Finnish President Stubb urges Europe to move to 'wartime economy'

The Japan Times reports.

According to the President of Finland, Europe should switch to a 'wartime economy' by combining orders for ammunition and weapons to give its defense industry a long-term perspective.

Alexander Stubb also called on the European Investment Bank, where he was previously vice president, to go beyond its red lines and start being more "decisive" in financing the military industry.

In addition, he said, Europe should create a strategy to counter hybrid attacks, which would include plans to restore systems after attacks and optimize communications to present a united front against the Kremlin.

"Cyber attacks, GPS jamming, airspace violations and weaponized immigration comprise some forms of Russian hybrid warfare Finland has experienced just over the past months, alongside much of the other Eastern flank countries of NATO," the statement says.

• On June 3, the Polish government announced its intention to spend 3 billion zlotys ($760 million) to strengthen cybersecurity measures after the attacks, which Warsaw blames on hackers from Russia.
• Germany has also accused Russia of increasing cybercrime in the country. In 2023, cybercrime in Germany due to foreign hackers increased sharply by 28% compared to the previous year.