Minna Ålander 🌻
@alanderminna.bsky.social
Associate Fellow @chathamhouse.org | @cepa.org Fellow | Senior Fellow Frivärld | Defence Editor @eurcorrespond.bsky.social. Plot twist: not from Åland. 📸 Stas Kartashov
✍️ Northern Flank Notes: https://open.substack.com/pub/minnalander
✍️ Northern Flank Notes: https://open.substack.com/pub/minnalander
Pinned
Minna Ålander 🌻
@alanderminna.bsky.social
· Jul 10
Contours of European Strategic Autonomy
Europe is moving on without the US, and the US does not seem to like it after all.
open.substack.com
Today was the day when Europe announced that it is moving on:
The Franco-British agreement to establish a nuclear supervision group, and a permanent headquarters for the Ukraine coalition of the willing can become contours of a new European security architecture - this time without the US.
The Franco-British agreement to establish a nuclear supervision group, and a permanent headquarters for the Ukraine coalition of the willing can become contours of a new European security architecture - this time without the US.
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
One of the most self-destructive things Germany could do is to reverse the green transition now.
Renewables expansion has been on a tear but Germany has seen reversals before, unfortunately. And the country still does not have oil or gas and isn’t getting any anytime soon (ever).
Renewables expansion has been on a tear but Germany has seen reversals before, unfortunately. And the country still does not have oil or gas and isn’t getting any anytime soon (ever).
November 9, 2025 at 3:28 PM
One of the most self-destructive things Germany could do is to reverse the green transition now.
Renewables expansion has been on a tear but Germany has seen reversals before, unfortunately. And the country still does not have oil or gas and isn’t getting any anytime soon (ever).
Renewables expansion has been on a tear but Germany has seen reversals before, unfortunately. And the country still does not have oil or gas and isn’t getting any anytime soon (ever).
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
This is so delightful.
I've already picked out a specific puppy for me which won't be happening.
I've already picked out a specific puppy for me which won't be happening.
One of the reasons why Finland is the happiest country in the world is that the public broadcaster Yle sends a live feed of the first 8 weeks of a pack of puppies every fall. It’s already the fifth edition of ”Finland’s most therapeutic live feed”.
This is what I call value for my tax money
This is what I call value for my tax money
Pentulive 24/7 | Pentulive
Pentuliven pikkuiset kehittyvät vauhdikkaasti ja jokainen pentu on saanut nimensä! Kahdeksan viikkoa kestävässä suorassa lähetyksessä seurataan englanninspringerspanieli Murua ja tämän pentuetta.
areena.yle.fi
November 9, 2025 at 8:14 PM
This is so delightful.
I've already picked out a specific puppy for me which won't be happening.
I've already picked out a specific puppy for me which won't be happening.
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
My Sunday evening sorted.
November 9, 2025 at 8:05 PM
My Sunday evening sorted.
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
They're going to sleep right now. 🐶💤
Nukahtamassa juuri nyt.
En del har somnat och resten kommer nog att snarka snart.
Nukahtamassa juuri nyt.
En del har somnat och resten kommer nog att snarka snart.
One of the reasons why Finland is the happiest country in the world is that the public broadcaster Yle sends a live feed of the first 8 weeks of a pack of puppies every fall. It’s already the fifth edition of ”Finland’s most therapeutic live feed”.
This is what I call value for my tax money
This is what I call value for my tax money
Pentulive 24/7 | Pentulive
Pentuliven pikkuiset kehittyvät vauhdikkaasti ja jokainen pentu on saanut nimensä! Kahdeksan viikkoa kestävässä suorassa lähetyksessä seurataan englanninspringerspanieli Murua ja tämän pentuetta.
areena.yle.fi
November 9, 2025 at 7:31 PM
They're going to sleep right now. 🐶💤
Nukahtamassa juuri nyt.
En del har somnat och resten kommer nog att snarka snart.
Nukahtamassa juuri nyt.
En del har somnat och resten kommer nog att snarka snart.
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
Timeline cleanse. You'll be a lot happier if you just watch some puppies.
One of the reasons why Finland is the happiest country in the world is that the public broadcaster Yle sends a live feed of the first 8 weeks of a pack of puppies every fall. It’s already the fifth edition of ”Finland’s most therapeutic live feed”.
