Tensions between two EU countries, Finland and Slovenia grew to new heights on Thursday (4 September), with Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa delivering an official note of complaint to the Finnish ambassador in Ljublajana over Finnish TV accusations of bribes in relation to a weapons deal.
On Monday (1 September) the investigative journalism programme MOT claimed Finnish defence material manufacturer Patria paid a total of €21 million in bribes indirectly to Slovenian officials and to the prime minister in return for arms orders.
The news was broadcast on Finland’s national public service broadcaster, YLE.
Mr Jansa refuted the claims as being unfounded, saying that MOT could effect the friendly relations between the two countries.
“We have officially demanded that the television channel that broadcasted this apologise and present evidence for the claims,” the Slovenian prime minister said in a message published on the government’s website.
Mr Jansa added the decision to purchase weapons form the Finnish company Patria was taken during the previous government’s term of office.
“This is a complete lie and fabrication, and it is no coincidence that these claims have been brought forth now,” he said.