At Davos, European leaders highlight security challenges, NATO's evolving role in Europe
Finnish President Alexander Stubb shares insights into their nations’ security policies and the challenges posed by Russia

LONDON
European leaders gathered in Davos to discuss the shifting security landscape in Europe, emphasizing the importance of military investment, NATO's strategic role, and the continued impact of sanctions on Russia.
During a session, themed Peace through Strength, Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb shared insights into their nations’ security policies and the challenges posed by Russia.
Kristersson underscored the significance of Sweden’s NATO membership amid increasing security threats.
"The step to NATO was obviously a big one for Sweden," he said, but added that while NATO membership is critical, it alone is insufficient to address modern threats.
He said Sweden is ramping up defense investments following decades of underfunding.
"We are increasing rapidly," he said, pointing to vulnerabilities such as cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns.
"We have a long journey still to work," he concluded, signaling Sweden's resolve to bolster its defense infrastructure.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo highlighted the importance of protecting Europe’s underwater infrastructure and countering Russia’s operations in the Baltic and North Seas.
"We’ve seen Russian ships conducting so-called scientific research. They must know all our fish and crabs in detail," he said.
Belgium, as a key NATO logistics hub, is committed to strengthening its military spending and ensuring industrial resilience to support security efforts, he added.
De Croo emphasized the dual approach needed to neutralize Russian ambitions.
"Military preparedness is key, but so is undermining (Russia’s) economic capacity," he said, adding that sanctions are already having a long-term impact on the Russian economy. "We need to keep that up while continuing to invest in military spending."
Finnish President Alexander Stubb echoed these sentiments, emphasizing NATO’s importance for European security.
Reflecting on NATO’s evolving vision, Stubb said that US President Donald Trump’s 2016 push for increased defense spending was prescient.
NATO’s current requirements may demand defense expenditures exceeding 3% of GDP, underscoring the need for both higher spending and meaningful investment in military capabilities.
"It's not the percentage that matters, it's the content," he asserted.
Stubb also warned of the broader implications of Russia’s war on Ukraine in February 2022.
"The world order is changing," he said, describing the challenge to the liberal international order.
He highlighted the need for Europe to maintain strong ties with the US, particularly through NATO, despite shifting dynamics in American foreign policy.
"NATO for us is the most important (institution)," Stubb declared, emphasizing its critical role in safeguarding European interests.