Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, and Petteri ORPO, Finnish Prime Minister, hold a press point after their meeting during President's official visit to Helsinki (Finland). This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

statement

press conference

official visit

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

EU - Finland (T)

Finland

Helsinki

president's agenda

ORPO, Antti Petteri

Joint Press Point with Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Petteri ORPO, Finnish Prime Minister

SOUNDBITE (English), Petteri ORPO, Finnish Prime Minister, Thank you so much, dear Roberta, to come to Finland. It's great to have you here. Finland is commited Member of the European Union and we are also close friends personally. They consider you as one of our own even though, of course, you represent all Europeans in the Parliament. But I want to you thank and say that you have done an excellent work in the Parliament. You have been an encouraging leader, thank you for that. Finland values the work of the European Parliament greatly. European citizens can trust and truly trust that the Parliament represents directly them and their interests.

SOUNDBITE (English), Petteri ORPO, Finnish Prime Minister, We naturally discussed today the situation in Ukraine, as well as European cooperation, and the next European Parliament elections. After Russia's aggression to Ukraine the foundations of European security have shaken. Finland and Sweden have both joined NATO and Europe is ramping up its defence industry, which is crucial at this moment. This is the way we have to continue. Russia's growing ever more aggressive, and they are preparing for a long conflict with the West. We cannot be naive, we have to prepare ourselves for the next ten years.

SOUNDBITE (English), Petteri ORPO, Finnish Prime Minister, As we approach the next European Parliament elections in June set against this new security framework. The role of Finish MEPs and indeed all Members in the European Parliament becomes even more critical. I dare to say that these European elections are the most important since the beginning of our membership in 1995. Thank you, dear Roberta, for joining us here in Finland, and for your continued leadership and dedication to the European project. Your presence here today is a testament to the strong bonds that unite us, and the shared resolve to face the challenges ahead together. Next week I will travel to Strasbourg and I will address the plenary. I am looking forward to exchange ideas how to go about the future of the European Union, our Union. Thank you.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Thank you very much, good afternoon, hyvää Minister, iltapäivää. Dear Prime dear Petteri, thank you for your kind words and for your warm welcome to Finland. It is lovely to be in the beautiful Helsinki today. I am particularly happy to be back here. This is my family's second home country at a time when Finland is actively participating in strengthening Europe's security.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, In Brussels, we have taken note of the Finnish government's proactive EU policy. We need and appreciate your contributions and, dear Prime Minister, I am grateful for your leadership and for your personal commitment to our project. I am currently visiting EU Member States in order to increase awareness about the European elections and to encourage people, particularly young people, to vote. I'm here to listen to the concerns and expectations of Finnish people.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, After the 9th of June, there will be 720 members of the European Parliament coming to Brussels. 15 from Finland, one more than in the current legislature. Who those people are and what they stand for is in your hands. They will shape policies and adopt legislation that affects all of Finland and Europe and affects all of us. It is up to you to choose to vote. In the last European elections only around 40% of Finnish voters went to the ballot box. And I hope that this time, especially in complete alignment with the Prime Minister's words, even more Finnish people will make their voice heard because of the importance of this election.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Especially with a war raging on our borders. So my message to Finish voters is this: to not let anyone decide for you, to not take Europe for granted. And in addition to the European elections, of course, we discussed with the Prime Minister's Europe's continued support to Ukraine, our common security, and the rule of law. Finland's bilateral support to Ukraine has been outstanding in humanitarian aid, but especially in defence materiel. Ukraine is fighting also for our European values and our support will continue for as long as it takes.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, As a member of NATO and the European Union, Finland will never be alone again. We will remain united and stand firmly against Russia's aggression. You have shown to Europe and to the world that we will not waver. Improving comprehensive security in Europe is truly our common objective. We are in this together, and that means that Europe's security must be a key pillar of our strategic autonomy. Ultimately, that is our investment in peace.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, I would also like to comment Finland's long standing commitment to respects of the rule of law in the European Union. Finland and the European Parliament were essential for the introduction of the Rule of law mechanism and the conditionality regulation. Our Europe must be one that stands up for values, for democracy, for freedom, even when this is difficult or where it is under threat. In a Europe where war is no longer unthinkable and fewer people live in a democracy, our Europe must truly be the superpower of rights, of freedoms and prosperity. Thank you very much and very much looking forward to having you next week in Strasbourg, warm welcome in advance. For a debate on This is Europe, and your vision, and how you see Finland and Europe for the next five years will be extremely important for us to listen to and debate on. Thank you.