Finnish President Alexander Stubb has warned that Europe is living through an "era of darkness", with wars and rivalry between the US and China eroding the rules-based order, Politico Europe reports.
Speaking to students at the College of Europe in Bruges, where he once studied, Mr Stubb said the post-Cold War period was over and compared the moment to 1945 and 1989. He noted that by some estimates around 65 conflicts are under way, more than at any point since the Second World War.
He said Europe's key task was to build a security structure that stops Russia attacking its neighbours again. NATO would remain vital, he argued, but should be supplemented by confidence-building measures with Russia.
Mr Stubb urged his audience not to give up hope, predicting the EU could have 40 members within 30 years, with the UK rejoining alongside Norway, Moldova and Ukraine.
Source: Politico Europe
