Overview
On 17 November 2025, the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, visited NATO headquarters in Brussels for a bilateral meeting with Secretary General Mark Rutte. Finland’s NATO accession occurred in April 2023, and since then it has demonstrated reliability as an Ally. During their joint press conference, Rutte praised Finland’s practical approach to security and its contributions to protecting critical undersea infrastructure, NATO skies, space-based capabilities, and Arctic expertise. The Secretary General stated that Finland can count on NATO allies.
Key points from the meeting
- Finland’s ongoing and robust contributions to security, including its role in safeguarding critical undersea infrastructure through both national efforts and NATO initiatives such as Baltic Sentry.
- Finland’s support for securing NATO skies and its involvement in space-based capabilities and Arctic operations.
- The establishment of a new NATO Forward Land Force in Finland, in cooperation with Sweden, to reinforce NATO’s posture.
- Introduction of a new Multi-Corps Land Component Command in Mikkeli to plan, prepare, and execute NATO land force activities in Northern Europe.
- Finland’s continued support for Ukraine and sustained military aid, including significant investments in related initiatives and broader assistance from Nordic and Baltic Allies.
Direct quotes
“Finland can count on your NATO Allies.”
“Finland has always recognised the importance of security, and you know what it takes to deliver it.”
Context and implications
Finland’s NATO membership status positions it as a key contributor to regional security, with enhanced deterrence and readiness in Northern Europe. The collaboration with Sweden and the new land force arrangements aim to strengthen NATO’s posture in the Baltic region and surrounding areas. Finland’s defense spending and contributions are highlighted as part of its commitment to collective security.
Author’s summary
Finland’s alliance with NATO is affirmed through concrete force readiness enhancements and shared security commitments, underscoring Finland’s pivotal role in regional defense and collective resilience.