Finland's President Stubb Warns Europe Is Entering a Dark Era, Calls for New Security Structures

Speaking to students at the College of Europe in Bruges, President Alexander Stubb declared that Europe is passing through an “era of darkness,” driven by a surge in wars and heightened US-China competition that threaten the rules-based order. He compared one outlet turning point to the end of World II and the collapse of communism, noting that roughly 65 armed conflicts are now underway, the highest since 1945. Stubb emphasized that global security will hinge on whether the United States and China choose cooperation or confrontation, and called for a new European security architecture that can prevent further Russian aggression.

While affirming NATO’s continued relevance, he suggested additional confidence-building measures with Russia and the creation of new defence tools, including AI-driven drones tested in Ukraine. He also hinted at a possible expansion of the EU to 40 members, mentioning the United Kingdom, Norway, Moldova and Ukraine.