Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) told Yle that Finland is ready to go even further than the EU Commission's proposals to curb energy prices.
The commission proposed another set of emergency measures earlier this week aimed at tackling spiralling energy prices, but did not suggest introducing a cap on gas prices as EU member states have so far failed to reach an agreement on the option.
"The commission made its own proposals this week on how to tackle the price rises. I don't think they go far enough yet," Marin said in an interview with Yle in Brussels.
Marin is in the Belgian capital to attend an EU summit, beginning on Thursday, where the option of capping gas prices is expected to be debated.
This is a subject of considerable disagreement between EU countries, Marin noted.
Finland is in favour of a gas price cap, with Marin telling Yle that the current circumstances are so exceptional that difficult decisions must be made.
"Some countries are concerned that if we did this, gas would stop coming into Europe and the situation would become more difficult. Other countries see that we need a strong intervention on price because it is shaking Europe, it is shaking European economies, it is raising inflation and it is affecting our lives in many ways," Marin said.
PM: Europe will "survive winter"
During the interview with Yle, Marin offered reassurance that Europe will survive the coming winter, adding that this will be done not only by tackling energy prices but also by increasing renewable energy production.
The pressure to reach decisions at this week's summit is intense, Marin noted, and said she thinks the meeting could last two or three days.
"I think there will be a tough battle on this issue anyway," she said, referring to the gas price cap.
Among the EU member states, Germany in particular has been concerned about the availability of gas if the EU starts to regulate prices.
There is also a more general discussion in Brussels about the possibility of more EU collective debt to offset the economic impact of the energy crisis. Concrete proposals on this have not yet however been brought to EU leaders.
"We would not accept such an option [more collective debt]," Marin stated.
"From Finland's point of view, when we still have 200 billion in unused loans in the existing package [of loans], we should look at their intended use and direct these funds towards solving the energy issue. Let's use the package we have. Let's not create new ones that lead to conflicts and different views between the member states."
Marin to raise issue of tourist visas for Russians
Marin told Yle she also intends to raise the issue of an EU-level policy on tourist visas for Russian citizens. Finland has already adopted its own policy, closing its border to Russian tourists at the end of last month.
"The commission has issued recommendations to member states that are very much in line with the Finnish model. Now we need to make sure that all member states adopt these recommendations. It cannot be the case that some countries take a very strict line and others allow Russians to travel to Europe under very easy conditions," Marin said, adding that the "visa shopping" phenomenon must be prevented.
However, she also noted that progress has been made since the summer on a common EU approach.
"But some member states may be looking at their own economic situation in relation to this question as well. In particular, countries where tourism is a big part of generating income may not want to get involved as much as countries that are bordering Russia," Marin said.
Marin: EU has remained united
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, the EU's leadership has consistently stressed that supporting Ukraine is a key priority for the bloc and that Ukraine must win the war.
However, the EU has faced criticism that its actions are not in line with the tough talk.
"We have done a lot," Marin said in response. "The sanctions have been tough. They have been prepared together with our partner countries, so we have been on the move in time and have been able to remain united."
In addition to sanctions, the EU has helped Ukraine with humanitarian, economic and military aid in the form of military assistance, Marin noted further.
"Much has been done. But it must also be honestly acknowledged that Europe could not have done it alone. Yes, we have needed the support of partner countries, especially the United States, but also others," she said, adding that further sanctions against Russia will be discussed by the EU.
Finland is ready to introduce tougher sanctions, Marin stated.
"Of course, there are also difficult questions for Finland in regard to the sanctions. But our starting point is that when Ukraine needs our support, we must give it," she said, citing as an example the closure of Russian airspace and its effect on the national airline Finnair as one example of a difficult choice Finland has had to make.
However, Finland's national interests must be put aside in support of Ukraine, Marin added.
"We must do everything we can to make sure they win the war," she said.
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