Basis for further preparation of report (VN)

The basis for further preparation of the 2004 Government Report to Parliament on Finnish Security and Defence Policy was discussed at the meeting of the President of the Republic and the Security and Defence Policy Ministerial Committee on Thursday, April 15.

The process of creating a rapid-response military force for the EU, begun during the Irish Presidency, was also discussed at the meeting. EU rapid-response capability was first mentioned in the documents of the Helsinki Summit in 1999.

Finland will be exploring options for the creation of rapid-response resources enabling Finland’s participation in EU rapid-response forces. Potential partners for forming a rapid-response unit will also be investigated.

Further information on preparation of the Report: Permanent State Secretary Risto Volanen, Prime Minister’s Office, tel. +358 (0)9 1602 2006

Further information on the EU rapid response resources: Head of Unit Elina Kalkku, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 (0)9 1605 5481 and Ministerial Adviser Heikki Savola, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 (0)9 1608 8175

Government Information Unit Press release 124/2004

15 April 2004