Minister for civil defence to observe international rescue exercise in Finland

– As someone once said, you must know each other before you need each other. This exercise brings together more than 500 professionals from Finland, Norway, Germany and Sweden. It emphasises cooperation, leadership and action in emergencies, and it shows the importance of working together to confront cross border challenges. Because the threats we face, we must face together, says Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin.

The exercise will focus specifically on cooperation around the ’rescEU’ strategic preparedness in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, for which Finland is responsible for CBRN storage projects and medical contingency planning. A fictitious situation will be set up where substances hazardous to humans have been released into the environment. In a closed-off area, training exercises will include measuring radiation and identifying dangerous substances. The exercise will not be harmful to those taking part, living in the area or present in any other capacity.

During his visit, Mr Bohlin will observe the exercise’s field scenarios carried out in the port area of Oulu and meet with representatives from participating authorities and organisations. Together with Norway and Germany, Sweden is contributing around 170 participants to the exercise, which is an important step in enhancing Nordic and European preparedness in complex crisis situations.

Rescue Borealis 2025, which will be carried out in accordance with Finland’s model for overall security strategy, involves a broad spectrum of actors, from rescue services and the police, to health care and port operations. There will be an opportunity for public authorities and media to see the various components and results of the exercise on 2 October. If interested, see press contact below.