my compatriots
At the turn of the year, we usually wish each other peace and happy days ahead. Today these wishes are even more emotional than before and things should get better.
Harsh news and predictions increasingly dominate the pages. They should be openly discussed. But on the other hand, we easily miss the signals (perhaps weak signals) that lead to a better future.
As far as the future of the world is concerned, I believe two fateful issues dominate the scene.
Climate change affects each of us and is leading us to unpredictable outcomes. But the latest climate change conference in Dubai offered a glimmer of hope. For the first time, world leaders have acknowledged the need to move away from fossil fuels.
Reaching a common understanding is itself important. It is something that is desperately needed on many issues.
Another major issue concerns global divisions, particularly the relationship between China and the United States. The very fact that the presidents of the two countries met for the first time in a long time had great significance. It also gave both sides an opportunity to map attitudes and positions.
The steps taken at these conferences were important, but only actions will tell if they were significant for humanity.
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The new year does not portend peace anywhere in the world.
In Ukraine, the war has begun, although the front lines remain largely unchanged. It is fought on a battlefield that claims new lives every day. And even civilians are never safe.
The war is escalating and stirring emotions in other parts of the world. The situation in Gaza is horrific. First, the evil of terrorism revealed its cruelest face. After that, very strict measures were taken. The worst thing is the suffering and suffering of civilians on both sides of the conflict. There is now an urgent need to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire and the release of hostages. It is then essential to find the will and means for a durable two-state solution. There is no other choice.
Wars do not occur in isolation. Disruption in one part of the world often causes disarray elsewhere.
Over the past year, images of war have been constantly thrust before our eyes. At the same time, the rhetoric has become tougher. It is at times like these that we need to take a resolute stance. But it also requires patience and careful analysis. Sometimes I look further.
We also need to talk about peace. Promoting peace does not mean weakness and does not mean turning the cheek. Peace always wins. A victory for life and normal development. Recognize the fact that lasting solutions can never be created by force or violence. And our times scream louder than ever for lasting, sustainable solutions.
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Russia is not as strong as it seems. Russia is not as weak as it seems. This phrase has been expressed in many different ways over time, but it holds a grain of truth.
Initially, Russia was supposed to defeat Ukraine within weeks. That didn’t happen. The courage shown by the Ukrainians repelled the attack.
After that, it was believed that Russia’s economic and military power would collapse. That didn’t work out either. The all-out war is still going on, and we are approaching the second anniversary.
Now Russia is regaining some of its self-respect.
There are concerns about continuing aid to Ukraine. In my opinion, the problem is not a lack of will or fatigue. A more serious issue is ensuring the availability of capacity and sufficient resources to provide long-term support.
Europe must wake up. Investment in military production is not necessary just to provide the necessary aid. It is necessary as a means of convincing Europe that it is strong.
Be strong to ensure peace, not to wage war.
It is also clear that Europeans are expected to take on more responsibility in transatlantic relations. In other words, strengthening NATO in Europe.
Taking clear and immediate steps to fulfill this responsibility is also the best response to any speculation about how the U.S. election will affect security cooperation.
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Times are changing. And as the world changes, our behavior must change too. This happened and Finland became a member of NATO.
Our position in Western society has been clear for decades. Russia’s demand to prevent Finland and Sweden from joining NATO was an expression of Russia’s efforts to change the status quo and create a gray zone of interest within Europe. This demand alone changes our position and, if we remain, would destroy all credibility of our NATO option.
Finland has made its position clear and will continue to do so.
Finland’s security is now even more firmly established. Even before joining NATO, the infrastructure was in good condition. The Finnish model is now attracting a lot of attention. Indeed, when it comes to comprehensive security, Finland’s example may be a goal worth striving for for many other countries as well.
Joining NATO was a major change in our country’s security policy. But as a foreign policy actor, it is still Finland as before, without any adjectives. I repeat what I have already said in the spring of 2022. Finland is not growing any more than it is now, and the security of our country does not harm anyone.
It is in our best interest to continue to broadly search for partnerships and common ground. In foreign policy, the European Union and the Nordic countries will continue to be our most important reference group.
The Nordic security community in particular has made great strides. Joint talks with the Presidents of the United States and Ukraine further strengthened our ability to seamlessly cooperate. On the other hand, they showed that our Nordic connections are recognized and respected. Today, being part of Scandinavia has an attractive power. It is something we should make the most of together, from peace efforts to the economy.
At the moment, Sweden’s membership in NATO appears to be moving forward. This completes Finland’s accession. The DCA agreement and his enhanced JEF cooperation will greatly enhance security. Finland’s security is currently held at multiple keys.
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External security has emerged at the center of political debate. That’s totally understandable, because there’s a lot to discuss, and there’s endless room for speculation and comment.
It’s also a good idea to emphasize everyday things, things that directly impact people’s lives. Concerns about the Finnish economy are not only a chronic problem, but are also becoming increasingly serious. This also applies to the weak development of the national economy, the huge public debt, and the difficulties that individuals have in making a living.
These are difficult topics. Unlike security topics, these issues allow us to measure the impact of the content of different opinions with relative precision. And first and foremost, they are immediately exposed to public evaluation.
We have a great tradition of parliamentary cooperation on security policy. For example, Congressional Oversight Groups develop security and defense policy reports that develop long-term views across Congressional terms. What if we could do something similar in the field of economic policy? It is not necessarily the most controversial issue of topical interest. But perhaps this could help seek a common view on how to strengthen the national economy from one parliamentary term to the next.
We should look to the future. So many factors are transforming our world into something very different: geopolitical developments, disruptive technologies, climate change, and more.
But you still need to keep a few things in mind.
Finland’s capital lies in its capabilities. We have brought the ability because we have valued learning, teaching and teachers.
Reading, math, physical education – they may seem like terms from elementary school’s past. However, no matter how modern educational methods and learning environments are developed, young people cannot survive without these skills and good physical condition.
Preparing people for a complex world may start with a very simple starting point.
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my compatriots
This is my final formal greeting. I would like to express my deep gratitude to you for giving me the opportunity to express my views.
Here I propose to you all to make a common New Year’s resolution. It means that we meet fairly, show mutual understanding and respect for humanity, and cherish traditional connections and mutual trust.
We were all certainly hoping that the new year would start under a luckier star. But keep in mind that even the heaviest clouds will eventually disappear. Things will become clear again.
Happy New Year to everyone. And I pray for God’s protection.