Strengthening cooperation and a rules-based world order as the basis of Finland’s foreign policy
International politics is undergoing its largest transformation since the end of the Cold War. The world is becoming multipolar and facing multiple crises.
Climate change, biodiversity loss and the proliferation of nuclear weapons pose a major threat to the existence of humanity. Meanwhile, economic and security structures, political institutions and social justice are being undermined.
The greatest threats facing us are global in nature, and solving them requires effective cooperation and a rules-based international system. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is the most significant change in Europe’s security environment. The wars in Gaza and Iran are causing political uncertainty and human suffering. There can be no different standards of compliance with international law.
The Social Democrats want to reinforce the rules-based system, peace and security. Solidarity, equality and non-discrimination have become even more important as political objectives. Cutting development aid and funding for UN agencies is making it more difficult to tackle global challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss, and promote human rights and sustainable development.
The Social Democrats’ goal is to eradicate poverty and hunger from the world.
The erosion of the rules-based world order also poses a challenge to the global economic system. As a counterbalance to the significant influence that great powers have over the economy, the growth of developing countries is changing the international economic order. States are also increasingly often exerting economic and foreign policy pressure when contending with each other. Economic power and political power are becoming increasingly intertwined at the same time as a significant proportion of the world’s population are struggling to make ends meet.
At a time of crisis, democracy needs defenders. The Social Democrats believe that a sustainable international order is built on well-functioning institutions, justice and policies that safeguard the rights of both individuals and communities.
1. The climate crisis is the main security threat to humanity
Climate change and biodiversity loss are among the main security threats to humanity. Their consequences transcend national borders and, at worst, can be uncontrollable and unpredictable. Efforts to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 °C must continue, and international climate policy must introduce stricter restrictions, since current actions are not sufficient to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Climate policy must increasingly be considered part of a comprehensive security policy, as climate change exacerbates conflicts, fuels displacement and destabilises governments.
A transition to renewable energy is an important way to reduce dependence on authoritarian regimes and strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy.
In order to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement, climate policy must be negotiated and decisions must be implemented globally. This highlights the vital importance of international cooperation and diplomacy. Without a green transition and financial support for emerging economies, the global front against climate change will unravel, jeopardising the objectives of the agreement. The acute nature of the climate crisis makes it necessary to keep raising the issue alongside a number of other crises. Although acute geopolitical tensions require an immediate response, they must not lead to climate action being postponed. On the contrary, solving the climate crisis requires long-term political commitment because it lays the foundation for a more sustainable and stable world order.
2. The international system must be based on cooperation and rules
The foundation of Finland’s foreign policy is a rules-based international system that is crumbling, and Finland can no longer rely on the old system to work. In a world where power politics challenges the common ground rules, Finland must act as a defender of multilateralism, a rules-based system and international law.
We actively contribute to the functional capacity of international institutions to ensure their ability to secure peace, human rights and sustainable development globally.
SDP’s goal is a world based on cooperation and rules. In an increasingly complex and fast-paced world, it is essential for decision-making to be knowledge-based, considered and measured. Finland needs to develop a culture of foreign policy decision-making. In particular, the cross-administrative preparation of foreign, security, economic and technology policy must be systematically supported so that the objectives are mutually supportive.
The transatlantic relationship is changing. The United States’ foreign and security policy is becoming more unpredictable and appearing more unreliable with regard to both the European Union and individual Member States. It is essential for Finland to foster its traditional alliances while actively seeking new partnerships globally. Preparedness for different scenarios and close cooperation with the European Union and other allied countries form the basis of Finland’s security. For Finland, being a Nordic country is part of its identity and an important strategic priority.
The Nordic countries are Finland’s closest partners and thus, along with the EU, Finland’s most important foreign policy framework. As Social Democrats, we engage in strong Nordic ideological cooperation.
The Baltic Sea region and its connections are important to us in terms of mobility, connectivity and security, and we actively participate in the work of the region’s cooperation networks in the new situation.
The UN’s current capacity to implement decisions is inadequate and requires fundamental reform. Finland and the European Union must lead the efforts to democratise the UN Security Council. The legitimacy of the Security Council requires broadening its composition, strengthening the voice of the Global South and limiting the use of the veto. Finland must influence post-2030 Agenda global goals. SDP strongly supports Finland’s goal of becoming a member of the UN Security Council for the 2029–2030 term.
