Can Europe Learn from Finland´s and Spain’s Contrasting Immigration Policies?

The immigration issue in Finland became a normal political process when the government programme of Petteri Orpo's (NCP) cabinet was agreed upon — or at the latest, when those decisions started being implemented into legislation.

In Spain, by contrast, power is held by a socialist government that pays no attention to the problems of immigration. Instead, it is planning to grant residence and work permits to a large number of migrants who have entered the country illegally. In other words, the government led by Pedro Sánchez has decided to ignore the elephant in the room.

Naturally, this failure to address the problems has led to a backlash. A serious sign of this was seen in the municipality of Torre-Pacheco, where a 68-year-old man was attacked by three North African men.

This prompted frustrated Spaniards to take matters into their own hands and engage in outright illegal actions — namely, physically attacking immigrants. Reportedly, no one has died in these incidents, but five people have been injured.

It remains to be seen what the consequences of this unrest will be, as those who have taken justice into their own hands — described as far-right individuals — are to be arrested and prosecuted. All this is taking place in a municipality where as much as one third of the population has an immigrant background.

* * *

The developments I described above should prompt reflection all across Europe. In particular, it would be worthwhile to compare the immigration policies of Spain and Finland. And to examine what they have led to — and what they are likely to lead to in the coming years.

For my part, I believe — in the spirit of former president Paasikivi — that the recognition of facts is the beginning of wisdom. But how on earth can this simple truth be understood by Sánchez's government? Or by the Finnish green-left?

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
The Left Wants to Grill a Swedish Minister Over His Son’s Past – What’s Really Behind It? 
EU Citizens Don’t Want More Migrants – But How Can the Flow of Asylum Seekers Be Slowed?
EU Commission Should Take Migration and Related Crime Seriously

Finnish Trans Woman Speaks Out on Transgender Rights in Sports

In the United States, one of Donald Trump’s goals is to ban trans women from women’s sports. The issue is real, as demonstrated by last summer’s boxing matches at the Paris Olympics, where men won two women’s Olympic gold medals.

In this context, it was interesting to notice that a Finnish trans woman and former national-level high jumper, Jade Nyström, has taken a stand on the matter. And it has nothing to do with DEI or wokeness.

Nyström stated, “I fully support the idea that, in my opinion, biological men who are trans women should not compete in women’s categories... There’s a very clear advantage they gain. Hormone therapy alone does not change the entire person, especially if they’ve gone through puberty in their biological sex. It’s not fair to switch competition categories at that stage. This is not about discrimination or taking away rights – it’s more about realism.”

He also expressed a wish: “At the very least, I hope this moves in a direction where the sports of biological women are not ruined. This is not about discriminating against or taking rights away from trans women; it’s more about thinking rationally... I’m not going to switch to the women’s category because I think it would be unfair, and it wouldn’t feel right for me personally.”

It would be wonderful if the perspective of this Finnish athlete gained worldwide recognition. And if its inherent wisdom were understood by international sports leaders, including those at the International Olympic Committee.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
A Homosexual Rape Underscores the Need for Change in Immigration Policy
Everyone has the right
Mistreatment of Women at the Olympics?

Palestinians: acknowledging facts is the beginning of wisdom!

The Palestinian extremist organization Hamas has carried out a massive terrorist attack in Israel today, resulting in the killing and assault of women and the shooting of anyone in their path (I won't provide a link, but supporting material for this viewpoint can be found, for example, on messaging service X). This is in no way acceptable, even considering Israel's establishment over 70 years ago in the Middle East despite the fact that it was difficult at the time.

Next, we can expect to see Israel striking Hamas's support areas in Gaza and causing significantly more damage to Palestinian property than Muslims could achieve even with a surprise attack. Palestinians can only blame their war-mongering leaders for all of this.

The fact is: Palestinians had an alternative. This was articulated by Finland's President Juho Kusti Paasikivi, who stated after World War II, "Acknowledging facts is the beginning of wisdom." By this, he meant that Finland had a large and dangerous neighbor to the east with whom it had to get along.

Based on this, Finland adopted a neutral stance towards the Soviet Union and established a close commercial partnership that benefited both parties. At the same time, Finland refrained from needlessly provoking its eastern neighbor but ensured the readiness of its own military forces.

