Finland’s security landscape in 2026 is being reshaped by NATO membership, uncertainty about U.S. commitments, and the enduring reality of sharing a long border with Russia. These dynamics were discussed on TVP World’s Eastern Interview with Teivo Teivainen, a professor and long-time observer of Nordic and European security affairs. Teivainen said Finland’s accession to NATO continues to enjoy broad domestic support, despite growing debate over Washington’s reliability as a security guarantor. While joining the alliance is still widely seen as a wise decision, doubts about long-term U.S. commitment have encouraged Finland to think more seriously about European-led alternatives should NATO cohesion weaken. At the same time, Russia remains the central and constant security challenge. “Mostly it’s the old thing,” Teivainen noted, referring to Moscow’s role as Finland’s powerful neighbor. Finnish leaders, he added, have said that the country aims to contribute to NATO’s security rather than merely rely on it. Teivainen pointed out that Finland maintains relatively large armed forces and significant reserve manpower, often drawing comparisons with Poland. With the Arctic growing in strategic importance for security, trade, and resources, Finland is increasingly presenting itself as a provider of stability in the High North. That role, however, depends in part on military modernization. Teivainen acknowledged ongoing debate surrounding Finland’s acquisition of F-35 fighter jets, including concerns over delivery schedules and reliance on U.S. systems. While speculation about a so-called “kill switch” has been denied by manufacturers, enthusiasm has cooled amid broader uncertainty about American policy. Still, Finland is expected to proceed with the program, with hopes that deliveries can be accelerated. Beyond NATO, Finland is also active in countering Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. Teivainen said Nordic countries are pushing for tighter EU restrictions, particularly on port access and servicing. Such measures, he argued, could curb Russian operations without undermining freedom of navigation. Finally, Teivainen highlighted the social impact of rising tensions. Cross-border cooperation in eastern Finland, once common after the fall of the Soviet Union, has largely disappeared, leaving border communities to adapt to economic losses and long-term isolation. For Finland, security in 2026 means adjusting to new alliances, questioning old assumptions, and managing the consequences of a geography that cannot be changed.
