Finland's Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen has called for a detailed plan from the United States regarding any potential military withdrawal from Europe, emphasizing the need to prevent creating vulnerabilities that Russia could exploit.
In a recent phone interview following an EU defense ministers' meeting in Warsaw, Häkkänen stressed the importance of coordinating any U.S. military shifts toward the Pacific region with European defense capabilities. "We need to have some sort of joint plan with Americans about a roadmap if the Americans are shifting the balance in the Pacific area in conventional defense capabilities," he stated.
The Finnish minister's request echoes similar concerns raised by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who previously sought clarity from U.S. officials about potential force realignments. Pistorius's inquiries to both the White House and Pentagon have reportedly gone unanswered.
While Häkkänen expressed understanding for U.S. strategic interests in Asia, particularly regarding China's military expansion, he emphasized that Europe remains vulnerable without American military support. This is especially true for nations bordering Russia, like Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer frontier with the country.
European nations are actively working to strengthen their defensive capabilities amid uncertainties about U.S. commitment to NATO. The European Commission is considering plans that could generate up to €800 billion in military spending through adjusted fiscal rules and €150 billion in defense loans by 2030.
Despite concerns, NATO chief Mark Rutte has attempted to calm nerves, stating that any U.S. strategic shifts would be handled in "a very coordinated manner" without surprises within the alliance.
Finland, which joined NATO two years ago following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, maintains a robust defense posture with nearly a million reservists and a comprehensive national security model. However, Häkkänen maintains that "Europe is too weak without U.S capabilities" and must develop complementary European military capabilities.
EU leaders are expected to evaluate the Commission's defense spending proposals in June, with Häkkänen noting that "Americans want to see clear decisions from European countries."