The Finnish president Sauli Niinisto reflected on the crisis in Ukraine and current global tensions, saying the post-Cold War era was over and that great power politics were in a state of flux.
“But every time the shape of geopolitics changes, the impacts are also felt by countries smaller than the great powers. Sometimes particularly by them.”
Notions of spheres of interest are outdated, according to Niinistö, who said Russia’s recent ultimatums to the US and NATO about the alliance’s further expansion also concern Europe.
That said, Niinistö called on the EU to take a more active role, saying Europe should do more than “listen in.”
“The sovereignty of several member states, also Sweden and Finland, has been challenged from outside the union. This makes the EU an involved party. The EU must not settle merely with the role of a technical coordinator of sanctions.”
Niinistö reiterated Finland’s possibility to apply for NATO membership.
“Finland’s room to maneuver and freedom of choice also include the possibility of military alignment and applying for NATO membership, should we ourselves so decide.”
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