Stubb: Finland Must Not Retreat; Now Is the Time to Act!

President Alexander Stubb has called for a more active Finnish foreign policy, arguing that Finland must strengthen its influence through NATO, the European Union and the United Nations as the international order undergoes profound change.

President Alexander Stubb used his speech at the annual Ambassadors’ Days to set out his vision for Finland’s foreign and security policy in an increasingly uncertain world.

Stubb identified NATO, the European Union and the United Nations as the three main institutions through which Finland can maximise its influence. At the same time, he stressed the importance of strong bilateral relationships with key allies and partners.

According to Stubb, the world is undergoing a major transformation in which technology, economics and security are becoming increasingly interconnected. Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies have moved to the centre of power politics, while economic and technological dependencies have increasingly become security issues.

NATO: Membership Is Only the Beginning

Stubb described NATO as the foundation of Finland’s security, but stressed that joining the alliance was not the end point of Finnish foreign policy.

Instead, Finland must actively contribute to building a stronger and more European NATO. Stubb argued that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security and defence while avoiding a breakdown in transatlantic cooperation.

He also pointed to the growing importance of defence technology, industrial capacity, missile defence, cyber capabilities and space capabilities in the alliance’s overall deterrence.

A Stronger Europe

On the European Union, Stubb called for greater political, economic and defence capabilities.

He argued that Europe must become a more credible geopolitical actor, capable of protecting its citizens' prosperity and strengthening its independence from external powers.

Stubb also advocated what he called “flexible integration”, arguing that the EU should avoid an “all or nothing” approach. He highlighted Ukraine as well as close partners such as Norway, the United Kingdom, Canada and Iceland as examples of countries that could be brought closer to the European Union.

Defending the Role of the United Nations

Stubb was also critical of the current state of the United Nations, particularly the organisation's difficulties in responding to major conflicts.

He noted that the UN Security Council has long been paralysed on some of the most important questions concerning war and peace. At the same time, he rejected the idea that multilateralism is dead.

Instead, Stubb argued that the international community is fighting over which rules will shape international relations in the future.

Finland's campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council therefore comes at a critical moment, he said. Finland can use diplomacy, coalition-building and its reputation as a reliable partner to increase its influence even as a small country.

Ukraine Remains a Finnish Priority

Support for Ukraine remains at the heart of Finland's foreign and security policy, Stubb said.

He began his speech by saying that he had arrived from Ukraine, where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had delivered a clear message to Finland and its allies: Ukraine needs continued support for air defence, energy infrastructure and financing.

Stubb reiterated Finland's support for Ukraine's European and transatlantic future, including its aspirations to join both the EU and NATO.

He also acknowledged that Russia will remain Finland's neighbour after the war. According to Stubb, the future of Finnish-Russian relations will depend largely on Russia's own actions.

“Now Is the Time to Act”

The central message of Stubb's speech was that Finland cannot afford to become a passive observer in a changing world.

He summarised Finland's foreign and security policy in three broad priorities: national interest and security, European responsibility, and global influence.

For Stubb, Finland's security cannot be separated from European security. Nor can Finland simply watch as the international rules-based system weakens. Finland must actively work to strengthen and reform it.

The President's message to Finnish diplomats was equally direct: be courageous, take initiatives, build partnerships and make Finland's voice heard.

“Now is not the time to retreat. Now is the time to influence,” Stubb said in his speech.

The speech presents a clear vision of Finland as a small country seeking a larger international role—not through size or military power alone, but through alliances, diplomacy, expertise and active engagement in the institutions shaping the future of Europe and the wider world.