The countries of Northern Europe can serve as an example for others thanks to their experience, including their readiness for potential conflicts and their support for Ukraine.
This was stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference following the Nordic Council meeting in Stockholm.
She noted that the countries of Northern Europe are leaders in preparedness.
“No one does it like you do. In the North, preparedness permeates the entire society,” she said, mentioning the network of shelters in Finland’s capital, Helsinki.
The EC President recalled last week’s decision by the European Council to move forward with a European Defense Readiness Roadmap through 2030 and to maintain strong support for Ukraine.
“Your support will be decisive, as it has always been, in achieving our goals,” von der Leyen emphasized, praising the region’s expertise in “monitoring the Arctic and deterring the pariah neighbor to the East.”
Von der Leyen also acknowledged existing obstacles to improving the European Union, including lengthy bureaucratic permitting procedures, fragmentation of the single market, and high energy costs.
“We are working very hard on all these issues to simplify and accelerate processes,” she said.
The European Commission President highlighted Sweden’s decisive steps in transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
“Not long ago, your region was heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Today, 99 percent of Sweden’s electricity comes from renewable and nuclear energy. This is a lesson for all of Europe. You have stayed focused. You have remained committed to your climate neutrality goals while being flexible in how to achieve them,” von der Leyen noted.
She also stressed the need to ensure Europe’s reliable access to critical raw materials.
