Finnish experts support Armenia in developing comprehensive defense and security system, says envoy

Finnish experts have supported Armenia’s Office of the Security Council in developing a comprehensive defense and security system this year with EU funding, Ambassador of Finland to Armenia Kirsti Narinen has said.

“Finland has been a partner of this conference since its inception,” she said at the Comprehensive Security & Resilience 2026 international conference, organized by Yerevan-based think tank Women and Global Security Architecture (WGSA).

“Finland, like all other supporters and co-hosts, believes in the ability of Armenia and Armenians to break with the past, to make significant changes in reforming solutions in the security sector and to make them more European. This year, Finnish experts, with EU funding, have supported the Office of the Security Council in developing a comprehensive defense and security system for Armenia,” the ambassador said.

In her assessment, the Finnish model has become a leading European model for involving the whole of society in ensuring security. Across Europe, solutions are being sought to address the changing security environment, hybrid threats, cyber disruptions, supply security, as well as the need to strengthen societal resilience and cohesion.

“We must also not forget about the environment, the preservation of water resources and mitigating the consequences of climate change. It is also necessary to consult with a country such as Armenia, which is under constant pressure. We continuously learn from each other. The strength of this concept lies in cooperation. Comprehensive security implies that the vital functions of society are protected through horizontal cooperation among all stakeholders. Democratic institutions, state bodies, businesses, non-governmental organizations, research institutions and citizens act together,” the diplomat said.

In her view, the comprehensive and long-term approach is a particular strength of small democratic states such as Finland and Armenia. Comprehensive security is also a driver of growth and competitiveness. A stable and effectively functioning society promotes investment, international cooperation and economic growth.

“Predictability and stability require well-functioning institutions, as well as a societal balance based on respect for democracy, fundamental freedoms and an active civil society. Without these, security cannot be comprehensive, sustainable or predictable. As the European Union and NATO strengthen their preparedness, demand is growing for expertise, technologies, education and services. Raising awareness requires visibility. One of the tools for this is conferences like this one, and this is already the third. What began in 2024 as a pilot event has evolved into a multi-component project centered around this annual conference. This third event testifies to an already established tradition. I think we have already left our mark on discussions on national security. The European Union promotes Armenia’s resilience and growth,” the ambassador said.

She added that each country has its own specific characteristics, so this cannot simply be a process of mechanical copying; it is about identifying national potential, needs and vulnerabilities. The recently approved mandate of the EU partnership missions serves precisely this purpose.

“The international partners of this conference are here to share their experience in building common European resilience, with an Armenian emphasis. Most of the conference participants are Armenians. You have a great deal of experience to share with us and with each other. We need activists. We need caring people. And we need responsible leaders who are ready and able to create strategies, but more importantly, to move from strategies to action,” the Ambassador of Finland to Armenia concluded.