Alexander Stubb warns that Europe is going through an “era of darkness” amid wars and US-China rivalry

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb warned on Monday, in a speech delivered at the College of Europe in Bruges, that Europe is going through an “era of darkness” amid numerous wars and the strategic rivalry between the United States and China.

Stubb said that the post-Cold War period had ended and that the world was at a decisive geopolitical moment comparable to 1945 and 1989. He said that, although there had been more optimism in the past about defeating disease, famine and wars, the current international context offered “many reasons to be pessimistic”.

The Finnish leader cited estimates that approximately 65 conflicts or wars are taking place around the world, the highest number recorded since the Second World War. In his view, global security will largely depend on whether the United States and China choose cooperation or confrontation.

Referring to the war in Ukraine, Stubb argued that Europe must build a security structure capable of preventing Russia from attacking its neighbors again. NATO will remain essential, but new mechanisms to build trust between Europe and Russia would also be necessary.

Finland’s president urged future diplomats and politicians not to give in to pessimism. He estimated that, over the next 30 years, the European Union could reach 40 member states through the accession of countries such as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, as well as through a possible return of the United Kingdom.