The Full Address of the Ambassador of Finland to Kosovo, H.E. Mr. Matti Nissinen, at the Roundtable “Foreign Interference in Elections and Its Impact on National Security and Democracy”, organized by the Octopus Institute on January 28, 2025, in Prishtina.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Participants,
It is a privilege to join you today and discuss critical issues of security, stability, and democracy in the Western Balkans. Finland’s own journey, shaped by its proximity to complex geopolitical dynamics and a history of resilience, provides valuable lessons for Kosovo as it navigates its path toward Euro-Atlantic integration.
Finland’s Experience: A Blueprint for Countering Threats
Finland’s approach to countering threats to critical infrastructure and safeguarding national security underscores the importance of three components:
1) preparedness, 2) inclusivity, and 3) resilience.
Our “whole-of-society” approach unites government institutions, the private sector, NGOs, and citizens in a comprehensive effort to protect against hybrid threats.
I will briefly lay down key elements of Finland’s strategy, which include:
Media Literacy and Public Awareness: Through high quality education and transparent communication, Finland has built societal resilience against disinformation campaigns designed to undermine public trust. During Finland’s NATO membership process, for instance, there were external attempts to create false narratives about security risks and loss of sovereignty. By promptly addressing these narratives with fact-based communication, Finland maintained public confidence and national unity.
Finland’s commitment to transparency is further demonstrated by a new initiative led by the Prime Minister’s Office: the publication of yearly overviews of information influence activities targeting Finland – it is public and you can find it in our Government’s website. The first report, focusing on Russia’s rhetoric and means of exerting influence, highlights how such activities aim to shape public opinion, incite fear, and undermine societal cohesion. This initiative is part of Finland’s evolving government security management model and serves as a valuable tool for increasing public awareness and fostering informed discussion about hybrid threats.
Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection: We all know that cyberattacks are a phenomenon. These attacks targeting Finnish government institutions have highlighted the importance of robust digital defenses. By investing in advanced cyber technologies and fostering international partnerships, Finland has effectively countered such threats.
Strategic Partnerships: Finland’s collaboration with NATO and the EU has strengthened its security framework. The establishment of the Hybrid CoE in Helsinki serves as a model for fostering resilience across nations through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. We believe that since many threats and challenges are shared, partnerships are crucial in countering them.
Geopolitical Challenges in the Balkans: Implications for Kosovo
The Western Balkans face unique challenges arising from geopolitical tensions. Foreign influence in the region—through disinformation, economic leverage, and support for anti-Western networks—seeks to destabilize nations like Kosovo and hinder their Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
For Kosovo, these challenges manifest in the form of:
Disinformation Campaigns: False narratives aiming to exploit ethnic divisions and erode trust in institutions.
Geopolitical Pressures: Support for narratives opposing Kosovo’s independence, which perpetuates instability and mistrust.
Infrastructure Vulnerabilities: Attacks on critical infrastructure, such as the recent one in Zubin Potok, which demonstrate the need for enhanced protection measures.
Finland’s experiences offer valuable insights for addressing these challenges. By building resilience against hybrid threats and fostering societal cohesion, Kosovo can mitigate the impact of external pressures and strengthen its democratic foundation.
Democracy and Security in Kosovo: Countering Foreign Interference
As Kosovo moves toward greater integration with NATO and the EU, it could prioritize the following actions to strengthen its democracy and security framework:
Countering Disinformation: In addition to national coordination mechanisms, establish dedicated units to monitor, debunk, and preempt foreign influence and malicious interference (FIMI). Public campaigns to enhance media literacy can empower citizens to discern credible information.
Enhancing Regional and Multilateral Cooperation: Deepening partnerships with NATO and the EU, even in the absence of full membership, will bolster Kosovo’s security infrastructure and provide a platform for shared resilience initiatives.
Strengthening Public Trust and Democratic Institutions: Transparency, the rule of law, and equal opportunities are vital to building confidence in governance. By investing in democratic processes, Kosovo can ensure that its citizens remain united against external threats.
Finland and Kosovo: Shared Principles, Shared Goals
Both Finland and Kosovo understand the value of resilience and collaboration in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes. Finland’s history has shown that even small nations can play a pivotal role in shaping global security through innovation, partnerships, and adherence to democratic principles.
For Kosovo, adopting Finland’s model of preparedness and inclusivity will not only enhance national security but also pave the way for greater regional stability and integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. By building on shared values and leveraging international partnerships, Kosovo can secure a bright and stable future for its citizens.
In closing, I want to emphasize that resilience is not merely a defensive strategy—it is the foundation for progress, stability, and prosperity. Finland stands ready to support Kosovo on its journey, sharing our experiences and working together to build a secure and democratic future for the Western Balkans.
Thank you.