A Call for European Resilience in the Face of Global Threats
Former Finnish president Sauli Niinistö, whose tenure spanned from 2012 to 2024, expressed deep concern about Europe’s diminishing presence in global security discussions, notably concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Speaking at a chatham House panel, Niinistö, who authored a complete report for the European Union on bolstering security against modern threats, highlighted the criticism German Chancellor Olaf Scholz faced for engaging in dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin in November 2024. “But what about now? Trump is going to talk to Putin. Do we complain that Europe should be in those discussions? I find this a bit of a strange construction…we should be involved,” Niinistö stated.
Niinistö emphasized the importance of European nations prioritizing citizen resilience against various dangers, including sabotage, disinformation, and military aggression. Finland’s extensive security policy,which actively engages the military,government,private sector,and ordinary citizens,serves as a model for other member states often criticized for relying heavily on the United States for security.
These concerns echo a broader call from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who recently urged the alliance to adopt a “wartime mindset” to prepare for anticipated challenges within the next four to five years. Rutte criticized the current 2% of GDP defense spending target,arguing that it is insufficient.
finland’s approach to bolstering resilience includes offering national defense courses to civilians, particularly business leaders, to educate them on Finland’s foreign, security, and defense policies. Elizabeth Braw, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, acknowledged that widespread implementation of such programs might be challenging for other nations but stressed the crucial role of the private sector in building a more resilient populace. “I don’t think any company today would want to hire somebody who was not data literate. That would be a good place to start. We will always have peopel in our society who fall for disinformation. But the fewer we have, the better it is indeed,” Braw noted.
Braw suggested that public libraries and trusted institutions should contribute by offering courses to help citizens identify disinformation.
Niinistö,drawing on past examples,emphasized the need for faster identification and attribution of threats. “An example comes from Crimea in 2024 when we were all wondering ‘What are all those little green men walking around in Crimea?’ and after we found out what it was, they had already invaded the peninsula,” he stated.
Shashank Joshi, a visiting fellow at King’s Collage London and the Defense Editor of The Economist, contrasted this with the British Defense Secretary John Heakey’s recent response to a Russian spy ship detected in British economic waters. Joshi praised the approach, stating, “I thought it was a very engaging example of signaling. It was attribution, saying ‘we know what you’re doing.’ It was clear. It was relatively calm.” He asserted that effectively communicating potential solutions,alongside the challenges,is crucial in addressing public concerns.
Europe faces a complex challenge: balancing its economic interests with diplomatic and military resolve in light of its historical economic interdependence with Russia. Finding this equilibrium is crucial for navigating the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Europe’s Security Challenge: A Call for Unity and Resolve
In an era marked by shifting global dynamics and rising geopolitical tensions, President Sauli niinistö of Finland underlines the urgent need for Europe to strengthen its role in international security. Speaking candidly about Europe’s waning influence on the global stage, Niinistö expressed concern about the continent’s hesitant approach to security challenges, using the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a stark example.”We must show resolve and unity when facing external challenges. Half-measures only prolong conflict and undermine our credibility,” he emphasized.
Niinistö acknowledged the complex balancing act Europe faces between its economic interdependence with Russia and the need for a strong diplomatic and military stance. He firmly believes that “security is the foundation upon which economic prosperity is built,” advocating for greater diversification of energy sources and a reduction in dependence on Russia,even if it entails short-term economic costs.
The former president stressed the paramount importance of European unity in navigating these turbulent times.He advocated for a more integrated European defense policy, urging member states to pool resources and decision-making powers. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation with NATO and other key partners, underscoring the duty of Europeans to safeguard their own security.
Looking to the future, Niinistö offered reassuring words for European leaders: “Europe’s strength lies in its unity and democratic values. We must stand firm in our principles,be decisive in our actions,and always strive to find common ground among member states. And, most importantly, we must listen to our people. Their support and trust are the foundation of our leadership.”
With these powerful words, President Niinistö calls for a united and resolute Europe, confident in its values and determined to shape a more secure future for the continent.
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How does Finland’s comprehensive approach to citizen resilience, involving national defense courses and private sector engagement, serve as a model for other nations?
Archyde Interview: Former President Sauli Niinistö on Europe’s Security and Resilience
Archyde: Mr. Niinistö, you’ve been a vocal advocate for Europe’s role in global security discussions, notably concerning the Ukraine conflict. What are your concerns regarding Europe’s presence in these dialogues?
Former President Niinistö: Thank you for having me. I believe that Europe, given its geographical location and historical ties, should play a significant role in these discussions. We’ve seen instances where European leaders are criticized for engaging with Russia, as seen with Chancellor Scholz, and I find it somewhat strange that we’re not also advocating for Europe’s presence in discussions between other global leaders and Russia. We should be at the table.
Archyde: You’ve spoken about the need for European nations to prioritize citizen resilience. Can you tell our readers more about Finland’s approach to this,which seems to be serving as a model for other nations?
Former President Niinistö: Certainly. Finland’s approach to resilience is comprehensive and involves all sectors of society. We’ve implemented national defense courses for civilians, particularly business leaders, to educate them about our foreign, security, and defense policies. We believe that an informed and engaged populace is crucial for our nation’s resilience.
We also engage our private sector actively, understanding that they play a vital role in identifying and mitigating potential threats. As an example, our private cybersecurity firms are at the forefront of countering digital threats, working closely with our military and government agencies.
Archyde: We’ve heard NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte urge the alliance to adopt a ‘wartime mindset.’ Do you agree with this assessment, and what do you see as the key challenges Europe faces in the coming years?
Former President Niinistö: I understand where Secretary-General Rutte is coming from. The geopolitical landscape is indeed complex and evolving, and Europe needs to be prepared to face various challenges, from disinformation campaigns to military aggression. While I agree that we must be prepared, I also believe that maintaining a balance between vigilance and diplomacy is crucial.
One of the key challenges Europe faces is balancing its economic interests with diplomatic and military resolve, given its historical economic interdependence with Russia.Finding this equilibrium will be vital for navigating the changing geopolitical landscape.
Archyde: Elizabeth Braw from the Atlantic Council has spoken about the role of the private sector and public institutions in building a more resilient populace. How can Europe’s private sector and public institutions contribute to this goal?
former President Niinistö: I agree with Ms. Braw’s assessment. The private sector can play a significant role in educating their employees about various threats, such as disinformation and cybersecurity. After all, they are the ones who often first encounter and can report these issues.
Public institutions, like libraries and schools, can also contribute by offering courses to help citizens identify and counteract disinformation. We must work together to create a more resilient society, one where citizens are not only protected but also empowered to protect themselves and their communities.
Archyde: Lastly, you’ve spoken about the importance of faster identification and attribution of threats. Can you share an example and explain why swift attribution matters?
Former President Niinistö: Sure. In 2024, during the early stages of the Crimean crisis, we were all wondering who ‘those little green men’ walking around Crimea were.It took time to identify them as Russian forces, and by then, it was too late to prevent the annexation. This underscores why quicker attribution is crucial. It allows us to respond swiftly and effectively to potential threats, helping us mitigate their impact.
Archyde: Thank you, Mr. Niinistö, for your insightful outlook. It’s clear that Europe faces complex challenges, but with robust resilience and a united front, it can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger.
Former President Niinistö: Thank you, and I couldn’t agree more. Europe’s future depends on our ability to face these challenges together, learning from each other and leveraging our collective strengths.
