Finnish President Tarja Halonen says that the development of the EU's common security policy is in accordance with Finnish interests.

Finnish President Tarja Halonen says that the development of the EU's common security policy is in accordance with Finnish interests. She said that it will not, however, replace NATO because the EU cannot develop into a defense alliance. She believes that NATO, while expanding, will also take into account Finnish viewpoints. Halonen denies notions that Finland's own policies on Russia have been overshadowed by the EU. According to Halonen, Finland has managed to get wide acceptance from the rest of Europe for Finnish aspirations to support Russia's progress towards a state that respects European values. Halonen challenged criticism that says Finland's policy on Russia is too passive.