Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the government is able to function, despite the controversy surrounding economic affairs minister and member of the nationalist Finns Party, Vilhelm Junnila.
On Wednesday Junnila survived a confidence vote that was called by three opposition parties, due to his previous controversial statements and links to far-right groups.
"The government is able to function and we have a programme that has just been completed. We're all very committed to its implementation," Orpo told journalists at a European Council Summit in Brussels on Thursday.
Orpo said members of his government would convene to discuss internal issues next week, noting that issues surrounding Junnila would be thoroughly discussed.
"The wound needs to heal, so to speak. [It will] require discussion and work but I absolutely agree that this matter needs to be gone through," he said.
Orpo also said the government has a clear position regarding extremism.
"It is quite clear that when one serves as a minister, flirting with extremism — Nazism, anti-Semitism — that is just not acceptable," he said.
Continued support for Ukraine
Orpo and other leaders at the summit of the European Council on Thursday and Friday are scheduled to discuss Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the EU's continued support for Ukraine, among other topics.
The Finnish PM emphasised the importance of the EU committing to continue offering long-term support to Ukraine.
"We will support [Ukraine] as long as necessary, so that they can win the war and achieve peace on their own terms. This is also a clear message to Putin that we will stand by Ukraine until they win the war," he said.
EU leaders are also discussing the use of frozen Russian funds towards Ukraine's reconstruction. Orpo said the frozen assets should be sent to Ukraine, noting that a "lasting legal situation" needs to be found to do that.
Regarding EU issues, Orpo said his government will continue along Finland's pro-European policy, adding that decisions made in Brussels must also benefit Finland.
"We will take even more care of Finland's interests as we work to develop the common union," he said.
Orpo said it is also important for the EU to be a strong global player, adding it is the only way to remain competitive with China, the US and other growing countries.