The increase in both direct conflicts and indirect warfare, trade wars and hybrid influence must be taken seriously and prepared for. Finland fulfils its responsibility for international peace by actively taking part in military and civilian crisis management. Finland’s strong political capital in mediation, diplomacy and crisis management must be fostered.
We work in the contexts of NATO, the EU, the UN and the OSCE to strengthen global stability. Crisis management is not only about responding to military crises, but also about strengthening democracy and inclusion, which is the surest guarantee of lasting peace.
Finland must pursue a foreign and security policy that is based on human rights and gender equality and that focuses on human rights, the right of women, girls and the disadvantaged to bodily self-determination, as well as the prevention of violence against these groups. In peace processes, women must be regarded as active peace builders and providers of security. In line with UN Security Council Resolution 2475, we support the consideration of persons with disabilities in conflict situations and the facilitation of their participation in peacebuilding.
Global inequality must be tackled at its roots. We need a more efficient and fairer global and European economic system that is based on a sustainable trade and economic policy. Europe, including Finland, must implement an ambitious strategy for Africa, with the goal of building an equal partnership between Europe and Africa.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic as a result of Israel’s disproportionate military action, which has crossed the line of acceptability. Israel’s illegal military action is also unacceptable in the West Bank, where Israel is illegally expanding its control in the Palestinian territories. Finland should join Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom in condemning the actions as being in violation of international law. On 16 September 2025, the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry stated that it considers Israel’s actions to be genocide. As a means of exerting pressure, Finland must call for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through two sovereign states, where Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in peace and security. Finland must join the international front to guarantee the right of Palestinians to their own country. SDP is of the view that Finland must recognise the Palestinian state.
3. A strong Europe means a strong Finland
A common and consistent European policy is in Finland’s best interests and is the best way to defend the multilateral rules-based system and European interests. Human rights, equality and the rule of law are core values of the European Union and SDP. Europe must strengthen its partnerships with countries that are committed to the rules-based international system, and it must seek to influence countries whose attitude towards multilateral cooperation is difficult to predict.
Not all dependencies can be cut, and strategic autonomy does not mean isolation. However, achieving this requires not only dismantling of dependencies, but also concrete action at an institutional level. SDP aims to expand qualified majority voting in foreign and security policy within the European Union.
The preparation of instruments that respond to the exertion of economic pressure must be underway before crises occur. These instruments must be effective and rules-based, and their activation must be restricted to countermeasures. At the same time, the single market must be strengthened and expanded, while ensuring that Europe’s economic strength continues to be based on fair and open markets.
Economic cooperation, trade and agreements are also increasingly viewed as instruments of power. The ability of Finland and Europe to respond must be strengthened. International trade, labour protection and decent working conditions, such as global solidarity in reducing inequalities, are best promoted through agreements. A socially responsible market economy, democracy and the rule of law can address growing global wealth inequalities. The more political the economic system outside Europe becomes, the more attractive a fair and open market becomes.
SDP is in favour of the enlargement of the European Union. Enlargement must be based on progress made by the candidate countries in meeting the enlargement criteria. Finland and Europe must support Ukraine not only in the war against Russia, but also in social development, so that the conditions for EU membership can be met.
The Western Balkan countries must also be supported in their accession processes, and the number of countries recognising Kosovo must be increased. It is essential that the accession process upholds the general principles of the European Union and the principle of equal treatment to ensure that the process does not lose its legitimacy or negatively impact the Union’s relationships with the countries at its borders. Accession must be based on meeting the Copenhagen criteria, and it must not remove incentives for countries to pursue reforms. The EU mechanisms developed in recent years must be used and further developed if the criteria are not met. EU funding must be more closely tied to compliance with the rule of law, both in the current Member States and candidate countries.
Europe’s strategy for Russia must be based on a controlled, coordinated and coherent approach. Its key objectives are the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, securing Ukraine’s independence, restoring the 1991 borders and bringing Russian war criminals to justice at the International Criminal Court. The timing and objectives of the peace process are a matter for Ukraine.
Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defence. The United States will continue to reiterate its long-standing call for Europe to strengthen its own defence capabilities, which must be taken into account in European and national defence planning. Increased defence procurement must support the development of the Finnish and European defence industry where possible, taking into account performance needs. Europe’s excellence and innovation potential must be fully harnessed to develop Europe’s defence capabilities. The Finnish defence industry must be systematically supported as part of the creation of a common European defence market.
