Kouvola Security Conference was held this year in an electrified atmosphere. With Russian drones flying over NATO member country Poland, the theme of the event – global (in)stability – seemed very relevant indeed. Hosted at the Kouvola City Hall on September 12th, the Kouvola Security Conference did not disappoint, providing the esteemed guests of the event a measured analysis of the security challenges we face.
Antti Häkkänen, Minister of Defence, stated that events such as the Kouvola Security Conference are now more important than ever, as every week there seems to be a troublesome shift in security. Häkkänen remarked that while Russia and China are boosting their collaboration, it is up to the Western nations to “do more” to meet that threat.
“We must keep the eastern flank of NATO secure and upgrade our capabilities,” Häkkänen said, calling for a long-term, systematic approach to overcome challenges.
Keynote speaker Elisabeth Braw, an accomplished global security expert and author presently serving as Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, talked about Russian prowess in muddying the waters: whenever there is a Russian operation in play, you can never have conclusive proof that it is, indeed, the Russians who are responsible.
“It’s a form of geopolitical gaslighting,” she said, pointing out that the West seems neurotic – chasing after shadows, while Russia delights in sowing chaos.
Greetings from Ukraine
Joining the conference via video feed, Oleksandr Kamyshin, Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Strategic Issues, thanked Finland for her support in the fight against Russian aggression. Kamyshin remarked that Finland has strong industries known for innovation and Ukraine wants to share the “lessons learned” so far with her Finnish friends.
After these speakers, the conference guests were treated to a range of interesting theme discussions. Running simultaneously during the event in two locations, the first theme discussions were ‘Uncertainty is the new normal – how is Finland preparing?’ and ‘Security technology in transition – what does the new era demand?’
In the ‘Uncertainty is the new normal’ discussion, the issue of preparedness was explored from various angles, with an introduction by Jukka Savolainen, COI Director, Hybrid Centre of Excellence. For Finland, being prepared means that there’s food and shelter, medicine and communications available in a time of crisis – and that the citizens are resilient enough to power through hardships.
Final frontier beckons
‘Security technology in transition’discussion highlighted thatsecurity is no longer just about troops and equipment – it relies increasingly on software, systems, and capabilities built on technology. With AI and quantum computing gaining momentum, there are certainly new and exciting opportunities in the field of Space & Defence.
Seppo Aaltonen from the satellite-maker Iceye commented that innovation is like a muscle – when you work it, it’s bound to grow. “There is no silver bullet around this.”
The afternoon session delivered two equally enticing theme talks, as ‘Can Europe deliver on defence?’ and ‘How do we support the will to defend?’ provided plenty of food for thought.
Esa Rautalinko, CEO of Patria, stated that Finland is clearly a leading country in European defence – and, as such, bears responsibility for keeping things moving forward.
“We’ve seen enough talk, now it’s time for action,” Rautalinko said, pointing out that a lot of work needs to be done, for example, to streamline different weapons systems around Europe.
Europe is waking up to reality
Perhaps the most interesting theme discussion of the day was ‘NATO amid crises – is the alliance crumbling or growing stronger?’ with an introduction by Pasi Välimäki, Lieutenant General, Commander of the Finnish Army. Välimäki reported that Finnish army is so strong that many countries are keen to learn from the Finns.
“We get a lot of requests for joint military exercises, for example.”
In the discussion panel, CEO Charly Salonius-Pasternak from Nordic West Office, Senior Research Fellow Iro Särkkä from FII, Member of Parliament, General (ret.) Jarmo Lindberg and Member of Parliament Li Andersson discussed Finnish security in the NATO era.
The panelists agreed that the European and NATO response to latest Russian provocation – drones violating Polish borders – has been met with appropriate vigor.
“The European Union is a like a diesel engine, slow to get going – but it will strengthen along the way,” Jarmo Lindberg commented.
Finland holds strategic ground
Iro Särkkä noted that Finland is, in fact, located in the intersection of three key NATO themes in Europe: Northern dimension, front line countries, and Baltic Sea.
“The European moment is at hand,” she added.
Ville Kaunisto, Member of Parliament, Head of Kouvola City Council, delivered the closing remarks, pointing out that the Kouvola Security Conference is a great platform for talking – and doing – security.
“When you’re talking sense, you can increase security, also.”