Speaking in front of MEPs, Urpilainen – who campaigned for Finland’s entry into the EU as a 19-year-old activist – outlined her ambition to eradicate poverty through international co-operation and development, achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and finalise the successor to the Cotonou Agreement. During the hearing, she pledged herself to educating and empowering women and girls, as a precondition for creating truly inclusive societies.
PES President Sergei Stanishev said:
“International partnerships have always been central to the success of the European project, and with Commissioner-designate Jutta Urpilainen leading the efforts I know the EU’s relationship with other parts of the world will go from strength to strength. Eradicating poverty, supporting development, and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals are key progressive goals, and the PES fully supports the candidacy of prospective Commissioner for International Partnerships as she works to make them a reality.”
Jutta Urpilainen was Finance Minister and a long-standing member of the Finnish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, she has also worked as a special envoy in Ethiopia. She is Finland’s first female nominee for Commissioner. As Commissioner for International Partnerships, she will strengthen international cooperation and development.