Kouvola to continue security conference despite proposed cuts

Kouvola’s security conference will continue in future years, Mayor Marita Toikka has confirmed, Yle reports. Ending the event had been included on a confidential list of possible savings measures prepared by city officials.

The list estimated that cancelling the conference would save Kouvola 90,000 euros.

About 200 security experts and decision makers gathered in Kouvola on Friday to discuss Finland’s and Europe’s security situation. The city organised the conference for the seventh time.

Speakers included Finnish Defence Forces Commander Janne Jaakkola and Richard Shireff, a former deputy commander of NATO’s European forces.

“The event will certainly continue,” Toikka said.

Event has raised Kouvola’s profile

Security and preparedness are among Kouvola’s key priorities, according to Toikka. She said the conference had increased the city’s visibility and standing across Finland.

“Esteemed guests consider this one of Finland’s most important security sector events,” Toikka said.

Kouvola will organise the conference again next year. The city also has an option to arrange it together with communications agency Miltton in 2028 and 2029.

During the conference, security authorities displayed their equipment and activities to the public on Mansk, a pedestrian street in central Kouvola. Aircraft and helicopters flew over the street.