European responsibility in times of crisis highlighted during Minister Tuppurainen’s visit to Bratislava

On 3 June, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Tytti Tuppurainen travelled to Bratislava, where she participated in the GLOBSEC 2022 Bratislava Forum, one of Europe’s leading conferences on security policy. The programme for her visit also included several high-level meetings.

“Finland attracted a great deal of interest in Bratislava because of our application for NATO membership and our recent win at the Ice Hockey World Championship,” Minister Tuppurainen said.

At the GLOBSEC Forum, Minister Tuppurainen took part in a panel discussion on the theme of ‘European Responsibility in Time of Crisis’. Her visit also included meetings with European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, Slovakian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Richard Sulík and Slovakian State Secretary for European Affairs Martin Klus. The discussions focused on the importance EU cooperation and the EU’s ability to function in times of crisis. EU defence cooperation, support for Ukraine, energy policy and the importance of the Union’s common values featured prominently on the agenda.

“Finland and Slovakia are close partners. We are united by our commitment to supporting Ukraine and developing the single market based on our common values,” Minister Tuppurainen said.

“In my meeting with Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, I highlighted Finland’s objective of further deepening the EU’s single market. The EU must remain united with regard to the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, irrespective of the war in Ukraine. Finland has consistently supported the European Commission in its activities,” Minister Tuppurainen said.

The discussions highlighted the importance of all forms of support to Ukraine and addressed the global impacts of Russia’s invasion. The situation has accelerated the global ‘battle of narratives’ and the spread of disinformation, meaning that the EU must make a strategic commitment to ensure that Russia’s responsibility for the war it has started is emphasised appropriately. Russia’s attack on Ukraine has also demonstrated the importance of work to promote the common values of the EU. Common values lay the foundation for the Union’s resilience to crisis.

With regard to energy policy, the discussions focused on the Commission’s REPowerEU plan published on 18 May, which, in Finland’s view, provides a good basis for the EU to break free from its dependence on Russian energy.

Minister Tuppurainen also thanked her Slovakian colleagues for their support in Finland’s NATO membership process.

During the day, Minister Tuppurainen also met with Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti. 

Inquiries: Saara Pokki, Special Adviser, tel. +358 50 478 6363, Prime Minister’s Office