International political publication Politico has ranked Finnish President Alexander Stubb as one of Europe's most influential figures.
Politico's 'Class of 2026' ranking listed what its editorial board considers "the [28] most powerful people shaping European politics and policy in the year ahead".
Stubb found himself in familiar company in the rankings, which was led by US President Donald Trump. Stubb was ranked so highly (at number 13), because of the relationship he has built with the American president.
For example, last spring, the Finnish president went on an unofficial visit to Florida, spending around seven hours with Trump. Their meeting included breakfast, a round of golf and then lunch. The president's office noted at the time that among other topics, the leaders discussed security issues regarding Ukraine.
Stubb and Trump's blossoming relationship is widely thought to have led to Finland landing a major icebreaker deal.
Other well-known figures were also on Politico's rankings, including "provocateur" Russian President Vladimir Putin (ranked 5th), "iron hand" European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (7th) "gray man" UK PM Keir Starmer (10th), "joker in the deck" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (14th), as well as "headache" Viktor Orbán, Hungary's PM (ranked 12th).
In line with Stubb and Trump's love of golf, Politico's nickname for the Finnish President was "the caddy".
"Alexander Stubb has worked hard to be Donald Trump's best pal in Europe. A seasoned expert in foreign policy and EU affairs, the Finnish president, 57, has drawn on his diplomatic experience to carve out an informal role as Europe's envoy to Mar-a-Lago — and Trump's interpreter to the continent," Politico wrote.
Among other advantages, the publication said that Stubb's dealings with Trump were "lower on theatrics and higher on substance than those of the US president's other European 'friends' who have often failed to secure anything of tangible value."
It said Stubb's past experience as prime minister and "veteran of Brussels politics" has offered him a blend of "Eurocratic polish with Nordic pragmatism".
According to Politico, Stubb knows that holding on to Trump's engagement in European defence issues is a "matter of survival" for Finland.
Finland only recently joined Nato, a move triggered by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As Finland shares a 1,300-km border with Russia, the move was a decision meant to protect it from possible aggression from its eastern neighbour.
Stubb has also developed a good relationship with Volodymyr Zelensky. In late July the Ukrainian president thanked Stubb for his support, and for helping "build a connection with US President Donald Trump".
