Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Reforms of democratic institutions, the rule of law, anti-corruption and sound market economy principles must continue to be the starting point in paving the way to EU membership ~ Elina Valtonen

During her recent visit to Serbia and Albania, the head of Finnish diplomacy assured her interlocutors in our region that enlargement momentum exists. Speaking in this interview for CorD Magazine, Elina Valtonen says that she expects enlargement to be “one of the key themes for the new European Commission.” She also discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations, especially economic ones, during her talks with officials in Belgrade, saying “there is potential to deepen our cooperation, in particular with regard to clean technologies and energy.”

You toured our region in early September. How would you summarise your impressions after visiting Serbia, Pristina and Albania?

— I was very pleased with the opportunity to exchange views with my counterparts and to see that the countries in question expressed their firm commitment to the EU path. Finland supports all EU candidate countries on their path to EU membership and their decision to base their future on the European way of life, democracy, the rule of law, human rights and individual freedoms. What is important now is that the countries take ownership of the process and demonstrate political will to get on with the necessary reforms.

One of your messages was that “Finland is deepening its engagement in the region”. Could you elaborate on what will form the basis of this new engagement?

— The Western Balkans plays an important role in European security, stability and wellbeing more broadly. Finland is a long-standing supporter and friend of the region and we have had a very active exchange of visits with the region’s countries recently, signalling our deepening commitment to the Western Balkans.

In addition to supporting the region’s EU path, I also look forward to cooperating with the region’s countries in the context of the Finnish Chairmanship of the OSCE. The OSCE plays a significant and important role in the Western Balkans region by assisting countries in strengthening democratic institutions and Rule of Law.

You participated in the Trade Promotion Event in Belgrade, which was attended by representatives of Finnish companies, their local partners and the Nordic Business Alliance. You mentioned that you see opportunities to strengthen economic relations. In which areas do you see the greatest growth potential?

— Serbia and the rest of the region represent an attractive growth market in many ways. Trade relations between Finland and Serbia are active, and trade in ICT services seems to be developing particularly well. However, there is potential to deepen our cooperation in particular with regard to clean technologies and energy.

Trade relations between Finland and Serbia are active, and trade in ICT services seems to be developing particularly well

With our Nordic partners, we are also focusing on smart cities as a new area for cooperation. In general, I hope that even more Finnish companies take interest in the Western Balkan region. What we need is more awareness raising to make this a reality.

You’ve stated that Finland supports the process of European integration for the region and Serbia. What do you see as the biggest challenges on this path?

— There is new momentum in EU enlargement and I expect enlargement to be one of the key themes for the new European Commission. At the same time, EU enlargement must remain merit-based and we expect a commitment from the candidate countries to implement the needed reforms. Reforms on democratic institutions, rule of law, anti-corruption and the principles of a sound market economy must continue to be the starting point, and they pave the way to EU membership.

Taking ownership of the EU accession process is crucial and we encourage Serbia to commit to its European path. Finland stands ready to continue assisting Serbia on the required reforms. For instance, we already have active cooperation in the field of public health through EU Twinning and TAIEX instruments.

If the EU considers new enlargement in the near future, which option would Finland favour: expanding to Ukraine and Moldova or to the Western Balkans?

— Finland supports all applicant countries and we don’t consider it beneficial to make divisions into groups. It is increasingly important that the European Union meets the aspirations of the citizens of applicant countries. The EU must be a credible partner and must support the candidate countries in implementing the required reforms. However, we must also be very clear that enlargement remains a merit-based process that underlines commitment to EU’s common values of democracy, rule of law and anti-corruption, both during the candidacy and following accession.

After Finland and Sweden joined NATO, a question that arises is will NATO membership become a necessary entry ticket for any future EU member state?

— NATO membership and EU accession are two different topics. There is no condition for an EU candidate country to join a military alliance.

In addition to supporting the region’s EU path, I also look forward to cooperating with the region’s countries in the context of the Finnish Chairmanship of the OSCE

For instance, there are militarily nonaligned EU member states. However, what we do consider as being of utmost importance is that all EU candidate countries fully align with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. This is a central element for Finland.

You mentioned that there is also ongoing discussion in Finland regarding lithium extraction projects. You’ve said that in this context that everything must be done “in accordance with the best environmental standards, both Finnish and European”. Could you explain what that means in practice?

— The environment and green transition are key priorities for us. Critical raw materials are an essential part of making the green transition a reality in Europe and globally. We have a project in Finland that aims to be an important producer of lithium for the European market. At the same time, progress must be made sustainably, while minimising the environmental impact. We have stringent environmental regulation both at the national and at the EU level, and their implementation is monitored closely.

In the decision-making process regarding a potential new lithium mine in your country, how much weight will be given to the voice of Finnish citizens?

— Responsible and sound mine planning includes planning the whole lifecycle of a mine from an early stage. Consultations during the planning phase with stakeholders, such as the local community and other industries, helps to find solutions to minimise the adverse impacts of mining activities.