Minister Byrne in Helsinki for discussions on Ireland’s EU Presidency, Security and Defence

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, is today (4 June) beginning a visit to Helsinki to hold a series of meetings with key political figures and stakeholders to discuss the EU policy agenda, Ireland’s EU Presidency, Ukraine, security and defence.

Minister Byrne will today meet with his Finnish counterpart, the Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering, Joakim Strand. Their discussions will focus on bilateral relations, Ireland’s EU Presidency, the current EU policy agenda, and the war in Ukraine. Minister Byrne will also meet with Saara-Sofia Sirén, Chair of the Finnish Parliament’s Grand Committee on EU Affairs.

On 5 June, Minister Byrne will visit the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats, of which Ireland is a member, and meet with its Director Dr Teija Tiilikainen to discuss the hybrid threat landscape. The Minister will also meet with the CEO, Janne Känkänen of the National Emergency Supply Agency. Minister Byrne will conclude his programme with a visit to an underground shelter to learn more about Finland’s work on preparedness. 

Speaking ahead of his visit, Minister Byrne stated: “Finland is a close partner and a Nordic neighbour with a similar population size and an advanced economy. In recent years, we have deepened our relationship through our Global Ireland Nordic Baltic Strategy. As like-minded partners across many areas in the EU, it will be useful to have policy discussions about our shared priorities as Ireland moves closer towards taking up its Presidency of the Council of the European Union next year. 

“On areas such as competitiveness, the Single Market and the EU budget, Ireland works closely with Finland to shape the EU agenda. I look forward to engaging with my colleague from Finland and hearing his perspectives on the future of EU enlargement and the war in Ukraine. Both Ireland and Finland stand in full solidarity with Ukraine. Together with our EU partners, we will continue to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s continuing aggression and work to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”

Speaking on security and defence, Minister Byrne commented: “This visit will also be very informative in understanding Finland’s work on preparedness through my visit to an operational underground shelter in Helsinki and to the Finnish National Emergency Supply Agency. Ireland’s membership of the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats enhances our resilience as a country, and I look forward to visiting the centre during my visit. I know that we can learn from each other as EU member states and benefit from each other’s experience. The importance of EU member states working together to mitigate against shared challenges is more apparent now than ever and I value this opportunity to further deepen Ireland’s engagement with Finland.”

ENDS 

Press Office

4 June 2025