This approach continued beyond the collapse of the Soviet Union until Putin's Russia's attack on Ukraine. At that point, Finland realized that the facts had changed as Russia had shown that it cannot be trusted. Therefore Finns sought NATO membership at a time when Russia's military forces were tied down in Ukraine. This way, Finland's security is still assured, but it remains open to cooperation with Russia if it returns to the community of civilized nations by recognizing Ukraine's 2013 borders and making peace.

For Palestinians, it would be wise to accept the existence of Israel, acknowledge its overwhelming military capability relative to their own, and work together with Israelis while abandoning the foolish dream of driving Jews into the Mediterranean. By doing so, time and economic prosperity would gradually improve the bitterness between Jews and Palestinians, ultimately providing Palestinians with the opportunity to live as part of Israel or even as an independent state, if both parties believe they can trust each other.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
History of Finland XV: Paasikivi-Kekkonen doctrine
A new Government for Israel, but why doesn´t it solve anything?
Explanation of Finnish attitudes towards Israeli and Palestinians

Traditional beliefs turned out to be wisdom

In the Western world, traditional beliefs and fairy tales are often disregarded, and understandably so, given the many benefits that modern science and knowledge-based technology have provided us. Nonetheless, on occasion, ancient traditions contain a kind of wisdom that exceeds scientific knowledge.

An example was published in a new research article, where scientists described how they gained insights into the mysterious small patches of barren earth called "fairy circles" found in arid grasslands in Australia and Namibia. Ecologists have debated whether the circles are the result of plants competing for water and nutrients or an alternative explanation backed by thousands of years of Aboriginal knowledge.

The study, argues that the circles are in part caused by underground nests of termites, as depicted in Aboriginal paintings and stories. The traditional knowledge of Aboriginal people was confirmed by scientists who dug trenches in the patches and discovered extensive termite tunnels.

The co-authors of the study include dozens of Aboriginal elders and experts who shared their knowledge with researchers at Australian institutions. The authors argue that the results demonstrate the importance of incorporating traditional knowledge of Indigenous people into scientific research.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Human curiosity altered an orbit of an asteroid
Should forbidden questions be answered or not?
World Resources Institute had an arrogant demand

Why Finland will apply for a membership in NATO

President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, explained why he wanted Finland to join NATO. I think there is a lot of wisdom in his message, and therefore I decided to translate it here. 

"I said in my New Year’s speech that ´in a fast-paced world, it is even more valuable than previously to know when to hurry, when to be patient´. This spring in Finland we have succeeded in this in a great way. Together we have rushed and tempered. The Finnish democracy has shown its exceptional strength.

Ensuring Finland's security has always been the most important goal. That has taken determined and rapid movements, but also time and cold-headed considerations were needed.

Now is a time to make the decision. I shared my opinion today with the Prime Minister: Finland must apply NATO membership as soon as possible.

With NATO membership, Finland maximizes its own security. It does not take anything from anyone, and neither is it against anyone. As a member of the alliance, Finland will responsibly carry its share on the security of the entire community.

Even for a NATO member, the geography stays immutable. Russia is and will remain a border neighbor of Finland. Therefore we must be able to take care of practical issues with Russians also in the future. NATO country Norway has been able to do this.

As a member of NATO, Finland will not grow any bigger that its size is. Determination is not always intended to look imposing. Our constructive line is appreciated.

Our Nordic connection is becoming even closer with the NATO membership. Alongside with well-being, democracy and human rights, the Nordic model will in future be even more widely known for its way of security thinking. We will have a strong, stable and responsible North. It increases stability, not only in the Fennoscandian countries, but also throughout the Baltic region and in the entire Baltic Sea area.

We are now in a historical turning point. But NATO membership will not change everything. The security of Finland will continue to be the most important goal of our foreign and security policy also in the future."

I think the text was typical to President Niinistö, and in my understanding opens even to foreigners why he has an extremely high confidence among the citizens. It is also an excellent coincidence that he happened to have his high position right now, when Finland was taking the last step towards a full membership among the western community of nations. 

Had there been his predecessor Tarja Halonen, these historical developments would almost certainly not have been taken. Instead, we would - even after the tragedy in Ukraine - have exposed ourselves to the Russian aggressor. And possibly ended sooner or later into a situation similar to the one in year 1939.

Previous thought on the same topic:
COVID-19 against Finland´s NATO plans
Is President Putin on his way to repeat the destiny of Czar Nicholas II?
Finland and NATO - problems to be solved