The security situation in Europe changed permanently when Russia started a brutal offensive war in Ukraine. Russia tore up the international treaties and has also bombed civilians in day care centres, hospitals and cultural venues.
Although we hope it will be brief, the war will have far-reaching consequences. Not only is it a humanitarian catastrophe, but it will also reflect on the security and preparedness of Europe, human well-being, environmental solutions and market instability.
Europe’s new policies will also influence technological choices and solutions. EU’s proposed Fit for 55 climate package, the Gas Directive and many other factors, such as security of supply and self-sufficiency, clean food and energy demands, must be reconsidered in light of the new circumstances.
Detaching ourselves from Russian energy will expedite the green transition. It is important for Finnish businesses to be prepared for these things.
Many businesses had to abruptly suspend their operations in Russia. It is difficult to estimate the costs of this, as what was a major export destination country is no longer one of our adjacent markets.
This spring, it is time for Finland to make quick, but also carefully considered and durable decisions about its security policy. This will also help ensure that international experts in technology and businesses and investors in the field will continue to see Finland as a stable country.
The article has been previously published as a column in TEK Magazine 2/2022.