The change in the United States’ foreign and security policy is inevitably reflected in NATO cooperation and decision-making, which are based not only on operational cooperation, but also on constructive dialogue between member states. In defence cooperation, we will stand by our obligations and act in accordance with our values, while remaining open to new partnerships. In addition to the protection provided by NATO’s Article 5, Finland’s own defence capabilities and overall preparedness must be persistently developed as part of NATO’s capabilities. The aim is a stronger Europe that stands as a credible European pillar within NATO.
Nordic cooperation must also be further intensified within NATO. In particular, defence cooperation between Finland and Sweden must be intensified on account of the long-term threat posed to the Baltic Sea and the Nordic region. Finland and Sweden must conclude a bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) to streamline joint exercises, facilitate the storage of material and ensure quick access to bases in times of crisis or war. In the longer term, the aim must be to extend the DCA arrangement to cover the entire Nordic region.
The Nordic countries must work to strengthen and expand the multilateral treaty regime on nuclear weapons. Finland’s nuclear weapons policy must be in line with that of the other Nordic countries. SDP does not accept the Government’s proposal to remove all restrictions on nuclear weapons from the Nuclear Energy Act. In SDP’s view, the restrictions on nuclear weapons provided in the Act must be retained. Finland must continue its efforts to curb the international arms race and promote disarmament and arms control.
NATO membership has significantly strengthened defence cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries and Poland. Cooperation must be increased and deepened, particularly with Estonia, with which we share a common threat picture and a common interest in maintaining the stability of the Baltic Sea.
Security solutions for the Arctic region must be developed in close cooperation with NATO. Finland has significant special expertise related to Arctic warfare and security to contribute. However, the Arctic region is more than a security issue: its particularly sensitive climate, ecosystems and natural resources require responsible cooperation between countries. Research and cultural cooperation and improving the position of indigenous peoples are key factors that strengthen cooperation. The Arctic dimension makes JEF cooperation a transatlantic issue, and Canada should be invited to join the Northern European JEF cooperation in order to strengthen it.
4. Technologies, dependencies and the future of Europe
From the point of view of European democracy and the rule of law, artificial intelligence (AI) poses serious risks, but it also has potential. The harnessing of AI for mass influence and spreading disinformation in the run-up to elections puts the stability of the entire democratic system at risk.
Therefore, Europe and Finland must take digital sovereignty seriously: we must reduce our dependence on external operators, strengthen our own technological expertise and ensure that European values and regulation guide the digital development of society.
Technological advancements, particularly in AI, are challenging Europe’s autonomy and economic position in the world. Europe has lagged far behind the rest of the world in the development of the software and data management industries and has also become critically dependent on cloud services and the companies that maintain them, which in many cases are based in the USA. In addition to challenges in competitiveness and continuity management, this development has also called into question the implementation of European legislative power and the fundamental rights of European citizens. Regulating social media algorithms protects not only children and young people, but also society in general.
To remedy this situation, Europe must be able to focus resources on creating industry-specific technology clusters and promote international and cross-sectoral cooperation. Moreover, the growth potential of small and medium-sized enterprises in Europe must be actively supported. This requires the extension of competition law to the global level and mechanisms to protect businesses from abuses of dominant market positions and from actions that threaten Europe’s security interests.
Europe needs to increase predictable funding for both basic and applied research, particularly in strategic disciplines, and the interdisciplinary research that underpins them. In particular, it is essential that Europe can accurately identify key vulnerabilities and dependencies and systematically seek to address them. At the same time, Europe must prepare for the development and proliferation of AI in all areas of society and central government.
The entire production chain for AI products and services required by key government functions, as well as the upgrades and cybersecurity expertise they require, must also be found in Europe.
It is essential for democracy and the rule of law that the algorithms developed to guide behaviour are used in Europe according to a common set of rules.
Similarly, we must ensure that any legal and moral requirements are met in the use of systems designed for mass surveillance, real-time content editing and faster-than-human decision-making and that accountability is clear in all situations.
The rise and proliferation of cybercrime and means of hybrid influence driven by technological advancements must be taken into account through appropriate concentration of resources. At the same time, Finland and the EU must make sure that all digital encryption is upgraded to be quantum-resilient.