Can Stubb whisper in Trump’s ear and save Europe? This is how the solution is found

Donald Trump’s customs threats and Europe’s counterattack will certainly be discussed at various events and in the corridors of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this week.

The president of the republic is also present Alexander Stubb. According to a press release from the President’s Office, Stubb will participate in several discussion sessions during the meeting and will have bilateral meetings with heads of state and government and other participants.

Stubb also participates in a panel discussion on European security and gives speeches at three different events, one of which concerns the future of Ukraine.

Trump is also participating in the Davos events.

The relationship between Stubb and Trump is considered good. Could Stubb convince Trump to take positive steps in the negotiations?

“Let’s hope that Stubb and the European leaders […] get the matter negotiated in a favorable direction. Let’s hope that discussions and diplomacy will win, and there is no need to go to the front of a trade war. The most important thing is to bring peace to Europe and to Ukraine, and to advance the cause of Ukraine”, summed up The Confederation of Business manager, trade policy expert Timo Vuori Financial morning on air.

Trump must also be offered a solution that he can always sell to his own voters, Vuori reminded.

“A solution where he can say he’s increasing American security, but is also able to take economic interests into account.”

“But at the same time, if such a deal is made, for example in connection with Greenland, it must satisfy the interests of Denmark and Greenland and Europe as well. We need to be creative here and look for some kind of balanced solution to move on from this headache that Trump has caused with his Greenland obsessions.”

Trump’s threat undermines the defense alliance NATO, but the USA still needs NATO and its partners, Vuori reminded.

“The USA’s biggest challenger is China in both security and economic issues. If necessary, Trump can get help from Europe to challenge China as well. So yes, the cooperation of Western allies is needed there as well, but Trump is Trump and he cannot be predicted.”

Trump has backed off his threats before, Vuori reminded.

“In the past, some common denominator has been found. Now we have to create scenarios in case of tariffs, so that the EU reacts strongly to them. But at the same time, it could be that this will be tomorrow or next week, after Davos is already over.”

Orphan on different lines

The USA has ordered icebreakers from Finland. Prime minister Petteri Orpo (kok) estimated on the radio on Sunday that the price of icebreakers will rise for the United States if the new tariffs come into force. Vuori, on the other hand, believes that the burglars are probably outside the new customs.

“The United States needs these icebreakers. It’s not just an economic issue, it’s also a security issue. Usually, if such defense or national security-related acquisitions are made, they usually don’t face any tariffs. I don’t think that icebreakers would face these increased tariffs,” Vuori said.

“But let’s hope that this won’t add any additional wrinkles to the icebreaker procurements.”

The plot of the broadcast Heidi Huotilainen.

See Talousaamu in its entirety from here.