Ensuring citizens' security one of the main topics in the Bratislava summit

The Heads of State or Government of the 27 EU Member States, gathering in Bratislava, reviewed the challenges of the European Union and outlined a roadmap for the future development of the Union. Concrete reforms that meet the needs of the citizens will be introduced by March 2017, which marks the 60th anniversary of the creation of the European Economic Community.

"The EU must concentrate on the essential and be capable of renewal. The Union must strengthen its security and boost economic growth and employment to better respond to people's core expectations," observed Prime Minister Juha Sipilä in Bratislava.

Finland has systematically promoted the development of the EU's common security and defence policy for a long time. It was proposed in the summit that agreement about new concrete actions is due to be reached in the December 2017 European Council.

"Addressing hybrid threats, for example, requires closer cooperation among the EU Member States and between the EU and NATO," Prime Minister Sipilä said.

The weak economic situation in Europe is one of the factors that fuel insecurity and uncertainty.

"Economic growth creates new jobs for both young people and adults. The EU must continue to promote free trade and the development of the single market between the EU Member States. Deregulation is one way we can help generate business opportunities for companies," Prime Minister Sipilä noted.

"It is also very important that we adhere to our agreements. Decisions must be implemented rapidly to ensure that cooperation within the EU is effective and that citizens have faith in it," Sipilä stated.

Inquiries: Kare Halonen, State Secretary, EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 319, Jari Haapiainen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 406 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office

English translation of the press release published on 19 September 2016.