OULU, Finland (Chatnewstv.com) — Citing a security environment “fundamentally changed” by Russia, Finland’s interior minister on Thursday stressed her country’s special responsibility to prepare for complex threats as emergency crews from four nations conducted a major international rescue exercise.
The Rescue Borealis 2025 drill in the northern city of Oulu simulated a large-scale disaster to test cross-border cooperation and the deployment of the European Union’s joint emergency resources.
“Russia’s actions constantly remind us that the security environment has fundamentally changed,” Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen said at a press conference. “The civil authorities and society as a whole must ensure crisis preparedness alongside military readiness.”
The exercise involved teams from Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Germany practicing their response to a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) event. It tested the use of shared EU assets, including Finland’s specialized rescEU stockpiles and a German CBRN decontamination unit.
Rantanen, whose country joined NATO last year, highlighted Finland’s strategic position.
“As a frontline country, Finland has special needs and responsibilities,” she said. “Our preparedness involves cooperation between different security authorities on land, at sea and in the air.”
EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib observed the exercise and was impressed by the “seamless cooperation” among participants, the ministry said.
Pauliina Eskola, the exercise director at the Ministry of the Interior, said the joint training was essential for the entire bloc.
“As all EU Member States improve their level of preparedness, Finland’s security will also be enhanced,” Eskola said. “The EU must continue to strengthen its resilience and preparedness against different crises and hybrid threats.”
The drill also showcased Finland’s “comprehensive security model,” which integrates businesses and civil organizations into national preparedness efforts. Stora Enso, a major forestry company, was among the participants.
“Business plays an important role in preparedness and security in Finland,” said Matti Lielahti, head of Stora Enso’s Oulu Business Unit. “It is an honour to take part in the exercise and support Finland’s crisis resilience.”
