Finnish Business Community Stands Firmly with Ukraine – Strong Support Continues for Sanctions against Russia

In the face of growing international uncertainty, the focus must remain on supporting Ukraine and maintaining Europe’s unity regarding Ukraine. Sanctions against Russia must remain in place, underlines Jyri Häkämies, Director General of the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK).

As Ukraine’s fight for freedom reaches its most critical months, there must be absolute clarity in terms of continued support for Ukraine. This was one of the key messages at the Ukraine Reconstruction Forum hosted by EK on December 2.

EK’s Director General Jyri Häkämies emphasized the cornerstones of support for Ukraine:

“Now more than ever, it is absolutely essential that Finland and Europe maintain a steadfast and united front in supporting Ukraine. Our message must be crystal clear: we stand firmly with Ukraine. Sanctions against Russia must remain in place, and current developments give no grounds to even discuss their removal.”

5 Key Messages from the Finnish Industries EK on Ukraine

1. Sanctions against Russia must stay
   There is no indication that European sanctions against Russia would be weakening. On the contrary, the EU is currently preparing its 15th sanctions package. Efforts to address sanctions circumvention, including enhanced end-use inspections in third countries, must also be strengthened. Moreover, the EU’s geopolitical position would strengthen by shifting sanctions decisions from unanimity (consensus) to qualified majority voting.
2. Any ceasefire or peace agreement must be just from Ukraine’s perspective.
   All agreements require sufficient security guarantees for Ukraine. Achieving a long-term, sustainable solution includes many challenges but all steps in the peace process must ensure that Ukraine’s interests are fully and justly considered.
3. European defense industries must be strengthened.
   Enhancing the EU’s defense capabilities through European cooperation and tailored EU funding programs is crucial—not only for Europe’s security but also to support Ukraine’s defense needs in partnership with allied nations.
4. Support Ukraine’s integration into the West and EU membership in accordance with EU enlargement strategies and accession criteria.
   This requires adequate funding tied to Ukraine’s reforms to meet EU membership conditions and prevent misuse.
5. An EU-led reconstruction plan is essential for Ukraine’s sustainable integration and rebuilding.
   Currently, many of the most active reconstruction players come from outside Europe, including Turkey, Asia, and the U.S. Europe must organize itself decisively to ensure sustainable, responsible rebuilding that leverages European expertise, adheres to EU standards, and supports Ukraine’s path to EU membership.
   The new European Commission should promptly develop an EU reconstruction plan for Ukraine. EK has long advocated for such a plan, echoed by the European Parliament’s resolution in July 2024.

Ukraine Reconstruction Forum, hosted by EK for two and a half years, held its latest meeting on December 2. The national forum is open to all stakeholders and aims to:

• Strengthen a shared understanding of Ukraine’s situation among businesses, public authorities, financiers, and other stakeholders;
• Promote Finnish companies’ participation in Ukraine’s reconstruction;
• Implement the reconstruction plan jointly prepared by the Finnish government and the business community.