Finland’s security policy

Abstract

Abstract. Finland achieved EU membership in 1995 thanks to its long-standing policy of neutrality. Its unique security policy has traditionally been characterized by a flexible, pragmatic, and multidirectional approach. For a long time, the country sought to keep several options open at once, which was reflected in its debates on NATO and its gradual rapprochement with the alliance, as well as in its openness to dialogue with Russia. One of the key elements of Finnish security policy is flexibility, which has enabled the country to build bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation simultaneously. Until February 2022, Finland actively participated in a number of defense partnerships, including within the EU, NATO, and Scandinavian cooperation frameworks. At the same time, Finnish decision-makers have always prioritized solutions that guarantee the greatest security, even outside of formal membership. Historically, Finland has maintained more flexible relations with Russia than other Nordic countries, especially Sweden. Following the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Helsinki strongly supported EU sanctions against Russia, while at the same time seeking to maintain channels of communication with Moscow. This dual approach—loyalty to Western allies and maintaining pragmatic dialogue—was one of the main features of Finland's unique security policy identity until Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which fundamentally reshaped the country's strategic priorities. Finland's characteristic flexibility in security policy can be seen as both a resource and a risk. On the one hand, this flexible approach allows the country to combine its defense cooperation in various ways, for example by establishing closer relations with the United States and Sweden, while retaining its own decision-making autonomy. This strategic openness also allows Finland to act as a reliable partner of the West and, at the same time, as a mediator between East and West. On the other hand, this flexibility can also create uncertainty about the country's international position. There has long been debate among policymakers and analysts as to whether Finland should be seen as a European middle power, a strengthener of transatlantic relations, or rather as part of the Scandinavian security environment, where Sweden is the most important strategic partner. However, Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine marked a turning point in this long-term search for balance. At that point, the Finnish leadership increasingly prioritized predictability and Western integration over its previous flexibility. The majority of political parties expressed support for NATO membership, which led to the official submission of a membership application in the summer of 2022. All this raises new questions about Finland's future role in the international system. Although the country now clearly belongs to the military and political structures of the West, it is not yet clear how this will affect Finland's role as a mediator and "bridge builder" between East and West. The future will therefore show to what extent strategic predictability and alliance commitments will replace the flexibility that has prevailed until now.