Europe Center in the News

Wieslander interviewed by Radio Sweden on the history of NATO-Russian Relations

By Anna Wieslander

Since the 1990’s, many have contemplated Russian NATO membership and an EU-led European security order. Russia’s admission into NATO’s Partnership for Peace in 1994 established many areas of Russian-NATO cooperation around the world. However, Putin’s rise to power and increased opposition to the US-led world order caused early optimism to deteriorate into full-blown confrontation.

Wieslander interviewed by Radio Sweden on Russian troop movements

By Anna Wieslander

“This is a long-term game about the future of our security order. This is about the type of world we want to live in,” said Wieslander.

Wieslander interviewed by BBC Radio on “Finlandization” of Ukraine

By Anna Wieslander

BBC: What does Finlandization refer to? Wieslander: It refers to the status of Finland during the Cold War when they had to enter a friendship cooperation and mutual assistance pact with the Soviet Union in 1948 and how they managed their relationship with the Soviets after that. Basically, limiting their sovereignty and space of maneuver […]

Wieslander on “Finlandization” of Ukraine in New York Times

By Anna Wieslander

“‘Finlandization’ would appear to rule out [the possibility of NATO membership for Ukraine] and allow Moscow a heavy hand in Ukrainian affairs — concessions Kyiv and NATO have rejected as unacceptable, ” wrote the New York Times. “All of this goes against what Ukraine has been striving for,” said Anna Wieslander, director for Northern Europe […]

Wieslander interviewed on Putin-Macron meeting by Sweden’s “Expressen”

“[Putin] does not want to stop negotiating but rather continue increasing his sphere of influence in Europe. It is an interplay between military escalation and negotiations…If nothing happens militarily now, the chances of him taking action may be reduced. However, he can always withdraw and come back in the summer. We just don’t know. He […]

Wieslander quoted in Financial Times on Sweden-Finland NATO debate

“I used to think that Sweden would have to take the lead, as we’re the biggest Nordic country. But given how the dynamics are now, I would bet more that it could start moving quicker in Helsinki than Stockholm,” said Wieslander.

Burwell, Propp, and Skroejer in the National Interest: Will Europe Become a True Digital Power?

Distinguished fellow Frances G. Burwell, nonresident senior fellow Kenneth Propp, and nonresident senior fellow Morten Skroejer examine the year ahead for the European Union’s digital policies, including the future of the US-EU Trade and Technology Council, EU rules like the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act, and the uncertain way forward with transatlantic data […]

Wieslander interviewed on Gotland’s strategic importance by Belgian VRT

Wieslander quoted in New York Times on NATO cohesion & Russia

“Deterring Russia is in the DNA of NATO, because Russia is what can bring existential threats to European nations,” said Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe. “Russia is targeting our elections, our social media, our parliaments and our citizens, and it is become more obvious now that Russia is not part of our value system.”

Wieslander in Carnegie Europe’s “Judy Asks: Can diplomacy rescue European security?”

“There is something utterly disturbing about a situation where the perpetrator demands security guarantees and those under threat are willing to discuss them: an Alice-In-Wonderland-Upside-Down kind of feeling,” wrote Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe.