Finnish expert calls for revision of country's defense policy report

HELSINKI - A leading Finnish expert has urged lawmakers to revise the country's defense policy report to address the evolving security landscape brought about by the new US administration.

In a statement submitted to the Finnish parliament's foreign affairs committee, Tuomas Forsberg, a professor at the University of Tampere and a NATO researcher, warned that NATO's deterrent effect is weakening, and its military power does not necessarily ensure Finland's security.

The current report had been drafted and approved by the cabinet before the new US administration took office. Forsberg, who was consulted during the earlier process, has now updated his recommendations in response to the recent developments, Finnish national broadcaster Yle reported on Tuesday.

Forsberg emphasized that the situation has changed so significantly that the report needs to be revised before parliamentary approval.

"The US now sees the world as a jungle where there are no rules or no need to care about," he said, adding that Washington's foreign and security policies are now driven by narrow self-interest.

A drastic shift in US policy could have consequences for Finland's security situation, he added, urging the country to prepare for the possibility that the US policy shift could be long-lasting.