The British & Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in Finland was pleased to welcome members and guests to Svenska Klubben in Helsinki for a special seminar on Finnish defence policy and NATO. The event attracted a distinguished audience brought together by a shared interest in Finland’s evolving position within the transatlantic security framework.
We were honoured to host Ms Karoliina Honkanen, Director, Defence Cooperation Unit, Ministry of Defence of Finland, who delivered A highly praised presentation, offering a timely and in-depth exploration of Finland’s current defence policy, outlining its strategic priorities and the nation’s growing engagement within NATO structures.
The presentation was followed by an interactive Q&A session, with attendees posing thoughtful questions that demonstrated both a clear awareness of contemporary security issues and a strong interest in Finland’s international partnerships. The seminar highlighted the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to fostering informed dialogue on key global developments affecting its members and stakeholders. As Finland continues to deepen its integration within NATO, the Chamber remains a valuable platform for strengthening understanding and engagement across sectors and borders.
The presentation was followed by a special introduction to Michael Franck’s film project on Finland’s journey into NATO. Through a poignant combination of visual storytelling and narrative insight, the film offered a compelling perspective on this historic transition and added emotional depth to the morning’s discussions.
Photos by Sudhanshu Verma