Helsinki (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Following the announcement of new tariffs by Donald Trump, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said that all of Europe should engage with the U.S. on the issue of trade tariffs.
US President Donald Trump‘s decision to impose extensive tariffs on imports from both allies and rivals prompted retaliatory threats on Thursday, escalating a global trade war that risks igniting inflation and increasing recession fears.
How does Stubb propose europe handle US trade tariffs?
Finland’s president on Thursday said European nations need to work with the United States on the war in Ukraine, European security, NATO, and tariffs, in an attempt to US Washington to stay engaged in Europe.
“My recommendation to all my European partners is to engage with the American administration, he said. “Engagement is the key,”
he added.
Last week, Alexander Stubb unexpectedly visited Trump in Florida, strengthening ties with the U.S. president.
What did Trump and Stubb discuss during their recent meeting?
The two presidents gathered for breakfast, enjoyed a round of golf, and shared lunch. They also discussed foreign policy matters, such as Ukraine. Moreover, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held a meeting with Stubb in Helsinki.
“President Stubb and I look forward to strengthening the partnership between the United States and Finland, and that includes the purchase and development of a large number of badly needed Icebreakers for the U.S., delivering Peace and International Security for our Countries and the World,”
Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
In a statement given by the Finnish president’s office, Stubb’s unexpected encounter with Trump was informal.
How significant is Finland in world icebreaker production?
Canada, Finland, and the U.S. government of former President Joe Biden in November signed an agreement called the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort. It seeks to jointly design world-class Arctic and polar icebreakers through knowledge, information, and resource sharing. Stubb even previously said he wanted to play golf with Trump, and that icebreaker diplomacy could help Finland maintain good relations with the U.S. and Trump.
Finland stands as the top global producer of icebreakers. Approximately 80% of these vessels are designed by Finnish firms, with about 60% constructed in Finnish shipyards. Finland shares the European Union‘s longest border with Russia. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Finland made a foreign policy U-turn after decades of military non-alignment, deciding to join NATO together with Sweden.
