Prime Minister Orpo stresses importance of European unity in Budapest

Prime Minister Orpo stresses importance of European unity in Budapest

Heads of state or government from across Europe discussed international security challenges at the meeting of the European Political Community in Budapest, Hungary, on Thursday 7 November. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo represented Finland at the meeting. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also in attendance.

Prime Minister Orpo called on Europe to show strong unity in a tense international situation and to continue its unwavering support for Ukraine.

"Europe must assume a greater responsibility for supporting Ukraine. We must also strengthen our own defence - and we must do so quickly," said Prime Minister Orpo in Budapest.

Referring to the recent debate on the status of Ukraine, Prime Minister Orpo spoke to the international media about the 'Finnish model'. "Finland is a member of NATO and a member of the EU. We support Ukraine in its fight against Russia's aggression. This is the model the Ukrainians are fighting for," said Prime Minister Orpo.

The European leaders also discussed economic security and migration in smaller groups. Prime Minister Orpo was part of the group that focused on economic security. In the discussion, Orpo emphasised the need for Europe to improve its competitiveness.

"Europe needs reform. We need to strengthen our strategic competitiveness and make sure we remain an attractive target for investments," Orpo said.

In connection with the meeting, Prime Minister Orpo also met for bilateral talks with several colleagues, including Prime Minister of the UK Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof, President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu and President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović.

Inquiries: Tuomas Tikkanen, Senior Adviser to the Prime Minister in European Affairs, tel. +358 40 523 5768, Marja Koskela, Diplomatic Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 978, Elisa Tarkiainen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 50 433 4533 and Marko Ruonala, Project Manager (Communications), tel. +358 50 522 8233, Prime Minister's Office.