Poland takes a model from Finland’s eastern border – Petteri Orpo: “It was expected that Finland would be used as an example”

Instrumented immigration has become a hot potato during the summit of the EU countries.

Poland has announced its intention to temporarily suspend asylum applications on its border with Belarus. Prime minister Donald Tusk justified the matter on Sunday by saying that Finland has already made a similar decision in May.

Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpon (kok) says that the same questions are now being resolved in Poland as in Finland last summer.

“When Russia and Belarus use illegal immigrants instrumentally as a weapon against EU countries, we have to find European solutions. The fact that we had to make special legislation in Finland was not a good thing, but it was necessary. Poland is now in the same situation,” Orpo stated on Wednesday in Brussels.

According to him, Finland will demand European-level solutions in order to put European legislation on a “sustainable basis” in the future.

“It was to be expected that Finland would be used as an example here [eurooppalaisessa keskustelussa]”, Orpo said.

Instrumentalization of migration means that large-scale immigration is organized by another state. Immigrants are used as a tool for political pressure.

Complaints have been made to the EU Commission about Finland’s border law. In time, the Commission will have to take a position on whether the border law complies with EU law.

If the result is negative, the Commission can initiate infringement proceedings against Finland or take the case to the EU Court of Justice.

EU and Persian Gulf countries together

On Wednesday, Orpo will represent Finland at the summit between the European Union and the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The meeting is the first of its kind.

“Deepening cooperation is extremely important at this time. I believe that the stabilization of the situation in the Middle East will be especially prominent,” Orpo stated.

Finland has stated that it will do everything it can through the EU to avoid a growing escalation in the Middle East.

Finland also supports the promotion of a regional free trade agreement between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

It has been difficult for the EU countries and the Persian Gulf countries to find common records on foreign policy. Not all Gulf countries are ready to condemn Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. Some of them are known to participate in evading EU sanctions against Russia.

The crown prince of Saudi Arabia will also participate in the summit Muhammad bin Salman. This drew criticism, as bin Salman is believed to be a journalist Jamal Khashoggi behind the murder. Khashoggi disappeared in 2018 after going to apply for a marriage license at the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul.

Support for Ukraine must not waver

The streak of Brussels summits continues on Thursday with the European Council meeting.

The President of Ukraine will also participate in the meeting Volodymyr Zelenskyiwho is expected to present his winning plan to EU leaders.

According to Orpo, Thursday’s meeting is important. A turning point is underway: the EU will soon change power, and the US will hold presidential elections.

“I expect above all that we will be given a really strong message that support for Ukraine will continue as long as it is needed.”

Foreign minister Elina Valtonen (kok) warned this week in an interview with The Financial Times about the West’s war fatigue in Ukraine.

Orpo said that EU countries must give a clear, unified message at their summit that its support will not waver.

“It is absolutely clear that the European Union and the West must support Ukraine. Now there is no room for any kind of faltering or fatigue. Russia has prepared for a long war, it is ready for ruthless actions in the future.”