US-Europe World Affairs

With the initiative of Finland  The European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats is established in its capital city Helsinki.

“Finland will be proud to host, here in Helsinki, the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats. We are proud, in particular, for two reasons. 

Firstly, the Centre represents a concrete step in building Resilience to hybrid threats in the EU Member States and NATO Allies.  Secondly, the Centre is a real boost for the cooperation between the EU and NATO, facing the challenge of hybrid threats hand in hand”  Highlighted Minister Soini, for Foreign Affairs of Finland April 11, 2017 © Finland MFA

The Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of the  Centre was signed on April 11, by Finland (the host country), France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. More European and  NATO member States will join the Centre in the coming months.  The European External Action and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization had also their  Representatives in the ceremony, and conveyed their continued supports for the establishment of the Centre and its mission. 

 

 

 

Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats by Finland’s Representative April 11 2017 © Finland’s PM’s Office/Laura Kotila

“The Centre will engage in strategic level dialogue, research, training and consultations. It will also conduct practical training exercises aiming to improve readiness to counter hybrid threats. The purpose of the Centre is to raise awareness of hybrid threats and societies’ vulnerabilities that can be exploited in hybrid operations. The aim is also to help foster the resilience of societies.”  Described Finnish Government on its Press Release April 11, 2017 © Finland Gov Communication department

“NATO welcomes the establishment of the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats in Helsinki and will participate actively in the Centre’s activities.” Stated NATO April 11, 2017 © NATO press office

“The EU welcomes the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for countering hybrid threats today by the Government of Finland. This will contribute to the strengthened cooperation between the EU and NATO, in line with the Joint Communication on countering hybrid threats that was adopted in April 2016.”  Announced EU External Action, Press release April 11, 2017 © EU External Action

Special: Watch the Memorandum ceremony and the speech of Minister Timo Soini for Foreign Affairs of Finland