europe,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen, who is chairing the meeting.

“Alongside military preparedness, we must further strengthen preparedness across society. Preparedness and internal security are an essential part of our defence capability. Action at the EU level can deliver significant added value and improve the Union’s ability to address situations affecting several member states,” says Minister Rantanen.

Comprehensive security and preparedness form a broad policy area that is still taking shape within the EU and many of its member states. Its development calls for cooperation, coordination and resources. If the EU fails to prepare, any future crises could become increasingly challenging. The preparedness perspective must be closely integrated into regulation and legislative drafting.

Harnessing the lessons from Ukraine

The security environment has undergone a profound, long-lasting change, and Russia’s large-scale war of aggression against Ukraine remains the most significant factor affecting Europe’s security. It is crucial, also for Europe’s own security, that the EU maintains its strong support for Ukraine for as long as is necessary. The conflict in the Middle East also has far-reaching implications for security in Europe.

At their meeting, the ministers will also discuss the need to harness Ukraine’s experiences of Russia’s war of aggression. Among other things, Ukraine has developed innovative solutions for protecting civilians and has special expertise in using and countering drones.

“Drones represent a new kind of threat to the security of Finland and the EU. The civilian authorities are also responsible for preparing for this threat. To counter drones, we need new powers, technical systems and expertise,” says Minister Rantanen.

Inquiries:
Kimmo Kohvakka, Director General for Rescue Services, tel. +358 29 548 8400, firstname.lastname@gov.fi 
Laura Yli-Vakkuri, Director General, tel. +358 40 720 2216, firstname.lastname@gov.fi