Finland pledged wider collaboration with Ukraine across defense, energy and the rule of law, while leaders prepare regional summits that could shift security and accession dynamics.
The press service of Finland’s representation to the EU reports on close cooperation between Finland and Ukraine in the areas of defense, education, the rule of law, energy, and the environment. Such joint actions are seen as supporting Ukraine on its path to EU membership.
Finnish-Ukraine Cooperation and Their Path to the EU
Finland and Ukraine have long collaborated in areas such as defense, education, the rule of law, energy, and the environment. Our cooperation is also a way to support Ukraine on its path to EU membership. It is great that talks on Ukraine’s accession to the EU finally officially began last week
– Orpo
According to Orpo, nearly 20 Finnish companies and representatives of the business community will participate in the conference in Gdańsk.
He also plans to participate in the Second Eastern Flank Summit, which will focus on boosting Europe’s security and defense capabilities, notably along the EU’s eastern border.
Eastern Flank and Future Forums
It is important to continue discussions in this format. The Eastern Flank countries are working together more than before. The Eastern Flank Watch Initiative, launched in Helsinki last December, is achieving good results. Recent drone incidents underscore the importance of our efforts to accelerate the process of strengthening Europe’s defence and security on the eastern flank, the bulwark of Europe
– Orpo
The first Eastern Flank Summit took place in Helsinki in December 2025.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed the view that Zelensky’s absence from the event is perceived as a gesture of de-escalation of tensions.
The President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, on June 19 decided to deprive Volodymyr Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle.
Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 20 that he had mailed the Order of the White Eagle to the President of Poland and assured that Ukraine remains open to all substantive formats of interaction with partners.
In the context of conferences and engagement with the West, there is growing coordination among countries amid efforts to restore Ukraine and strengthen defense capabilities in the region.
The Finnish Prime Minister will attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference.