Writing in his column on the Defence Ministry's website, Kääriäinen reminded his readers that Finland will be taking part in two EU battle groups in 2007 and 2008. Sending Finnish troops to these groups without adequate training and exercises would be irresponsible, he noted.
Co-operation with NATO's rapid reaction forces was specifically a question of training, Kääriäinen added.
Last week it was revealed that Finnish soldiers were to train with NATO Response Forces.
YLE Radio News, Finnish News Agency