Finnish President Alexander Stubb has used his New Year address to outline three priorities for the country in 2026: peace, growth and caring.
Speaking live from the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Stubb reflected on the past year and said his meetings with people across Finland had strengthened his belief that the country was well placed to face the future.
He said every individual contribution mattered, adding that Finland's strengths lay in its sense of community and shared values such as education, equality, justice and freedom.
On foreign policy, Stubb said Finland had "punched above its weight" internationally, with a particular focus on supporting Ukraine and working closely with allies. He said Russia's relationship with Finland had changed permanently and stressed that peace efforts must continue, even if any eventual settlement in Ukraine did not fully meet expectations.
Stubb said Finland's security was based on a strong national defence as well as Nato and EU membership, and argued that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own future. He also called for closer cooperation within the Nordic countries and Europe more broadly.
Turning to the economy, the president expressed concern about public finances but said Finland had the foundations for sustainable growth through investment in education, research and innovation. He highlighted exports, technology and critical minerals as key strengths, and said Finland needed more work-based immigration to support growth.
Stubb also warned that climate change must be taken seriously, describing it as an existential issue and saying countries that acted early would gain a competitive advantage.
On social cohesion, he said Finland remained the world's happiest country but still had room to do better, particularly in supporting those who struggled to find their place in society. He emphasised the importance of caring for others, culture and finding joy even in uncertain times.
Stubb concluded by saying that peace, growth and caring could only be achieved together, and wished Finns a happy and meaningful new year.