This is what I call value for my tax money
This is what I call value for my tax money
Pentulive 24/7 | Pentulive
Pentuliven pikkuiset kehittyvät vauhdikkaasti ja jokainen pentu on saanut nimensä! Kahdeksan viikkoa kestävässä suorassa lähetyksessä seurataan englanninspringerspanieli Murua ja tämän pentuetta.
areena.yle.fi
November 9, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Timeline cleanse. You'll be a lot happier if you just watch some puppies.
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
Go watch the puppies sleep. It is good for the soul.
One of the reasons why Finland is the happiest country in the world is that the public broadcaster Yle sends a live feed of the first 8 weeks of a pack of puppies every fall. It’s already the fifth edition of ”Finland’s most therapeutic live feed”.
This is what I call value for my tax money
This is what I call value for my tax money
Pentulive 24/7 | Pentulive
Pentuliven pikkuiset kehittyvät vauhdikkaasti ja jokainen pentu on saanut nimensä! Kahdeksan viikkoa kestävässä suorassa lähetyksessä seurataan englanninspringerspanieli Murua ja tämän pentuetta.
areena.yle.fi
November 9, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Go watch the puppies sleep. It is good for the soul.
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
I have just watched this for the first time, it was wonderful
November 9, 2025 at 3:06 PM
I have just watched this for the first time, it was wonderful
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
!!!!! Public service announcement!
One of the reasons why Finland is the happiest country in the world is that the public broadcaster Yle sends a live feed of the first 8 weeks of a pack of puppies every fall. It’s already the fifth edition of ”Finland’s most therapeutic live feed”.
This is what I call value for my tax money
This is what I call value for my tax money
Pentulive 24/7 | Pentulive
Pentuliven pikkuiset kehittyvät vauhdikkaasti ja jokainen pentu on saanut nimensä! Kahdeksan viikkoa kestävässä suorassa lähetyksessä seurataan englanninspringerspanieli Murua ja tämän pentuetta.
areena.yle.fi
November 9, 2025 at 6:01 PM
!!!!! Public service announcement!
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
Finsk sakte-tv. Stjel, NRK, stjel nå. Lover jeg til og med skal logge inn i den dumme appen deres om dere sender dette
One of the reasons why Finland is the happiest country in the world is that the public broadcaster Yle sends a live feed of the first 8 weeks of a pack of puppies every fall. It’s already the fifth edition of ”Finland’s most therapeutic live feed”.
This is what I call value for my tax money
This is what I call value for my tax money
Pentulive 24/7 | Pentulive
Pentuliven pikkuiset kehittyvät vauhdikkaasti ja jokainen pentu on saanut nimensä! Kahdeksan viikkoa kestävässä suorassa lähetyksessä seurataan englanninspringerspanieli Murua ja tämän pentuetta.
areena.yle.fi
November 9, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Finsk sakte-tv. Stjel, NRK, stjel nå. Lover jeg til og med skal logge inn i den dumme appen deres om dere sender dette
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
Stop what you're doing and watch these sleepy chaps.
One of the reasons why Finland is the happiest country in the world is that the public broadcaster Yle sends a live feed of the first 8 weeks of a pack of puppies every fall. It’s already the fifth edition of ”Finland’s most therapeutic live feed”.
This is what I call value for my tax money
This is what I call value for my tax money
Pentulive 24/7 | Pentulive
Pentuliven pikkuiset kehittyvät vauhdikkaasti ja jokainen pentu on saanut nimensä! Kahdeksan viikkoa kestävässä suorassa lähetyksessä seurataan englanninspringerspanieli Murua ja tämän pentuetta.
areena.yle.fi
November 9, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Stop what you're doing and watch these sleepy chaps.
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
Even better, the Finnish WWF has Kutulive or Spawning Live in English, where you can watch the trout spawn in restored Virtaankoski rapids.
wwf.fi/luontolive/k...
#RestoreNature
wwf.fi/luontolive/k...
#RestoreNature
November 9, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Even better, the Finnish WWF has Kutulive or Spawning Live in English, where you can watch the trout spawn in restored Virtaankoski rapids.
wwf.fi/luontolive/k...
#RestoreNature
wwf.fi/luontolive/k...
#RestoreNature
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
Currently springer spaniel pups sleeping while Finnish is gently spoken by caretakers. Pleasant indeed.
I imagine when they start playing and tussling it's impossible to turn away.
I imagine when they start playing and tussling it's impossible to turn away.
One of the reasons why Finland is the happiest country in the world is that the public broadcaster Yle sends a live feed of the first 8 weeks of a pack of puppies every fall. It’s already the fifth edition of ”Finland’s most therapeutic live feed”.
This is what I call value for my tax money
This is what I call value for my tax money
Pentulive 24/7 | Pentulive
Pentuliven pikkuiset kehittyvät vauhdikkaasti ja jokainen pentu on saanut nimensä! Kahdeksan viikkoa kestävässä suorassa lähetyksessä seurataan englanninspringerspanieli Murua ja tämän pentuetta.
areena.yle.fi
November 9, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Currently springer spaniel pups sleeping while Finnish is gently spoken by caretakers. Pleasant indeed.
I imagine when they start playing and tussling it's impossible to turn away.
I imagine when they start playing and tussling it's impossible to turn away.
Researchers have found out why productivity in Finland drops every fall for a period of 8 weeks: people sit glued to their screens watching the annual puppy live feed
Rather addictive. Their insta feed is safer option at times so not to spend too long glued to wonderful puppies.
November 9, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Researchers have found out why productivity in Finland drops every fall for a period of 8 weeks: people sit glued to their screens watching the annual puppy live feed
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
Angelina Jolie has commented on her recent visit to frontline cities in southern Ukraine and has highlighted the psychological pressure on the civilian population living with the constant threat of Russia’s deadly “human safari” drone attacks
November 9, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Angelina Jolie has commented on her recent visit to frontline cities in southern Ukraine and has highlighted the psychological pressure on the civilian population living with the constant threat of Russia’s deadly “human safari” drone attacks
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
Over $5 billion in US arms exports to NATO allies have stalled due to the 40-day government shutdown, a senior State Department official told Axios.
www.axios.com/2025/11/09/g...
www.axios.com/2025/11/09/g...
November 9, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Over $5 billion in US arms exports to NATO allies have stalled due to the 40-day government shutdown, a senior State Department official told Axios.
www.axios.com/2025/11/09/g...
www.axios.com/2025/11/09/g...
A joke in Armenia:
”If Georgia and Armenia united into one country, it could be called Giorgio Armani”
”If Georgia and Armenia united into one country, it could be called Giorgio Armani”
”Ryssland är svagare än ni i väst tror”
Armenien följer Ukrainas exempel: vänder Ryssland ryggen och planerar att ansöka om medlemskap i EU. Samtidigt går grannlandet Georgien åt motsatt håll – något som gör armenierna nervösa.
www.svd.se
November 9, 2025 at 1:45 PM
A joke in Armenia:
”If Georgia and Armenia united into one country, it could be called Giorgio Armani”
”If Georgia and Armenia united into one country, it could be called Giorgio Armani”
One of the reasons why Finland is the happiest country in the world is that the public broadcaster Yle sends a live feed of the first 8 weeks of a pack of puppies every fall. It’s already the fifth edition of ”Finland’s most therapeutic live feed”.
This is what I call value for my tax money
This is what I call value for my tax money
Pentulive 24/7 | Pentulive
Pentuliven pikkuiset kehittyvät vauhdikkaasti ja jokainen pentu on saanut nimensä! Kahdeksan viikkoa kestävässä suorassa lähetyksessä seurataan englanninspringerspanieli Murua ja tämän pentuetta.
areena.yle.fi
November 9, 2025 at 1:09 PM
One of the reasons why Finland is the happiest country in the world is that the public broadcaster Yle sends a live feed of the first 8 weeks of a pack of puppies every fall. It’s already the fifth edition of ”Finland’s most therapeutic live feed”.
This is what I call value for my tax money
This is what I call value for my tax money
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
Security, freedom and Swedish burgers
This may seem like a bizarrely patriotic campaign for the agricultural lobby, but Swedes get the message: Securing the food supply should also count towards NATO defence spending.
I write in @eurcorrespond.bsky.social
europeancorrespondent.com/en/r/securit...
This may seem like a bizarrely patriotic campaign for the agricultural lobby, but Swedes get the message: Securing the food supply should also count towards NATO defence spending.
I write in @eurcorrespond.bsky.social
europeancorrespondent.com/en/r/securit...
November 6, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Security, freedom and Swedish burgers
This may seem like a bizarrely patriotic campaign for the agricultural lobby, but Swedes get the message: Securing the food supply should also count towards NATO defence spending.
I write in @eurcorrespond.bsky.social
europeancorrespondent.com/en/r/securit...
This may seem like a bizarrely patriotic campaign for the agricultural lobby, but Swedes get the message: Securing the food supply should also count towards NATO defence spending.
