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First of all I would like to thank my friend, Minister Petteri Orpo for his warm welcome and hospitality.
I also want to take this opportunity to warmly thank, on behalf of the European Commission, Finland’s contribution to Europe’s response in managing the migratory crisis.
Finland has not only played a constructive role in formulating our common European approach for dealing with the crisis, but it has also taken a number of concrete actions.
For example, when the relocation scheme was launched last year, Finland was one of the first EU Member States to welcome refugees from both Greece and Italy.
This morning, we have in particular discussed the pressing situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and our cooperation with Turkey, but also how we can prepare if migration routes change.
On that note, the Minister informed me of the particular challenges that Finland is facing with migration.
Specifically, we discussed the migratory developments along the so-called ‘Artic route’.
Finland has reported the arrival of over 1,000 migrants since the beginning of the year at the two most northern border crossing points with Russia.
Needless to say, the Commission, in cooperation with Frontex, is closely monitoring the situation.
Finland can count on our support.
The existing EU-Russia readmission agreement is an important tool in this context.
We also discussed Dublin, in view of the Commission’s plans to reform the system.
With the Minister, we also agreed on the necessity to safeguard Schengen and to regain control of our external borders.
The Commission’s proposal for a ‘European Border and Coast Guard’ is a concrete solution to deal with this challenge and I count on Finland’s continued support for making this proposal a reality.
In a few weeks, the Commission will also launch the ‘smart borders’ package, which will include many innovative ideas on how to better secure our external borders.
I would like to thank Finland for its contribution to the pilot project run by EU-lisa that figured as a preparation for our upcoming proposal.
Finally, we also discussed security issues and notably the fight against terrorism as well as the legislation on firearms.
Finland is also confronted with the challenge of Foreign Terrorist Fighters, and I welcome the steps taken by Finland to address the problem of radicalisation.
On firearms, we need to strike the right balance between the legitimate interests of hunters, sport shooters or collectors, and the security of EU citizens and the Commission.
Dear friends,
Finland is an important partner in the European approach towards better managing migration and addressing shared security concerns.
The challenges we face today are not only felt in the South or in the North – they are felt everywhere in Europe.
That is why I am pleased to be here today and I would like, once again, to thank the Minister for inviting me to Helsinki and I look forward to our even closer cooperation on all issues of common concern.