Finnish FM backs US pressure on Europe over defence

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has urged European countries to prioritise strengthening their own defence capabilities in response to increasingly critical rhetoric from the United States.

In an interview with Spiegel, she stated that NATO is currently “stronger than ever,” pointing to the contributions of Finland and Sweden since joining the alliance, the rise in European defence spending, and Germany’s significant role. She also noted that the United States has not indicated any plans to leave NATO.

Valtonen described US calls for Europe to increase its defence efforts as “fully justified,” even amid a tougher tone in public statements from Washington.

“For us Europeans, it makes more sense to focus on ourselves in order to make the continent safe for our citizens,” she said, adding that this approach involves both increased defence investment and efforts to enhance economic competitiveness.

By Tamilla Hasanova