Finnish President Alexander Stubb denied that the United States is pressuring NATO allies through a questionnaire about their support for President Donald Trump‘s policies.
When asked by journalists whether the US questionnaire could be seen as a way to pressure allies, Stubb replied: “I do not see this as pressure; this is how the current US administration operates.” He made the comment during a press interaction while visiting the demilitarized Aland Islands in southwestern Finland.
Why the US is surveying allies
According to Stubb, most of the questions in the questionnaire relate to shaping the US defence strategy. “We have been working with the United States in a smaller group where we discuss the transfer of responsibility within NATO.” he noted.
The United States sent a document with questions about allies’ support for Trump‘s policies to NATO member countries, as Washington reviews its military presence in Europe. The questionnaire specifically asks whether countries have publicly supported US foreign policy and whether they have placed restrictions on the use of their bases by American forces.
Finland’s position on the questionnaire
When asked if Finland could criticize the United States in its response, Stubb said nothing prevents it from doing so. “We agree with the United States on some issues and disagree on others. Over time, we will also respond to this questionnaire.”
It is expected that the review of Trump‘s administration’s military presence in Europe will be completed by December. It is widely anticipated that, as a result, the American military presence in the region will be reduced.
Source: Bloomberg
