Finland’s Minister of Defence Häkkänen meets Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO

Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen and General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) of NATO, met in Finland on Friday 9 January 2026. They also visited the Vaalimaa border crossing point at Finland’s eastern border.

Minister Häkkänen and General Grynkewich discussed the current security situation and NATO’s deterrence and defence.

“NATO continues its long-standing efforts to strengthen its deterrence and defence. An important milestone was reached in December when Finland, Sweden and Denmark were transferred to the area of responsibility of Joint Force Command Norfolk which now encompasses all the Nordic countries”, said Minister of Defence Häkkänen.

Minister Häkkänen emphasised the importance of the High North and Northern Europe for the Alliance as a whole.

“Finland’s strong homeland defence has been integral to our quick integration into NATO. The Multi-Corps Land Component Command North in Mikkeli is now an important element of NATO’s command structure,” Minister Häkkänen said.

“The forthcoming Forward Land Forces Finland will be a key component of NATO presence. They will enable the Alliance to address effectively all threats in the High North,” Häkkänen said.

Minister of Defence Häkkänen and General Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO, were joined in their meeting by General Janne Jaakkola, Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces.

Inquiries: Janne Kuusela, Director General, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 300