Centrum Stosunków Międzynarodowych - 02 September 2016: Finland is broaden security against Russia

The Finnish Institute of Foreign Affairs (FIIA) issued a report in which we can read that Russia constitute a greater threat for Finland. Russia is using more aggressive measures to achieve its foreign policy objectives. The report said that Finnish decision-makers have to be alert to Russia's use of energy policy in geo-politics.Experts from the FIIA say that Russia's new behavior in foreign affairs means Finland needs improved crisis readiness. The FIIA report created suggestions for Finnish policy makers which can help to avoid risky situation.

The report refers to the Finnish Intelligence Police's annual review. It stated that the main goal of Russian intelligence in 2015 was to influence Finnish energy policy and it`s likely to continue.

Last week, the Finnish defense minister Jussi Niinistö announced that Finland will sign a defense agreement with the United States. Finland, famous for its neutrality, started strengthening the defense after the Russian annexation of the Crimea. The agreement with the US has to be one of the most important elements to ensure the safety of the country. It joints intensification of military exercises, exchange of information and co-operation in research and development.

Jussi Niinistö said he hope the agreement with the USA would be signed before the US presidential election in November.“It’s one of the reasons to have it done this autumn. But I’m certain we will continue to work together with either one of main candidates winning", said Niinistö.