Finland's Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen highlighted Russia's military buildup in the Arctic and along its border, emphasizing the region's importance for European defense. He noted Finland's readiness to enhance its Arctic capabilities and welcomed NATO's renewed focus on the area. Finland has requested EU funding to bolster its defense, particularly in land forces. Häkkänen expressed the need for US support in the short term for European security, while acknowledging the importance of European self-sufficiency in defense capabilities in the long run.