Most Finns want the European Union to strengthen its security role, reduce dependence on foreign powers and build greater control over critical technologies and resources, according to a new survey by Sitra and the Finnish Business and Policy Forum EVA.
The study found that Finnish attitudes towards the EU have shifted as global tensions and economic uncertainty reshape expectations of the bloc.
Researchers said Finns no longer see the EU mainly as an economic project or regulatory body.
Instead, many respondents viewed the union as a geopolitical actor expected to protect stability, security and Europe’s ability to act independently.
The survey showed broad support for deeper European cooperation if it improves the EU’s resilience and decision-making capacity.
A large majority of respondents, 79 per cent, supported increasing European self-sufficiency in areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, food security and energy production.
Support for reducing foreign dependence extended beyond China. According to the survey, 77 per cent of respondents said Europe should also reduce its technological and economic dependence on the United States, despite viewing Washington as an important security partner.
The findings also showed strong backing for tighter control over the influence of major American and Chinese corporations. Around 76 per cent supported limiting the power of large technology companies from both countries.
The survey pointed to changing attitudes on climate and trade policy. Many respondents said Europe should reduce technological dependence on China even if that slows climate goals linked to green technology.
Finns did not support economic isolation, however. Respondents backed new trade partnerships with countries such as India, Brazil and Vietnam if those agreements help reduce reliance on China.
Support weakened when respondents believed the costs would fall directly on Finnish industries such as agriculture.
Sitra senior adviser Timo Miettinen, the lead author of the report, said Finns now expect the EU to deliver practical capability rather than symbolic leadership.
“People expect the EU to strengthen Europe’s security, secure critical resources and reduce dependencies in an uncertain global situation,” Miettinen said in the report.
Riikka Marjamäki, who leads Sitra’s EU future leadership programme, said many Finns appear prepared to accept cooperation with countries that do not fully share European values if it strengthens Europe’s strategic position.
“The strengthening of the EU does not mean abandoning values, but applying them in a changed world,” she said.
EVA research director Ilkka Haavisto said support for closer EU integration is now wider than in previous decades.
The results were based on responses from 2,047 people aged between 18 and 79 across Finland, excluding Åland. Researchers also invited 34 EU specialists to take part.
HT