The main focus of the bilateral discussions between Minister Kaikkonen and CE Šedivý was on Finland’s participation in the present and future cooperation in the EDA. Other topics on the agenda included the war in Ukraine and its effects on European defence cooperation, updating the EU’s Capability Development Plan (CDP), joint European procurement, and Finland’s accession to NATO. 

Minister Kaikkonen pointed out in the meeting that Finland’s strong national defence and resilience have contributed to security and stability in the region. When the EU and its Member States have been forced to react to the current security situation the EDA has made a significant contribution to security. As Minister of Defence, Kaikkonen sees the importance in making use of the Defence Agency when national plans are turned into military capabilities. With the help of the EDA, capabilities can be developed in a cost-effective manner. CE Šedivý thanked Finland for its active participation, as Finland brings special expertise and added value to project cooperation. He pointed out that in the face of major security challenges, especially now with the war in Ukraine, cooperation remains the best and most effective way forward for European defence.

Other topics of discussion included EU defence cooperation, European defence research cooperation, defence materiel cooperation and development of military capabilities.

To its Member States the European Defence Agency provides a forum to participate in multinational cooperation, which may be related to, for example, the design of military capabilities, defence research, development, defence materiel or training. Finland is active in the EDA in all its areas of operation. 

It participates in 25 EDA projects in which cooperation is carried out in areas such as cyber, logistics, satellite communications capabilities and helicopter exercises. In addition, Finland is involved in 12 EDA research projects with a total value of approximately EUR 117 million.

Inquiries: Senior Specialist Krista Salo, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 065.