Leaders of EU member states have gathered in Brussels for a two-day extra summit.
The topic of the meeting will be Foreign Relations and Competitiveness on Wednesday and the Internal Market on Thursday. The Prime Minister is representing Finland in this meeting Peter Orbo (Coke).
The Council of Europe strongly condemns Iran's airstrike on Israel on Saturday in draft resolutions seen by Finland.
EU leaders call on all parties to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions in the region. The European Union is preparing for new sanctions against Iran, which will specifically apply to unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles.
When Arbo came to the meeting, he spoke about the criticism of the situation at the frontline in Ukraine. He said that he is going to address the meeting.
“We need to talk about the fact that the EU and EU member states need to do more to help Ukraine quickly. Ukraine needs anti-aircraft weapons and ammunition.”
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky Condemned earlier in the week Iran attacks Israel. He also noted that the severity of Russia's attack requires the solidarity of the West.
“By defending Israel, the free world has shown that solidarity is not only possible, but 100% effective,” Zelensky said.
He pointed out that Israel's air defenses have almost completely repelled Iranian missile and drone strikes.
“Even if you can't operate the way you do in Israel, all we ask of our partners is that you give us what we need. We will do the rest,” Zelensky said.
Before the summit Orbo was asked what kind of thoughts Zelensky's comments evoked. He replied that they were very thought provoking.
“If we can't provide proper air defense to Ukraine, let's see what happens there now. Russia is capable of destroying infrastructure, energy plants, attacking civilian and military targets. Eyeless destruction. Yes, the message has gone out. This is what we're going to talk about today,” Orbo said.
However, he said he would not equate the situation between Israel and Ukraine. Because of the long war, Ukraine's situation is different from Israel's.
“I think this example shows what can be done. That's why more needs to be done.”
Competitiveness is Finland's top priority
On the second day of the meeting, EU leaders will discuss, above all, the competitiveness of the Union and the internal market.
Former Prime Minister of Italy Enrico Letta He has prepared a report on competitiveness, which he will present to managers on Thursday.
Do you think the meeting will have enough time to discuss this big topic?
“Tomorrow is reserved for that after all. We've talked about competitiveness with almost everyone [huippukokouksessa]. For Finland, this is a top priority in developing the next Commission's agenda.”
Orbo said he attended the Six Leaders' meeting in Warsaw last week, where there was much talk about the EU's competitiveness.
“The debate is always ongoing. Fortunately, it's not the only one [kokous].”
President of the European Commission Ursula van der Leyen He will visit Lappeenranta on Friday. The purpose of the visit was to understand the situation on Finland's eastern border.
Von der Leyen travels from Brussels to Lappeenranta with Orbo.
What are you going to discuss with van der Leyen on the way to Finland on Thursday?
“Of course I will talk about the border, the situation in Eastern Finland. The border is closed, the Iron Curtain has practically descended on it. In addition, I will talk about our goals for the EU's strategic agenda.”
