Key facts
- Europe is living through an "era of darkness," according to Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
- Stubb cited multiple wars and U.S.-China competition as reasons for this new era.
- He stated that the world faces a pivotal moment, similar to the end of WWII and the fall of communism.
- Stubb noted that there are more conflicts playing out now than at any time after World War II.
- He called for the development of a European security structure to ensure Russia does not attack its neighbors.
- Stubb suggested that NATO will remain vital but new processes and trust-building measures with Russia are needed.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb declared on Monday that Europe is entering an "era of darkness," citing the proliferation of wars and the intensifying competition between the United States and China as factors undermining the global rules-based order. Speaking at the College of Europe in Bruges, Stubb, a former student of the institution, contrasted the "era of light" during his studies in the 1990s with the current challenges faced by today's students. He highlighted that the post-Cold War period has concluded, and the world is at a critical juncture, comparable to the aftermath of World War II and the collapse of communism. Stubb expressed concern over the resurgence of conflict, noting that the number of ongoing wars is higher than at any point since World War II. He emphasized that future global security hinges on the relationship between major powers like the U.S. and China, and stressed the need for a robust European security framework to deter Russian aggression.