Speeches
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen's speech at the Finnish National Defence University 8.3.2024
Speech by Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen at the Finnish National Defence University to the students of the General Staff Officer course in connection with the visit of German Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius on 8.3.2024.
Arvoisat Maanpuolustuskorkeakoulun opiskelijat ja henkilökunta - Minister Pistorius –dear Boris,
We are living dangerous times. The world order – as we know it - has changed permanently.
Numerous events are taking place around the globe at the same time. The dormant crises in the Middle East has erupted to full blown violence.
Immigration from Africa keeps challenging the unity of the European Union. There are growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region – mainly stemming from North Korea’s unpredictable policies and China-Taiwan relations.
The presidential campaign season in America resonates globally.
Amid all these challenges, it may seem difficult to put them in order. However - for us, the Finnish people, this is not complicated.
Russia –with its’ current regime – is the primary security challenge for Finland. No question about it. To be frank – this has always been the case.
Russia’s policies for the last 15 years have been aggressive and confrontational. Russia has challenged the west with concealed and open operations with the aim to disrupt western societies and underestimate the rule-based world order.
In its military operations in “near abroad” Russia has created a zone of frozen conflicts and blatantly used military force in its’ neighbors’ areas.
There is a pattern in Russia’s behaviour. The full scale invasion of Ukraine was just the peak of this development. Minister Pistorius will most likely touch this topic a bit deeper in a minute.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine started a chain reaction of events that are still unfolding.
For us Finns – the change has been astronomical. Joining Nato meant a radical shift in our security thinking.
For decades we have been preparing to defend Finland by ourselves - with our own means.
On the positive note - this means that on comparison with our size - we still possess relatively large wartime defence and comprehensive security system that covers almost all fields of society.
On the down side, we have always been painfully aware that alone, our defence – no matter how successful – will not be sufficient in the long term in a conflict such as the war in Ukraine.
This is where Nato comes in the picture.
As a full-fledged member of the alliance, we can now anticipate and expect that in case of a military aggression, we will have the whole Euro-Atlantic community supporting us in our defence.
The same goes – without saying – with our support to other members.
According to recent ABDI poll, astonishing 91% of the Finnish population is willing to defend another Nato-member in case of an aggression.
We, as a member, like to think that we are not security consumers but rather also a security provider.
We intend to continue the development of our defence and take it very seriously.
We also think that we are able to bring something for the allies.
In the field of military, we have one of Europe’s largest training areas with ample free airspace and live firing possibilities – located in the world’s most demanding environment and conditions.
We also think that we are able to bring in the alliance our knowledge how to wage war in the Arctic.
Outside the military field, our system of comprehensive security could serve as a model for alliance’s resilience.
We have been able to engage the public sector and private enterprises to cooperate in resilience and safeguarding the critical functions of the society. This goes both with legislation and daily operations.
Even though there is a lot to do in this field – we feel that our society is relatively well prepared for crises situations.
The security situation in Europe is tense. Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to the alliance will also affect the strategic balance.
The importance of Nato’s northern flank will increase.
At the same time events outside of Europe may change and distract attention away from Europe.
Thus, we Europeans must stand up. The war in Ukraine cannot end in Russia’s favour.
We cannot and we must not rely solely to the US, to guarantee Europe’s security.
We – of course - do need the US and its’ role is critical.
However – the only way to ensure American involvement in European affairs is to demonstrate our own willingness to contribute. Germany has an important role to play in this.
As a major European power, Germany can be an example for all others. Germany has announced substantial increase in defence spending and is boosting her defence industrial production.
Germany’s leadership, along with France and the UK would be most welcomed in Europe at these difficult times.
Whilst Finland and the Nordic countries are adjusting to the new strategic situation in the High North, we seek partners and stakeholders in the new Nato presence in the area.
Although we understand and recognize Germany’s future major deployment in the Baltics and central east Europe, we still see a role for her also in the North. Even a modest presence would serve as a strong signal.
Ladies and gentlemen, future military leaders,
Today, You have the unique opportunity to hear – first hand – views and thoughts of a defence minister of Germany.
This is an opportunity that does not come every day.
Minister Pistorius has a stellar career in the national and local politics since early nineties. Lawyer by trade – he sits in all the tables where defence decisions are made. Decisions that have an impact on all of us.
Minister Pistorius has kindly made himself available to your questions after his keynote.
I encourage You to use this opportunity discuss and challenge him. I am sure he is well prepared even to your tough questions.
Minister Pistorius – Dear Friend – the floor is yours.