Finland recently played a pivotal role during a significant summit held on December 22, 2023, where European leaders congregated to address pressing issues surrounding defense and security within the EU, particularly concerning the looming threats posed by Russia. The gathering, termed the northern-southern summit, took place at Saariselkä, Finland, and brought together notable leaders like Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas, along with Prime Ministers Ulf Kristersson of Sweden, Giorgia Meloni of Italy, and Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece.
During the meeting, Kallas stressed the urgency for European nations to make decisive moves on defense strategy by 2025, arguing, “We have to take some very important decisions by 2025... you have to make them much earlier.” This sentiment underscored the central theme of the summit: the necessity for proactive planning and resource allocation in light of potential military confrontations.
At the heart of discussions was the collective realization of the multiple dimensions of the Russian threat—one not confined merely to military might. Kallas noted, “The security situation is very high,” emphasizing the various aspects through which Russia influences European stability. From meddling with democratic processes to creating tensions through hybrid warfare strategies, the leaders recognized the asymmetrical nature of these threats.
Apart from military concerns, the summit also tackled the integral issue of illegal immigration, significantly exacerbated by criminal networks and geopolitical stratagems, particularly those emaning from Moscow. Prime Minister Meloni declared the necessity for the EU to rejuvenate its external borders to defend against the aforementioned threats: “We must help the nations of origin and transit of Africa.” Her call to action echoed the consensus reached during the summit, asserting the importance of international cooperation to mitigate migration problems at their source.
Orpo, addressing the situation from Finland’s vantage point, asserted, “Guaranteeing security at our eastern border... is existential for Finland.” With the country's border sharing the longest line with Russia, spanning approximately 1,300 kilometers, security here remains of utmost priority. The closing of this border has been under scrutiny as global tensions rise, and Finland’s strategic location puts it at the crossroads of various decisions impacting EU policy.
Another pivotal aspect of the summit was the conversation surrounding increased military investment. Attendees voiced their concern over previous NATO commitments, particularly the 2% GDP contribution pledge which Greece’s Prime Minister Mitsotakis deemed inadequate; he suggested it might be time for members to exceed this threshold due to Russia's increasing aggression: “I think we all know we will have to spend more than 2 percent.”
Similarly cautious, Meloni urged to wait for the incoming U.S. administration to clarify its stance on NATO contributions but acknowledged, “Everybody knows we have to do more” for collective security. Kallas echoed this, adhering to the call for financial innovation, noting, “Decisions have to be adopted much earlier, when times are peaceful.” This notion of innovatively strategizing financial resources and commitments was positioned as key to enhancing the union’s readiness against any future conflict.
Indeed, the summit discussions also reflected on Finland's potential retreat from the Ottawa Treaty concerning anti-personnel mines, with local discourse indicating consideration over the treaty’s relevance in the new security environment after Finland’s NATO accession. Kallas maintained, “Those who are part of the Ottawa Convention are member states, and their competence is their own.” This statement underscored not only the complexity of geopolitical shifts but also the varied responses different countries may have when under threat.
The collective message from these leaders is clear: as Europe faces one of its most complex security dilemmas yet, there is both urgency and necessity for cohesive, innovative strategies to emerge from the EU if it wishes to secure its safety against external forces such as Russia. A plan set to be under preparation will aim at ensuring resilience and adaptability within this expanded NATO framework, and continued dialogue among these nations is expected to shape the future of EU’s geopolitical interactions.
With pressing challenges at the forefront, the future of European security is contingent not just on immediate reactions but also on long-held strategies of cooperation, foresight, and mutual assistance. The participants of this summit left with the recognition of their intertwined fates and responsibilities—a pivotal recognition for the times to come.
