Finnish PM Urges EU to Strengthen Defense Ahead of Copenhagen Summit

COPENHAGEN — In a significant call to action, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo urged the European Union to enhance its defense capabilities in light of growing security threats, particularly from Russia. Speaking to POLITICO ahead of a crucial summit of EU leaders in Copenhagen, Orpo emphasized that the EU must evolve beyond its role as a trade bloc to become a robust defense power.

Orpo highlighted the necessity for the EU to establish “common EU capabilities,” which requires both EU funding and enhanced cooperation among member states. He stated, “We have shown solidarity for the last two decades, for example, in Covid, in economy, in migration. Now is the time to show solidarity in security.”

The Prime Minister pointed out that frontline states like Finland have consistently advocated for increased defense spending across the EU. He stressed that all leaders must recognize that the eastern flank of Europe “is our common border,” noting that no country is immune to the aggressive tactics employed by Moscow.

Just days prior to the summit, a series of drone sightings prompted the grounding of flights at Copenhagen’s airport, underscoring the urgency of the situation. “These incidents, these attacks, are against the whole of Europe,” Orpo remarked. “Who is next? Denmark is not a border country, so we can see that it’s possible all over Europe.”

Calls for Enhanced Defense Cooperation

At the summit, which takes place in Christiansborg Palace, leaders are expected to discuss proposals for bolstering shared defensive capabilities. Some officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are advocating for the establishment of a “drone wall” aimed at enhancing security across the continent. This initiative would represent a significant shift in the EU’s approach to defense and could entail new funding commitments.

Despite these developments, Orpo reassured that the EU’s efforts would not aim to supplant the NATO alliance. “We trust NATO, that is clear,” he affirmed. “The European Union can do more to help countries and support NATO, for example, to ramp up military industry, which is needed. Without stronger military industry and industrial capacity in Europe, our defense cannot be stronger.”

The summit marks the first gathering of EU leaders since June, a period during which significant geopolitical events have unfolded. “A lot has happened after that,” Orpo noted, expressing concern over the lack of signs indicating that Vladimir Putin is pursuing peace. “Because of all this, we are worried — I am very worried — and now is the time here to take action.”

As the EU contemplates a stronger collective defense strategy, the discussions in Copenhagen could pave the way for a redefined role for the bloc in the face of evolving security challenges.