I write in @eurcorrespond.bsky.social
europeancorrespondent.com/en/r/securit...
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
Imagine doing ANYTHING AT ALL and constantly interrupting it every two minutes to ask everyone around you “do you like me? Is this ok? Please like me! Should I do something completely different so you like me more? I will ask you again next week shall I?”
That’s what government by focus group is.
That’s what government by focus group is.
November 5, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Imagine doing ANYTHING AT ALL and constantly interrupting it every two minutes to ask everyone around you “do you like me? Is this ok? Please like me! Should I do something completely different so you like me more? I will ask you again next week shall I?”
That’s what government by focus group is.
That’s what government by focus group is.
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
The official Tankie guide to a US invasion of Venezuela in 10 rules.
1. Being attacked by a nuclear power no longer means you should surrender immediately.
1. Being attacked by a nuclear power no longer means you should surrender immediately.
November 1, 2025 at 2:52 PM
The official Tankie guide to a US invasion of Venezuela in 10 rules.
1. Being attacked by a nuclear power no longer means you should surrender immediately.
1. Being attacked by a nuclear power no longer means you should surrender immediately.
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
”It’s almost like we want to enter a romantic relationship with Ukraine that’s going to last 30 years, and it’s driving Russia crazy.”
Top notch analysis from a 🇸🇪 military expert on the Gripen sale and sour reactions in the Russian MFA 💙💛
Top notch analysis from a 🇸🇪 military expert on the Gripen sale and sour reactions in the Russian MFA 💙💛
Ryska utspel om Gripenaffären: ”Retar Ryssland till vansinne”
Nyheten om den potentiella Gripenaffären väcker starka reaktioner i Ryssland. Enligt Johan Huovinen kan det tolkas som att Sverige öppnar vägen för andra.
www.dn.se
October 31, 2025 at 3:59 PM
”It’s almost like we want to enter a romantic relationship with Ukraine that’s going to last 30 years, and it’s driving Russia crazy.”
Top notch analysis from a 🇸🇪 military expert on the Gripen sale and sour reactions in the Russian MFA 💙💛
Top notch analysis from a 🇸🇪 military expert on the Gripen sale and sour reactions in the Russian MFA 💙💛
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
This. I need this 👇
Was just reading about the mid-life upgrades of the Finnish F/A-18 hornets and what a great concept.
Be like a fighter jet: get a mid-life upgrade, not a midlife crisis
Be like a fighter jet: get a mid-life upgrade, not a midlife crisis
October 31, 2025 at 2:51 PM
This. I need this 👇
Was just reading about the mid-life upgrades of the Finnish F/A-18 hornets and what a great concept.
Be like a fighter jet: get a mid-life upgrade, not a midlife crisis
Be like a fighter jet: get a mid-life upgrade, not a midlife crisis
October 31, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Was just reading about the mid-life upgrades of the Finnish F/A-18 hornets and what a great concept.
Be like a fighter jet: get a mid-life upgrade, not a midlife crisis
Be like a fighter jet: get a mid-life upgrade, not a midlife crisis
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
Our cover this week
“Europe should take heart and recognise its own strength. Its military budget is already four times larger than Russia’s; its economy is ten times larger. Far from shying away from a financial contest with the Kremlin, Europe should embrace it—and win the war”
“Europe should take heart and recognise its own strength. Its military budget is already four times larger than Russia’s; its economy is ten times larger. Far from shying away from a financial contest with the Kremlin, Europe should embrace it—and win the war”
October 31, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Our cover this week
“Europe should take heart and recognise its own strength. Its military budget is already four times larger than Russia’s; its economy is ten times larger. Far from shying away from a financial contest with the Kremlin, Europe should embrace it—and win the war”
“Europe should take heart and recognise its own strength. Its military budget is already four times larger than Russia’s; its economy is ten times larger. Far from shying away from a financial contest with the Kremlin, Europe should embrace it—and win the war”
Reposted by Minna Ålander 🌻
@alanderminna.bsky.social did it so I don’t have to…
Really trying hard not to make a he said Xi said joke as it’s simply too tasteless in Trump’s case.
But can’t quite resist.
We don’t know what Xi said, but he said that he wants to restart nuclear weapons tests
But can’t quite resist.
We don’t know what Xi said, but he said that he wants to restart nuclear weapons tests
October 30, 2025 at 9:32 AM
@alanderminna.bsky.social did it so I don’t have to…