About the Speech:
In his address, Minister Soini discussed the importance of enhanced cooperation in the area of security and defence, and what this means for the future of the EU 27. The Minister’s speech follows the publication of the European Commission’s recent White Paper and subsequent reflection paper on security and defence policy. These papers are designed to stimulate debate in the Member States on the future of the EU 27. Minister Soini’s speech is part of the Institute’s contribution to this process – a series of high level reflections by EU 27 foreign ministers.
About the Speaker:
Minister Soini has been Minister for Foreign Affairs since May 2015. He co-founded the True Finns party in 1995 and led the party from 1997 to 2017. He was first elected to the Finnish Parliament in 2003. He served as Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Finnish Parliament between 2011 and 2015. Between 2009 and 2011 he was a Member of the European Parliament.
