Finnish party leaders to debate security policy for first time at Mikkeli Headquarters Symposium

Wednesday 20th 2026 on 08:00 in  
Finland
defence cooperation, Finland, security policy

Finnish political party leaders will participate in a security policy discussion panel for the first time at this year’s Mikkeli Headquarters Symposium, reports public broadcaster Yle.

The debate will feature Antti Häkkänen (National Coalition Party, Defence Minister), Antti Lindtman (Social Democratic Party), Antti Kaikkonen (Centre Party), Sari Essayah (Christian Democrats, Agriculture Minister), Harry Harkimo (Movement Now), Simo Grönroos (Finns Party), Laura Meriluoto (Left Alliance), and Hanna Holopainen (Green League, Defence Committee member).

The symposium, now in its 17th year, will focus on Finland’s and Europe’s role in the new global order and defence cooperation. The event opens with an expert panel including Piritta Asunmaa (Finland’s NATO Ambassador), Hiski Haukkala (Finnish Institute of International Affairs), Mikko Hautala (Nokia), former EU Commissioner Erkki Liikanen, and Teivo Teivainen (University of Helsinki).

The traditional Mannerheim Lecture will be delivered by Matti Vanhanen, former Prime Minister and current State Counsellor. The event, open to the public, takes place on 8 July at the Mikaeli Concert and Congress Centre in Mikkeli, with live coverage available on Yle Areena.

Source 
(via Yle)