Comprehensive security is the foundation of everything we consider important. My goal is to steer Europe toward a safe and stable future where Finland’s national interests and shared European objectives align.
The future of Europe and the well-being of its citizens depend on a strong and self-sufficient union. My key objectives include strengthening European comprehensive security, ensuring a thriving forestry industry, and safeguarding supply security.
Finland’s security expertise must be brought to Europe.
Strengthening European defense capabilities requires a more robust defense industry. The EU needs a significantly improved capacity to produce new weapons and weapon systems, as well as the spare parts and ammunition they require. Additionally, there must be an emphasis on developing the ability to swiftly adopt and advance new innovations and technologies, taking into account lessons from the technological evolution seen in conflicts like the war in Ukraine.
The EU can promote this by encouraging investment and making more effective use of existing agencies, such as the European Defence Agency.
Security is not created by any single actor or institution; its backbone is the citizens themselves. While this has been understood in Finland for decades, there is still much room for improvement at the European level. The Union must be able to respond to various crises proactively and effectively.
We can enhance our resilience by supporting the protection of critical infrastructures such as energy grids, water supply systems, and transportation networks, combating cyber threats, and deepening cooperation among different stakeholders.
Committee Work at the Core: Agriculture and Security
I belong to the largest political group in the European Parliament, the European People’s Party (EPP). I am a member of the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) and the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI). I am also a substitute member of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and a member of the Parliament’s delegations that maintain and develop cooperation with third countries and international institutions. My most important role is the chairmanship of the Ukraine delegation (D-UA). I am also a substitute member of the Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (DNAT) and of the ACP (DACP) and Pacific (DPAC) delegations.
In my role as a Chair of the Ukraine Delegation, I aim to find concrete ways to support Ukraine. The delegation’s work focuses on maintaining a close dialogue with Ukrainian authorities and other stakeholders, discussing issues such as sanctions against Russia and the EU’s role in peace negotiations in the Ukraine war.
The goal is also to promote Ukraine’s integration into the EU and, in due time, assess the requirements for Ukraine’s EU membership. However, before that, a just peace must be achieved.
I advocate for agricultural and forestry issues with Finland’s interests as my priority.
While the EU must strengthen its supply security, it is equally important to protect Finnish interests, such as domestic food production and the operational capacity of the forestry industry.
Forests are Finland’s green gold. The forestry industry is an important livelihood for both Finland and the EU, creating jobs and supporting economic growth. I want to ensure that the sustainable use of forests and the bioeconomy receive the necessary support in EU policies.
Food production is the foundation of both national and EU security. It is crucial that the EU promotes the sustainability and independence of food production. The EU must support agriculture, improve production efficiency, and ensure food availability even in crisis situations. Food security is a key component of comprehensive security, and safeguarding it is vital.
Member of the European Parliament
pekka.toveri@europarl.europa.eu
ASP 06F159
60, Rue Wiertz / Wiertzstraat 60
B-1047 Brussels
WEISS T08028
1 All. du Printemps
F-67070 Strasbourg
