US-Europe relations are entering a period of tension and uncertainty, according to Finland’s President Alexander Stubb. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Stubb described a shift in the transatlantic alliance, warning that the relationship between Europe and the United States is no longer as stable as it once was and urging allies to protect core defence and NATO ties.
Stubb emphasized that the West is not collapsing, but it is divided. He noted that in recent months, the United States has acted in ways that European partners find increasingly unpredictable. The Finnish president highlighted the US and Israeli strike on Iran in February as an example of Washington taking action without consulting its allies. In contrast, he recalled earlier conflicts such as Libya, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where the United States sought approval from the United Nations Security Council and coordinated closely with European nations.
“Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Save what is salvageable from the transatlantic relationship, such as NATO and defence,” Stubb said. He called for maintaining cooperation on core security areas while managing disagreements over trade and climate policy in a civil manner. The Finnish leader framed these differences as issues that should be debated without threatening the broader alliance.
Stubb also reflected on the changing global role of the United States. He described Washington as less predictable, which has implications for global stability and European security. While Stubb confirmed that he contacted President Donald Trump after the illegal strike on Iran on 28 February, he stressed that Finland’s focus remains firmly on the war in Ukraine.
Linking US policy shifts to the conflict in Ukraine, Stubb noted that recent easing of sanctions on Russian oil, coupled with rising energy prices, has strengthened Russia’s economic position, even as Ukraine has made gains on the battlefield. He highlighted the increasing role of drones in the conflict, estimating that over 80 percent of Russian casualties result from drone attacks.
At the same time, Stubb observed that Europe has taken a more active role in peace discussions and negotiations on US security guarantees. He suggested that Ukraine’s standing has improved compared with a year ago, though he warned that the unpredictability of US policy risks weakening Washington’s global influence. He explained that American power has long depended on alliances, and diverging from partners undermines the ability to project influence worldwide.
Reflecting on broader shifts in global power, Stubb referenced his recent book, noting that the previous “triangle of power” has transformed into a more complex network of major states with evolving roles. He urged European leaders to adapt to these changes, emphasizing that they are the new reality that Europe must navigate.
Stubb’s remarks come amid growing friction between Washington and European capitals over defence responsibilities and responses to conflicts in the Middle East. US officials have criticized allies for not committing forces to secure shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. For Finland, Stubb reaffirmed that the priority remains supporting Ukraine and maintaining sanctions on Russia, which continue to serve as essential tools in curbing Moscow’s aggression.
The Finnish president’s analysis underscores the delicate balance Europe must maintain with the United States. While transatlantic ties remain crucial, they now exist in a more unpredictable environment. Preserving NATO and defence cooperation, managing policy differences, and asserting Europe’s role in global decision-making have become key challenges for leaders seeking stability in an era of shifting power dynamics.
