English Section

Poland and Finland pledge closer security ties

21.04.2026 15:55
Poland's parliamentary speaker has praised Finland as one of Warsaw's most important partners, citing its extensive experience of sharing a border with Russia.
Polands parliamentary speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty (right) and Finnish parliament speaker Jussi Halla-aho address reporters in Warsaw following their meeting at the Sejm lower house in Warsaw on Tuesday.
Poland's parliamentary speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty (right) and Finnish parliament speaker Jussi Halla-aho address reporters in Warsaw following their meeting at the Sejm lower house in Warsaw on Tuesday.Photo: PAP/Albert Zawada

Włodzimierz Czarzasty made the remarks after meeting his Finnish counterpart Jussi Halla-aho in Warsaw on Tuesday.

Czarzasty highlighted that Finland's 1,340-kilometre border with Russia had given it unique defensive expertise, including a shelter network capable of housing more than four million people.

"Finland is one of our most important partners," he said.

The two speakers said they were in full agreement on the role of the European Union, NATO and relations with the United States, which both described as a current source of concern.

Halla-aho said that Russia's invasion of Ukraine four years ago had brought Poland and Finland closer together.

"A lack of self-sufficiency leaves us exposed and at the mercy of others. Europe must strengthen its resilience and sovereignty across different sectors – that is why we want to learn from each other and deepen our cooperation."

He also noted that both countries faced what he described as the weaponisation of migration at their borders.

On transatlantic relations, the Finnish speaker said European leaders had so far tried to approach Washington carefully, though he acknowledged this strategy had not fully delivered the desired results.

Czarzasty added that dialogue with the Americans should be "gentle but firm – not conducted on one's knees".

The Polish parliamentary speaker also announced a conference on European security identity, to be held in May 2027, and said he planned to visit Slovakia to revive cooperation within the Visegrad Group.

(ał)

Source: PAP