The world has changed dramatically in recent years. Truths that seemed self-evident have been questioned. Until the full-scale, brutal attack on Ukraine in February 2022, Europe was asleep at the wheel, writes Anders Adlercreutz, Finland’s Minister of Education and Chair of SFP – Swedish People’s Party.
This opinion piece was originally published in ALDE Party's Liberal Bulletin in June 2025. Click here to read the full publication.
SFP, the political party that I lead, had been advocating for Finnish NATO membership for years. In fact, all my predecessors since the end of the Cold War were in favour of membership. Nearly all other political parties in Finland quickly joined us in 2022 when “Russia’s mask fell off, and only the cold face of war was visible”, as then-President of Finland Sauli Niinistö said.
While security guarantees are part of the EU’s Treaty of Lisbon, their delivery happens through NATO. Today, it is of vital importance that every country in Europe take our collective security seriously.
In Finland, we’ve kept our eye on the ball even before joining NATO. Our defence concept, based on conscription and the idea of “total security” in society, has proven to be right.
Conscription-based military service is an unquestioned fact in Finland. There is a strong sense of common responsibility for defence. Our model also creates cohesion and a sense of common identity, increasingly valuable in these polarised times.
Every nation should find the approach that works best for them, as we all have different realities. But we can all learn from each other. That is why this discussion needs to be more visible, not only in the EU, but also outside of it, including in EU candidate countries.
While it may be uncomfortable, it’s necessary to keep the defence and security conversation going. Finland learned its lessons a few generations back, when we were brutally attacked by the Soviet Union and fought for survival.
Today's fight in Ukraine has shown that evil cannot be appeased. It must be met with unquestionable resolve, based on democracy, human rights and the rule of law. We have to show that we can defend ourselves, with or without help from others, and be prepared for everything.
This is the Finnish mentality when it comes to defence planning. Today, we trust that our allies stand with us, if need be. But we are prepared for any situation – and your country be should too.