Security scare cancels Finnish FM’s speech in Berlin

A planned speech by Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen at the German Federal Academy for Security Policy in Berlin was abruptly cancelled on May 5 due to a security threat. 

The police intervened and prevented Minister Valtonen from entering the building over concerns about a suspiciously parked vehicle in the vicinity, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

According to the reports, the announcement of the cancellation came shortly before the event was scheduled to begin. Approximately 100 experts in security and foreign policy had gathered at the venue to hear Valtonen’s address on current European security challenges.

Minister Valtonen was already near the academy when the decision was made to call off the event. The German police are currently investigating whether the suspicious vehicle posed a credible threat.

The Finnish foreign minister was expected to give a speech on topical European security matters. 

During her visit, the official also met with Member of the German Bundestag Johann Wadephul, who is set to become Germany’s next foreign minister.

"Pleasure to meet in Berlin @JoWadephul who will be appointed as Foreign Minister tomorrow. We discussed the excellent relations between Finland and Germany, the security of the Baltic sea region and ways to achieve lasting peace in Europe," Valtonen wrote on X. 

By Sabina Mammadli