Finland Times

The president on Thursday completed his two-day visit to Brussels where he met a number of heads of EU institutions including EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.
In a press conference after his Thursday’s meeting with Juncker, Niinistö emphasised that he so far has not been critical of EU actions.

Niinistö believes the EU’s strategy towards Russia is an important part of the Union’s security strategy. He wanted to have a “realistic and rational approach”, because Russia is EU’s great and eternal neighbour.

The EU foreign ministers are to discuss ways to respond to Russian information warfare.

The president believes it is a part of the Union’s hybrid warfare strategy which he discussed with European Council President Donald Tusk on Wednesday.

In addition to hybrid warfare, the threat of terrorism has raised concerns among Europeans and, therefore, EU security issues should be raised despite the economic crisis.

“In fight against terrorism, it is very natural to build cooperation outside the Union and try, for example, to bring in Russia actively,” said Niinistö.

In reference to the sanctions imposed on Russia, Niinistö said on the basis of their imposition they are valid until the reasons for their imposition have changed.