President Alexander opened the 2026 parliamentary session on Wednesday at the Parliament Building. According to President Stubb, Finland is navigating a rapidly changing global landscape by proactively engaging in diplomacy, strengthening alliances like NATO and the E.U. and prioritizing national defense. Amid shifting power dynamics driven by Russia, China and the U.S., Finland emphasizes defending sovereignty, upholding a rules-based international order that protects small nations and fostering unity through democratic values and respectful dialogue. The country’s leadership highlights the importance of wise engagement in global affairs to ensure security and stability at home.
Finland Today presents the highlights of President Alexander Stubb’s speech at the opening of the 2026 parliamentary session on Wednesday, February 4.
According to President Stubb:
A new world order is emerging and Finland has shown it can adapt. In diplomacy, it’s better to be a player than a pawn, understanding global changes and acting accordingly is essential. We must choose our battles wisely, focusing on areas we can influence.
This year, Finland promoted peace in Ukraine, defused tensions in Greenland and addressed issues in Venezuela and Iran.
Three main factors now shape European security: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China’s rise as a superpower and the U.S.’s new foreign policy—all of which are shifting power dynamics globally.
Finland acts rather than laments. This mindset led us to join NATO, strengthen the E.U. and Europe’s influence and prioritize national defense.
The US remains an important ally. We cooperate on defense but sometimes disagree on issues like climate change or international rules.
Maintaining a rules-based system serves Finland’s interests; such order protects small countries. We defend sovereignty and territorial integrity—everywhere these principles ensure stability worldwide as reiterated recently in Greenland.
The outcome of the war in Ukraine matters greatly for Finland. It concerns both independence and the rules-based system.
Today, Finland ranks among the world’s strongest democracies with high rule-of-law standards. However, trust in democracy can erode if taken for granted. It should unite us all. Democracy empowers the youth. The future is open to influence through collective choices.
Words matter in politics, they lead to action. Unfortunately many model divisive language worldwide.
President Stubb said that he prioritizes building trust through respectful dialogue within Finnish society. Maintaining this unity is crucial.
President Stubb thanked the Parliament for tough decisions that have strenghtened Finland’s security, addressing defense capabilities, hostile threats and border security amidst global instability.
