IN ENGLISH

Due to my background, I have a broad view on international security and defense tasks. I am used to taking big, also tough decisions that have far-reaching effects – always with a human focus. 

I was born in Turku on March the 20th 1962. My family consisted of my father, my mother, and two sisters, aged 1,5 years older and two years younger than me.

I live in Turku with my wife, who is from Mauritius, and our 12-year old son, and 4-year old daughter. 

- UN-military observer (UNTSO), Lebanon and former Yugoslavia (7/1991 - 7/1992)

- Assistant military attaché, the Embassy of Finland in Brussels, Belgium (7/1995 - 1996)

- Liaison officer, United States Central Command, Tampa USA (2/2003 - 5/2003)

- NATO Crisis Management Service, HQ KFOR, Kosovo (5/2003 - 10/2003)

- Defense attaché, Embassy of Finland, Paris (8/2005 - 7/2008)

- Commander of the Finnish crisis management troop, EUFOR Tchad (10/2008 - 3/2009)

I grew up with Swedish, Danish, and German was also occasionally used in my childhood home. I have received my education in Finnish. In addition to the above mentioned languages, I am also comfortable in using English and French in work contexts.

We are facing a challenging situation in Europe and in Finland: the elements of uncertainty in the world economy, Brexit, Russia’s act of war in Ukraine and the occupation of Crimea, the war in Syria, terrorism and the streams of refugees and migrants - all this is rattling the EU in an unforeseen way. These challenges do not end at the EU’s or Finland’s borders, but they effect the economy and politics as well. 

I want to serve my country and the citizens of Finland in a way and on platform where I can contribute with my experience kowledge, language skills, and my view on the world situation. You need to know your history in order to understand the present and to be able to plan the future - my father gave me this advice, and it has guided me through my whole life. 

I have four main political themes: the common security and defense policy, the Arctic policy, the single market, and the environment policy of the EU – these are questions I want to develop and advance. In addition to my main themes, I want to be active in the development of the regions in Finland through the EU’s regional development cooperation.

The latest incidents (Trump/USA, Crimea/Russia) underline the importance of developing the EU’s common security and defense policy, as well as an own defense for Europe. Finlands security is best kept up by maintaining a strong military capacity on our own, and by developing the EU’s readiness. It is in Finland’s interest to support and participate in the development of an EU defense. A Nato membership is a goal for Finland but still unlikely to happen in the nearest future. At the moment, the goals for Finland’s security policy are fulfilled by participating in the strengthening of the EU’s security and defense policy and in the building of an EU defense. The Nordic military cooperation is a part of this development. 

EU has shown a growing interest in the Arctic areas, but the significance of the Nordic dimension is worth more attention. Three member countries (Finland, Sweden and Denmark) are partly situated in the Arctic area. The effects of the climate change are visible and have a particularly harmful impact on the Arctic area. Finland is a member of the Arctic Council and is in the forefront when it comes to producing technology for sustainable development. Finland plays an important role and has excellent possibilities to influence the Arctic policy of the EU, and therefore also the methods for how Finland’s nature is protected, how minority cultures (the Sami people) are looked after, and how economic and industrial interests are promoted.

Finland participates in developing the EU’s single market and a stable economy. Finland wants to encourage the EU in developing the single market in a direction so we can avoid isolation and protectionism and strengthen the relations between the EU and the global economies. It is in Finland’s interest to support the EU in leading an open and regulated trade policy. By developing the single markets and entering into trade agreements, Finnish companies are given new possibilities.

The EU is a key player in international environmental negotiations. The best way for Finland to have an impact on global environment issues, is as an EU member. Finland must join the efforts for a more efficient enforcement of the EU’s environment legislation. Finland must work for an equal and sustainable environment and climate protection policy. Finland’s area consists of, approximately, 76 % forest which is an important carbon sink. By cutting down forest and replanting in a sensible and structured way, we secure a healthy renewal process for the forest. By refraining from or considerably reducing logging in Finland, we will not achieve our desired long-term effects on Europe’s climate. These measures can, on the other hand, have a negative effect on Finland’s economy, on the employment in the forest industry, and on the regenerative capacity of the forests.

Hans Adolf Ehrnrooth: info@hansadolfehrnrooth.fi, +358 40 554 1508