Government submits Report on Internal Security to Parliament

On 11 September, the Government submitted its Report on Internal Security to Parliament. According to the report, the international security situation is having an increasingly significant effect on Finland’s internal security. This change puts a strong emphasis on the preparedness of security authorities.

“Finland’s security environment has changed fundamentally. Police, border control, civilian intelligence and rescue services play key roles in guaranteeing Finland’s security. Internal security authorities are the first to respond to any serious non-military external and state-sponsored threats that we may face. It is vital to keep this in mind when making decisions on maintaining Finland’s security,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

These kinds of threats include hybrid threats, instrumentalised migration, hostile intelligence or influence activities, international terrorism and organised crime. Security authorities must also be prepared for long-term incidents and emergencies, during which society must be able to protect the civilian population. This helps ensure that vital functions of society can operate without interruption. High-quality everyday security services lay the foundation for responding to more serious incidents.

The report focuses on changes in Finland's security environment. The report describes what the new security environment requires from security authorities and from cooperation between authorities. The report builds on the previously published Government Report on Finnish Foreign and Security Policy and Government Report on Defence Policy.

The Ministry of the Interior led the drafting of the Government Report on Internal Security. The process involved collaboration between government ministries and internal security authorities. It also included consultations with key stakeholders.

The next stage is that Parliament will issue a position on the government report. The report and position will together form the key guidelines for Finland’s internal security policy in the coming years.  

Inquiries:
Requests for interviews with Minister Rantanen, media.sm(at)gov.fi, tel. +358 50 555 5035
Matti Sarasmaa, Permanent Secretary, tel. +358 295 418 804, [email protected]