Sanna Marin Promotes Ukraine in the EU – But Few in Finland Understand What She Is Doing 0 25

Former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) hopes that the European Commission will make decisions regarding Ukraine's EU membership with the current composition. The commission's mandate is valid until 2029.

Marin has been working at the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) for over two years, but her activities remain shrouded in mystery.

The former head of the Finnish cabinet has said little about her work in the media. She only briefly touched on this topic in her recent memoirs "Hope is Action." However, even experts in the field know little about her activities.

Marin did not want to give an interview to Yle on this topic. However, she answered questions via email and provided comments on some issues during her book tour in the United States.

It is officially known that Marin is facilitating the EU membership of Ukraine and Moldova. However, she is not a lobbyist hired by Ukraine. The former prime minister clarified in a comment to Yle that she does not work for the Ukrainian government and does not report to it.

"My role is independent and advisory," Marin noted.

She emphasizes that the Tony Blair Institute has helped keep the issue of Ukraine's EU membership on the agenda through concrete proposals and high-level dialogue.

"My task is to facilitate this work, including through high-level meetings."

For example, in September 2025, Marin traveled to Kyiv to participate in the YES (Yalta European Strategy) international conference to promote Ukraine's integration. The founder and sponsor of the organization is Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Pinchuk. He had previously donated money to the Tony Blair Institute, but now, as reported by the organization, he is no longer among the sponsors.

Negotiations on Ukraine's EU membership are currently stalled as Hungary blocks their progress. Marin believes that EU expansion is possible if the economy recovers and institutions operate effectively. The former head of the Finnish cabinet hopes that the European Commission will make decisions regarding Ukraine's EU membership with the current composition. The commission's mandate lasts until 2029.

As a representative of the institute, Marin has also called on European countries to provide greater support for Ukraine's defense. She described Europe's actions as morally and strategically unforgivable. She emphasized that her role in the institute is not related to European defense procurement, but only to politics.

"I use my voice to support a Europe that responds decisively to security threats and supports Ukraine in every possible way."

Many Finnish experts on EU and foreign policy admitted to Yle that they know little about Marin's work and therefore do not want to make any assessments. In Ukraine, however, the significance of Marin's activities is not criticized, as any support for the country is considered important.

Noted Ukrainian political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko stated that the Tony Blair Institute has influence. In his opinion, through TBI, Marin can influence the opinions of experts and politicians, as well as the preparation of political decisions.

"She can exert influence by emphasizing the necessity of Ukraine's EU membership, as this is opposed both openly and secretly," Fesenko said.

Rinna Kullaa, an associate professor at the University of Tampere who teaches at a Kyiv university, notes that Marin is a well-known figure and draws attention to Ukraine's issues. According to Kullaa, it is difficult to assess the significance of the former prime minister's work in promoting Ukraine's EU membership.