Threatened Europe – van der Bellen in the “front state” Finland

Finland shares a limit of approximately 1340 -kilometer with Russia – a geographical fact that a new security policy has received explosively since the Russian attack on Ukraine. The accession of Finland to NATO in 2023 was a direct response to the changed threat situation in Eastern Europe. In this context, Federal President Van der Bell will meet his Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb in Helsinki on Thursday. A visit that is not only about bilateral relationships, but about how Europe can work together strategically in an uncertain world.

“The safety of Austrians and all people who live here are closely intertwined with that of our European neighbors,” Van der Bellen said to the “Kroon”. Finland – which was neutral until 2023 – is different with the security challenges of a new geopolitical order.

Spontaneous Gold Party mit Trump
President Stubb recently met US President Donald Trump in Florida for a spontaneous gold section and, in addition to the Ukrainian war, also spoke about the threat in the Arctic. Trump emphasized the planned purchase of a larger number of ice racers for the United States, in the development of which Finland is considered a leader. In the increasingly important North Pole area, ice breakers are considered a strategic instrument – especially with a view to the dominant fleet of Russia.

In Finland there is also growing concern about hybrid threats. The closure of large parts of the border with Russia and various incidents in Gulf of Finland – in which ships, presumably damaged by the environment of the Russian “shadow fleet”, infrastructure – show that the dangers are not only militarily but also hidden nature.

The Bellens program includes visits to various security -relevant institutions, including the European Center to combat hybrid threats (Hybrid COE) and the Finnish Coast Guard. The exchange is intended to give knowledge of how Europe can become more resistant to unconventional attacks. “We must strategically secure peace in Europe and Austria,” says Van der Bellen.

He emphasizes the need to equip the Austrian army with sufficient resources to contribute to European stability. Austria remains military, but increasingly sees itself as a security -policy partner within the EU. “It is so much feasible as we think about the” Union “in the European Union and really tackle things together,” said Van der Bellen.

900,000 men and women under weapons
As part of the reorientation of the security policy, a possible exit of the Ottawa treaty is also discussed in Finland. This prohibits the use of anti -person mines. Finland joined the 2012 agreement – as one of the last countries in Europe. Nowadays, in addition to Helsinki, Poland and the Baltic states, they also check whether they should leave the contract in order to be able to defend themselves better against a possible Russian offensive.

The defense of Finland is traditionally based on a model of general military service and a strong reserve. Every male citizen is dedicated to military service, women can serve voluntarily.

The active peace power of the Finnish forces is around 19,000 soldiers, but in the case of a mobile phone, the country can activate up to 280,000 reservists in a short time. The total number of mobilizable forces is estimated at around 900,000. The armed forces are well trained, technologically modern and have a close attached network of defense plans for the entire territory.