Former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö has called on the European Union (EU) to strengthen its military and civil readiness. In a report presented to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Niinistö emphasized the EU’s need for a more proactive approach to global crises.
The report recommends allocating 20% of the EU budget—around €1 trillion over seven years—to security and crisis preparedness. This increase is seen as essential to address growing threats that cross national borders and impact interconnected sectors of the economy.
“The EU must take charge of its own security if it expects allies to do the same,” Niinistö stated. He highlighted the insufficiency of current defense funding, citing the need for stronger commitment to the US and other allies.
Recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, border conflicts, and extreme weather have tested EU readiness. Despite efforts, the report finds member states still unprepared for multi-dimensional crises. The 165-page document outlines the urgency for better coordination and resource allocation.
Call for Enhanced Intelligence Cooperation
The report also stresses the importance of greater intelligence cooperation across the EU. Intelligence sharing remains a contentious issue, as national security agencies retain control of sensitive information. Niinistö proposes creating a unified EU intelligence service to support counter-espionage efforts and strengthen crisis response.
This proposal aligns with a prior EU initiative to improve intelligence analysis capabilities. Von der Leyen endorsed the idea, highlighting the value of shared information for tackling cross-border threats.
Concerns about US political shifts add pressure on the EU to bolster its own security. With the US presidential election on November 5, fears persist that a potential Donald Trump presidency could reduce US support for Ukraine or NATO commitments.
The EU’s proposed €1.5 billion European Defence Industrial Programme has also faced criticism for being underfunded. The report calls for increased investment, especially during next year’s budget discussions, to ensure the EU can meet its security goals.
Addressing Strategic Gaps
Niinistö’s report identifies two major strategic gaps in EU readiness. First, there is no clear plan for responding to armed aggression against a member state. Second, coordination across institutions and operations remains inadequate. “The security of one member state directly impacts the others,” Niinistö noted, calling for more unified action.
The ongoing war in Ukraine highlights these issues. Experts estimate that Europe will need €50 billion over the next decade to keep pace with global powers like the US and China. The report stresses the importance of member states’ cooperation on defense and joint investments to close these readiness gaps.
Despite increased defense spending in 2023, only 18% of investments were made collaboratively. The remaining 82% were managed at the national level, which limits efficiency and resource sharing. “Member States must work together on defense investments,” Niinistö urged, calling for long-term support for Ukraine’s industrial sector.
The report’s conclusion serves as a wake-up call to EU member states. It urges them to prioritize joint crisis preparedness, foster stronger cooperation, and allow willing member states to lead initiatives. “Consensus on every proposal may be difficult,” it notes, “but the EU must be open to launching new preparedness initiatives with those ready to act.”
