Copyright politico
“My ideal situation is that people in Europe — all over Europe — understand that security is the foundation of everything,” Niinistö said, adding he "would like to see a change of mindset.” For Niinistö, the challenge is not only political but psychological. Democracies, he noted, move at the pace of public opinion — and without broad recognition of the need for stronger defenses, governments will struggle to act decisively. “To a certain extent, I think it’s developing positively — that people, even in countries not located on the frontline with Russia, start to understand why it is important," he said. Niinistö stepped down as president in 2024. He steered Finland through its NATO accession, which was completed in April 2023. The former president pointed to shifting global dynamics. He cited the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin as evidence that China is seeking to project political as well as military power on the world stage, as it pushed for a“fairer multipolar world” and tighter security cooperation with members. “That was a clear message,” he said. The former Finnish leader warned that Europe can no longer afford to rely indefinitely on the United States for its protection. Washington, he noted, is increasingly preoccupied with other regions, which would leave Europe more exposed in the years ahead. “Europe needs to be able to take care of itself by developing its own capabilities,” Niinistö said. “This is a major question for us Europeans in the future — how much can we take care of ourselves for our security, information, and technology?” “You have to be able to cooperate with your friends,” he added, “but you also have to be able to work alone — in case your friends are more active elsewhere.”
