I am Pekka Toveri, a former professional soldier who transitioned into politics to contribute to Europe’s comprehensive security and defense while advocating for Finland’s interests within the EU.

My roots trace back to Northern Satakunta, to Leineperi and Honkajoki. However, I spent my childhood in Helsinki, where my father, an officer, and my mother, a merchant, moved for work. Through my mother, I learned the value of hard work early on, working as a teenager in her shop, various hardware stores, and even a bakery. I attended middle and high school at the famous Norssi (Helsinki Normal Lyceum), one of Finland’s oldest still-functioning Finnish-speaking schools.

I completed my conscription service in Helsinki with the Uusimaa Jaeger Battalion. Immediately after, I worked at the battalion for seven months. During this time, I applied to the National Defence University, graduating as a lieutenant and the top student of my class in 1985. My career began at the Armored Brigade in Parola, in the Tank Battalion. Hämeenlinna and Hattula subsequently became my home for nearly 30 years.

I served in the Finnish Defense Forces for almost 35 years. Twelve of these years were spent in troop commands, primarily at the Armored Brigade, where I worked in roles ranging from platoon leader to Brigade Commander. I also commanded the Western Finland Military Province in Hämeenlinna and the Guard Jaeger Regiment in Helsinki.

My career also includes 10 years of international experience. I participated in crisis management operations in Bosnia and Afghanistan, served as an assistant defense attaché in Sweden, a liaison officer in the USA, and a defense attaché in both the USA and Canada. The remainder of my career was spent in staff positions, including the Operational Division and Planning Division of the Defense Command. I retired as the Chief of Intelligence of the Defense Command at the beginning of 2021.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 spurred me to enter politics. I was frequently invited to explain the context of the illegal invasion on television, radio, and in the press, which helped pave my way into Parliament in 2023. As a Member of Parliament, I realized the excellent state of Finland’s defense, which enjoys support from all parties.

At the European level, the situation is different. Russian aggression has persisted and worsened. This prompted Prime Minister Orpo to ask me to run for the European Parliament elections in the spring of 2024. In the coming years, the EU’s role in security and defense will grow, necessitating expertise in the field.

As a MEP, I work in the Committee on Security and Defense (SEDE), the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs (LIBE), and the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI). Additionally, I chair the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with Ukraine (D-UA).

Nearly four decades in the Defense Forces and international positions have provided me with robust expertise in security and defense matters, particularly regarding Russia. I aim to bring this knowledge to the European Parliament, where it is essential for advancing the EU’s security and defense agenda. Simultaneously, I strive to promote Finland’s national interests, especially in agriculture and forestry.

I have held trustee roles in various foundations and organizations over the years. Currently, I am on the boards of the Armored Museum Foundation, the Civil Defense Foundation, and the Finnish Shooting Sport Federation. I also serve on the boards of two start-up companies.

My family consists of three adult children from my previous marriage, my wife Siobhán, and our active Brittany Spaniel, Bronte. Both Siobhán and Bronte are from the United States, but we now live in Tuusula.

My hobbies include long walks with my wife and dog, cycling, and reading. Reading is my favorite pastime, with a particular interest in history. However, I try to avoid bookstores because I always come home with a new book, adding to the growing collection of unread books in every corner of our house. I also enjoy writing articles for military journals and conducting research on security and defense issues. I have published hundreds of articles in various publications and about ten studies, the latest of which focus on Arctic issues as an affiliated researcher with the Finnish Institute of International Affairs.