The Committee gave the green light for the involvement of the first phase of the operation aimed at reducing human trafficking and illegal immigration.
“We held a thorough discussion in the Committee. Both the opposition and government parties saw that Finland on its part has to contribute in this tragic situation,” Antti Kaikkonen, the chair of Committee said.
In practice the phase of the operation aims to investigate how human smuggling groups work and which ports they depart from. It also aims to determine which organisations are behind the smuggling ring and their source of money.
A maximum of ten Finnish soldiers will participate in the first phase of the operation. Currently, three Finns are in the preparatory tasks.
The decision to take part in full-fledged first phase of the operation will be made in early autumn. The final decision of the participation of the country in the mission will be made by the president.