Teija Tiilikainen, researcher at the University of Helsinki, describes the changes that have taken place in Europe's security structures since the end of the Cold War and up to the present day. The roles of the EU and NATO as the foundations of the new system and the most important plans for the future are presented. Teija Tiilikainen analyzes the position of Finland and Åland in the new security system. How far is Finland willing to go in its EU membership? If a European defense force is established within the EU, is Finland willing to give up its non-aligned status? What changes might Finland's EU membership bring about in terms of Åland's international status? What is Åland's role in current security policy issues? What will happen to Åland if Finland one day joins NATO?