Defence will be the bedrock of Finnish foreign policy

Significance

While this has mostly clearly been reflected by Helsinki’s decision to apply for NATO membership, there are many other changes in its relations with Russia. Finland has also substantially bolstered its defence budget and introduced new legislation to protect the country against Russian hybrid attacks.

Impacts

• NATO’s information exchanges, command and control networks and operational planning in the Arctic, Baltic and Nordic regions will improve.
• Defeat for the ruling Social Democrats in April’s elections will have little or no impact on Finland's foreign policy priorities.
• China’s growing engagement in the Baltic region will gain more scrutiny from countries such as Finland.