NATIONAL DEFENCE POLICY

National defence policy covers the formulation of Finland's defence doctrine, development of the nation's military defence and integration of defence planning with the needs of total defence. The Ministry of Defence plays an important role both in the preparation and execution of national defence policy.

The new White Paper, The Report on Finnish Security and Defence Policy, published in September 2004, guides national defence policy. The document is prepared cooperatively in different ministries and is approved by Parliament. The latest report focuses on Finland's changing security environment and defines the line of action in the field of defence policy.

The Ministry of Defence monitors changes in security political environment and focuses to update defence political lines according to the needs of the Finnish society.