President Niinisto reiterated Finland's possibility of applying for NATO membership

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto has reflected on the crisis in Ukraine and current global tensions, saying that the post-Cold War era was over and that the policies of great powers were in a state of flux.

“But whenever the shape of geopolitics changes, the impacts are felt by countries smaller than the great powers. Sometimes especially by them.”

The notions of spheres of interest are outdated, according to Niinisto, who said that Russia's recent ultimatums to the US and NATO over further expansion of the alliance also worry Europe.

That said, Niinisto called on the EU to take a more active role, saying that Europe must do more than "listen."

"The sovereignty of several member states, also Sweden and Finland, has been challenged from outside the European Union. This makes the EU an involved party. The EU should not be limited to the role of a mere technical coordinator of sanctions."

Niinistö reiterated Finland's possibility of applying for NATO membership.

"Finland's room for maneuver and freedom of choice also include the possibility of military alignment and applying for NATO membership, if we ourselves so decide."