5 PRIORITIES AND GOALS In its foreign and security policy Finland makes choices on the basis of its national interests which promote its security and prosperity. Foreign and security policy is predominant in strengthening the international status of Finland, guaranteeing its independence and territorial integrity, and in improving the security of Finns. For its part, a sound economy increases security. This is also the foundation upon which the wellbeing of Finland and Finns is laid. In order to sustain this, Finland also needs the capacity for internal reform as well as trust in its shared values, democracy and collective institutions. Active participation in international cooperation advances Finland’s interests and is a part of Finland’s global burden-sharing. Finland is a country which does not belong to any military alliance. Finland actively and extensively intensifies its international networking. Finland maintains the option to seek membership in a military alliance. A world which is based on cooperation, respect for international law and the UN Charter is important to Finland’s goals for foreign and security policy and prosperity. There are many issues where cooperation faces roadblocks. Yet, there are areas of cooperation that are unhindered by tension, for example, in issues associated with the Baltic Sea and the Arctic region. When it comes to the present state and the potential of Finland’s foreign and security policy environment, Finland does not have the option or desire to isolate itself. As a Member State of the European Union Finland could not remain an outsider should threats to security emerge in its vicinity or elsewhere in Europe. Finland actively improves the stability of security in its vicinity. Since a potential conflict would directly impact Finland’s security, such a possibility must be prepared for. Finland pursues an active policy of stability to prevent military threats. In order to implement the policy Finland endeavours to prevent violations of democracy and rules-based order as well as military threats through foreign and security policy and wide-ranging cooperation. To prevent armed attacks, Finland maintains a national defence capacity tailored to its security environment and continues defence cooperation with others. Finland also maintains a credible national border security system. Preparedness for the demands posed by the security environment and strengthening security in Finland’s immediate vicinity requires intensified cooperation and actively 17