Virkkunen received a heavy security and technology portfolio

Finland can be very pleased with the new Commissioner Henna Virkkunen to get in the portfolio. On Tuesday, the chairman of the commission Ursula von der Leyen revealed its new commission’s portfolio divisions and their recipients.

Virkkus is becoming the vice president responsible for technological sovereignty, security and democracy. In addition, Virkkunen will receive the portfolio of commissioner for digital and cutting-edge technology.

In Von der Leyen’s more detailed job description, there is a long list of tasks for Virkkus. Virkkunen’s plot is strengthening Europe’s security broadly, taking into account security threats, the war in Ukraine, cyber attacks and disinformation. Virkkunen’s duties also include strengthening the rule of law and promoting EU migration and asylum reform.

In addition, Virkkunen’s task is to “bring the European Defense Union to life” and take care of the competitiveness of the defense industry.

The technology part of Virkkunen’s portfolio covers, for example, cyber security, digital competitiveness and increasing productivity with the help of digital technology. Virkkuse will also be tasked with promoting artificial intelligence innovations and increasing the use of artificial intelligence in SMEs, for example. In addition, the portfolio covers, for example, high-power computing, semiconductors, quantum technology and digital connections, as well as the “fast and efficient” implementation of the digital service and digital market regulations made last season.

Although the commissioner does not promote the interests of his own nation state in the commission, Virkkunen’s portfolio is the most sensible for Finland. European defense is vitally important for Finland, and on the other hand, Finland and Finnish companies have a lot to offer in digital and other cutting-edge technologies. It is in Finland’s interest to pursue these issues in EU arenas.

The stars were now aligned for Virkkus. He is an experienced politician, minister and MEP who is active and well-networked in Brussels. He is also helped by the fact that, as a member of the coalition, Virkkunen belongs to the same political group, EPP, as Ursula von der Leyen. The coalition performed well in the European elections and collected the most MEP seats in Finland.

Von der Leyen has tried to maintain a gender balance in the Commission. Many member countries ignored the chairman’s wishes and sent only male candidates, but Spain and Finland, for example, put forward a female candidate directly. Von der Leyen got a couple of countries, like Romania, to change their candidates, but the majority are still men. Von der Leyen’s solution was to appoint four women to the position of six vice-presidents – from Finland, Spain, Estonia and Romania.

Finland’s commissioner was appointed as usual by the prime minister without much public discussion. Virkkunen was an expected name that was presented even before the European elections. Influencing the portfolio appointments also happened behind the scenes, and no Petteri Orpo let alone Virkkunen, who went into public discussions about Finland’s goals. The policy bore fruit. It was not for nothing that Orpo invited Ursula von der Leyen on a frosty trip to Imatra to see the eastern border in April.